Kaat Van Stralen breaks boundaries on bold first EP ‘Vieze Vlinder’

Strict but fair, Kaat calls every genre to the stand. From punk and psychedelia to alternative spoken word. And now Kaat Van Stralen releases their debut ep ‘Vieze Vlinder’. Expect heated linguistic uproar, crackling beats, biting guitar riffs, and thunderous bass lines.

‘Vieze Vlinder’ is the highly promising debut EP by Kaat Van Stralen, on which she presents five powerful songs that capture the voice of a young woman, finding her in a world that is often harsh and confusing. The EP is a collection of the highest highs and lowest lows of young adulthood, delivered raw and honestly in a mix of fierce punk songs, offbeat pop, and activist protest anthems.

Kaat’s lyrics tackle themes such as self-image, sexual freedom, societal expectations, and the right to be angry, without falling into cliches. She wraps her message in layered, abrasive tracks that are not only confrontational but also infectious.

In the musical landscape of ‘Vieze Vlinder’, you hear the uncompromising spirit of Fiona Apple and the sharp social gaze of Sophie Straat. Kaat’s voice is not just an instrument, it is a tool for resistance. Meanwhile, the distinctive, sometimes slightly chaotic production by Pieter-Jan Decraene aligns with the DIY mentality of bands like Micachu & The Shapes, Deerhoof, and Tune-Yards. Unexpected rhythmic shifts, gritty guitars, and abrasive samples create an eclectic whole that perfectly matches the turbulent energy of the songs.

Kaat Van Stralen refuses to be pigeonholed. What started as a unique solo project, has grown into a genre-defying punk band, now joined by Melvin Slabbinck (drums), Anton Robberechts (guitar), and Faust De Vogelaere (bass). Kaat Van Stralen claimed victories in De Nieuwe Lichting 2025 by Studio Brussel and Sound Track Vlaams-Brabant 2024.