Cat 22 is Rowen Kenny’s project, and his debut single 'Something Ain’t Right' is a straight-up callout on all the messed-up, oppressive systems around us. In this song, Rowen’s got this gut feeling that something’s seriously wrong, that the world isn’t fair and he’s done just sitting around. He’s ready to take action. The message? Well, it’s about waking up to how those in power run things in a way that keeps regular people down. He’s pointing right at the big shots raking in cash off everyone else’s hard work.
Moving to its music and overall sound, this track hits like an electric jolt, like this rush of anger and excitement that just buzzes under your skin. It’s not some slick, overproduced piece, Rowen didn’t sand down the edges or polish out the rawness. On the other hand, it has a real, gritty feel, like something you’d hear echoing out of a dimly lit garage where a band’s just pouring everything into the sound, unfiltered. There’s a bit of that retro touch too, a nod to old-school indie punk and rock mix, but with a freshness that keeps it grounded in the present. It’s authentic and grainy and the best part is how rebellious it sounds.
Moving to the instrumental, the bass comes in, and it has a subtle ring to it, apart from that thick, heavy tone. Then you've got these distorted guitars, wide-panned, edgy, with a rough, punk energy that feels youthful and fearless. The rhythm and lead are layered in a way that keeps things fresh, and there’s a shift in intensity that makes everything feel tough and in a way, resilient.
And then there are the drums, keeping the beat tight but simple and straightforward. They bring this snappiness, boosting the rhythm through a confident, no-nonsense performance. Add some hi-hats and crashing cymbals, and you've got the perfect mix for some wild, wake-up-and-fight-back chaos. But, what's even more chaotic is Rowen's vocals, but the chaos you hear, has structure heading in a promising direction. These vocals are extremely powerful, pushing the statement of liberty. Rowen’s punk-style delivery comes through with this intense, non-melodic tone that gives out pure emotions. Alongside the outrage, there's honesty that exposes a system that’s more about control than freedom.
Addressing Mr. Washington directly, Rowen is likely calling out figures of authority who represent wealth and control. This "character," representing the powerful elite, is described as puny to highlight that, despite his power, he’s still just a man. These words also have a strong rebuke of the corporate or governmental figures that seek to control individuals’ lives and livelihoods. “You cannot own me” etches itself into the minds of anyone even slightly tempted to join the resistance. That defiance keeps building up, turning this song into a powerful message that says, no matter how hard authority tries to crush individual freedom, the spirit of rebellion and self-ownership can’t be broken.