Nice that cats from down under know how to dance.

A sextet backed on tour by a solid horn section and string section, a massive rotation of guest artists, a turntablist, and a bevy of dancers, Australian indie band Cat Empire is a revelation as an already accomplished group.

They were introduced to me via The Collective’s award-winning three-part documentary on mountain bikers. They appeared in the ‘Seasons’ installment to cap the film. Then again, in the five years that The Collective has released films, it has always boasted a magnificent soundtrack each and every time. However, if you can look up the listings for all of their films, get a hold of the accompanying tracks to enjoy a tremendously sophisticated sonic trip. You may actually want to pick up a bike after.

The band was formed in 1999 via the Melbourne jazz scene by Aussie jazz figure and Steven Sedergreen (pianist) to mentor and develop a hodgepodge group from different backgrounds and different schools. From inception, The Cat Empire already had eclectic written all over it. Fronted by Felix Riebl (percussion and vocals), and rounded out by Harry James Angus (trumpet and vocals), Ollie McGill (keyboard and backing vocals), Ryan Monro (bass and backing vocals), Will Hull-Brown (drums) and Jamshid Khadiwhala (decks, percussion), the Cat Empire is easily an eclectic mix of talent and musical variety.

They made their debut at the Manly Jazz Festival in Sydney in 1999, and started touring extensively in Australia with more than a few stops in England, France, the US, and Canada. With four chart-topping albums to their name, another album coming out early next year, contributions to soundtracks of worldwide releases, three DVD releases, an ARIA Award for Best World album for Two Shoes, and millions in sales, it’s very humbling to encounter the Empire so late.

Theirs is a potent blend of funk, soul, pop, hip-hop, salsa, jazz, and ska. Sure, countless other bands serve up the same flavor of music. But when you note that as a six-piece, there is not one single guitar player among the core members of the band, you’ll know that they play a different groove game. Lyrically, Riebl, can be poignant with the imagery of his words, but he is able to sustain the joyous quality of the music at the same time. For me, it’s the dark essence of the vocals fused with their Mardi Gras–esque rhythm section that does it.

Their single-minded mission with their music could very well be to get you off your arse and dance. A party band for sure, good vibes almost always go with every Cat Empire song. In a word, the band is festive. They are more than able to lift multitudes in a stadium setting, and they can hold their own with the same intensity and contentment in an intimate club. If you ever get a chance catch one of the band’s tour stop, don’t hesitate to. This Australian indie band’s infectious grooves will get you up and on your feet.

Rating: 4/5

- Paulo Famularcano

Links:
http://www.thecatempire.com
http://www.myspace.com/thecatempire