Getting kicked out by your girlfriend, carrying your belongings in garbage bags and walking around in boots with holes in the soles is probably not how anyone pictures their life going. For Vicious Kitty, though, that situation becomes the starting point for “Bangkok City”, a rock song about leaving your troubles behind and imagining a better place somewhere far away. The song follows a man whose life has fallen apart and who begins to look to Bangkok as his way out. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for himself, he dreams about packing up and heading somewhere completely different. Bangkok becomes more than just a destination. It represents the chance to leave the bad memories behind and see what might be waiting on the other side.
I like the sense of humor in the story, especially because the details make the character easy to picture. There is also a hopeful side to the song that adds more meaning to the whole idea. When things are going badly, sometimes imagining a completely new beginning is enough to give you something to look forward to. Vicious Kitty describes their sound as a mix of rock, grunge, and pop, and “Bangkok City” fits comfortably into that world. The Seattle band brings the energy of a group that has spent years playing live around Seattle and the West Coast. Their lineup features founder, guitarist, and songwriter Matt Tantrum, drummer Chris “Stixx” Gartland, and bassist Tony Terlicker.
The track is part of Vicious Kitty’s self-titled debut album and gives listeners a good introduction to the band’s personality. There is a straightforward quality to the song that suits its story. You understand where this character is coming from, why he wants to get away, and why Bangkok seems so appealing to him. “Bangkok City” is a fun listen for anyone who enjoys rock with a bit of humor and a story behind it. If you have ever wanted to forget a bad situation and get on a plane to start somewhere new, you will probably understand the feeling behind this song. Make sure to follow Vicious Kitty for more music and updates, and add “Bangkok City” to your playlist. It is a good track to come back to when you need something upbeat with a little personality and a reminder that sometimes a fresh start can begin with simply dreaming about getting somewhere new.
