Published by Programme B
As The Cat Empire kicks off a new European tour at the beginning of March, after having performed during their global tour at the MacEwan Hall in Calgary a year ago, we look at why this magical group is so popular outside of their native Australia. Formed in Melbourne in the late 90s, the Cats have made their reputation as high energy and extremely tight live act.
The band: culture and influence
Their brand of catchy, feel-good music has captured attention over the years, but the depth of a lot of their work is one of the main reasons they are so loved. Their first two albums ‘The Cat Empire’ and ‘Two Shoes’ detail what it was like growing up in sun-soaked Australia, going to parties on the beach, skateboarding and spending times with friends. They are a celebration of youth transporting you to a place where it feels so good! The band has matured through their later albums but they still retain the same energy, introducing more substance to their work.
The Empire has always been conscious of breaking out of Australia and taking their music on the road. They are constantly touring the world and must be one of the hardest working bands on the circuit. Their Latino and Jazz-influenced sound have always traveled well, but the Australian essence has never left them, and this is a key part of what makes the group so unique, enjoyable and popular both inside and outside of their home nation.
Following the release of the acclaimed ‘Stolen Diamonds’, the band now has eight albums to their name and a vast library of songs to choose from. Although they are likely to mix it up from show to show, expect to see classics like ‘Two Shoes’, ‘The Lost Song’ and ‘ The Wine Song’ on tour. The new album delivers what we’ve come to expect from the group; upbeat, positive sounds that will make you want to dance. It should be a treat to see them on the road as there are few bands that can generate such a fun atmosphere. The new songs should really add something to the live show, particularly ‘Ready now’ and ‘Kila’.
The Cat Empire are awesome live performers
Some bands sound better on an album and others are far better to see live; The Cat Empire is definitely one of the latter. In fact, with their roots in improvisation, you feel they are most comfortable when they are on stage.
Every time you see them they change something – whether it’s an epic brass battle between the trombonist Kieran and Harry and Ross on the trumpets, or it’s frontman Felix Riebl taking some time to sit back and lay down a percussion backing, or it’s a spiraling keyboard solo by Ollie Mcgill breaking out in a moment of pure rapture.
Music can be beneficial for us in so many ways
Remember, it’s all in the music! It heightens our emotional state in a positive way. There has been a lot of research about the benefits that music has on us. This doesn’t only happen by attending a live performance by a band such as The Cat Empire, but also comes from playing a musical instrument, or listening to music while practising a mind sport, any physical activity, or even when we are working. It can all have positive effects. As frontman Felix sings on the band’s penultimate album’s title track ‘Still Young’, “While you’re still young, find your heart and find your song!” Use this energy well.
If you don’t manage to get out and see the band live, make sure you take a listen to their music; it is bound to make you feel positive and if you don’t catch them on this tour then don’t worry, they will be back in town sooner than you expect. If you do make it along then you will not regret it. You are bound to leave with a smile. These are the things that make life radiant and as they say in their song ‘Misere’ “Long live living! If living can be this!”
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