Performing to a home town crowd as a part of their biggest world tour to date, Melbourne’s own genre-blending, indefinable collective, The Cat Empire, proved that they are still one of Australia’s best live acts.
Opening to an already packed house was pop/funk Septet, Animaux. The band’s infectious beats, catchy choruses and jazzy, bluegrass moments were the perfect fit for Cat Empire fans.
Fronted by the highly accomplished Alex Lahey, the singer/sax player addressed the crowd with a confidence and professionalism beyond her years. Her powerful voice, combined with a fantastic brass section, driving beats and a bevy of backing vocals, was the perfect opener for an excitable crowd.
Emerging quietly from backstage was the night’s second offering, TinPan Orange. The Melbourne band’s sultry, cabaret version of “Round The Twist”, the theme song from the children’s TV show of the same name, immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention.
Displaying a mix of sombre tones and beautiful harmonies, the five-piece finished their set with a gypsy jazz inspired tune. Beginning as a slow waltz with the solemn overtones of a solo violin, the song quickly accelerated into an up-tempo finale, bringing the crowd to their feet.
The stage then transformed into a chaotic, untamed jungle, signalling the arrival of the night’s headliners. The imposing backdrop, with artwork designed by Graeme Base (the Melbourne artist responsible for the band’s latest album cover), enveloped the stage, and an eerie hologram of a crowned cat stared out at the crowd from above.
Bursting onto the stage in an explosion of energy and song, the eight-piece band opened with the title track from their six studio album, Steal The Light.
A raucous applause accompanies Harry Angus’ every trumpet solo, whilst lead singer Felix Riebl jumps from vocals to percussion and back again. The track is intoxicatingly infectious, and the enthusiastic reaction from the crowd proves they aren’t just there to hear the band’s old material.
Crowd favourite “In My Pocket”, from the 2005 album Two Shoes, generates a sing-a-long of festival proportions. Angus scats at breakneck speed, and amazing solos from each band member are interspersed with the collective chanting of the chorus. The song extends into a ten minute, epic showcase of jaw dropping talent and enviable creativity from the tight knit group.
The Enigma, a masked dancer, appears for the first time during “Prophets In The Sky”. Performing erratic, hip hop style moves, he gets the crowd jumping and adds to the energy on stage.
The trumpet solo and flamenco inspired opening of “How To Explain” is the perfect song during which to introduce The Ela Dancers. Three gorgeous women dressed in Spanish style costumes performed seductive moves, adding some much appreciated eye candy to the male only domain of the Forum stage.
The Middle Eastern inspired chanting and frantic percussion of “The Darkness” saw the Ela Dancers return, writhing around on stage to Angus’ haunting cries.
The toe tapping, youth mantra “Still Young”, Riebel’s “favourite on the album”, showcased Calypso style beats, and “Like A Drum” saw the front man show off his Spanish lyrics.
Ollie McGill’s mind blowing keyboard skills come to the fore during “The Wine Song”. Serenading the crowd with classical melodies, dramatic chords and tinkling crescendos, McGill is effortless in his musical prowess and improvisations. His drawn out intro leads into an oompah-band style rhythm, with the whole crowd swaying in unison.
The song epitomises the feel of every Cat Empire show, the crowd singing and dancing, arms around each other in an impromptu tarantella. A heaving mass of over excited bodies crash into each other with unbridled passion, or, as Angus puts it “there’s 2,000 people going fuckin’ ape shit out there!”
Rounding out the night with an encore including “Am I Wrong” and “The Chariot”, Riebl thanks fans “for all the good vibes”. Concluding with the down tempo, retrospective “All Night Loud”, the song acts as a collective thank you from the band to their fans.
With songs inspired by music from all corners of the globe, performed by some of the planet’s most talented musicians, it’s impossible to leave a Cat Empire show without a smile on your face and a spring in your step. And even a few new friends!
The Cat Empire Setlist
1. Steal The Light
2. In My Pocket
3. Sleep Won’t Sleep
4. Prophets In The Sky
5. How To Explain
6. Call Me Home
7. The Darkness
8. Still Young
9. Two Shoes
10. Like A Drum
11. The Wine Song
12. Sly
13. Brighter Than Gold
14. Am I Wrong
15. The Chariot
16. All Night Loud
