22 September 2026 – Empath's Catherine Elicson Announces Solo Debut 'River Of Fat'

Empath bandleader Catherine Elicson is stepping into solo territory with River Of Fat, her first album under her own name, due November 6 through Community Music. Lead single 'Figure' provides an intriguingly fragile introduction to a record made using an intentionally restricted palette.

Elicson began recording the material at home and worked only with engineer Shaun Sutkus, using guitar, sampler, synthesizer and a four-track recorder. That small toolbox appears to be a feature rather than a limitation. 'Figure' is sparse and intimate, leaving plenty of space around Elicson's voice and guitar instead of decorating every available corner.

The wider album reportedly draws inspiration from artists including John Cale, The Urinals and Amen Dunes, which is the sort of reference list that suggests things may become considerably stranger beyond the opening single. River Of Fat contains nine tracks and arrives after a relatively quiet recording period for Empath, although the Philadelphia DIY favourites remain active and toured earlier this year. For lovers of tape-saturated indie rock, Elicson proves that four-track tape still has plenty of secrets left.