CityLife

The Cat Empire

IT'S a heady musical cocktail that combines to produce The Cat Empire’s trademark eclectic sound. Equal parts jazz, funk, ska and sun-kissed salsa rhythms, their refreshing blast of feelgood summer anthems ensures the Aussie band’s live shows are always an invigorating experience. 

More of a musical collective than a band, Cat Empire comprises five or six core members and then a vast array of guest musicians.

Tonight in the Academy 2, they are nine strong and with a DJ, double bass, keyboard and a variety of horns thrown into the mix, creating a true carnival atmosphere on a rainy Manchester evening.

Opening with Fishies off new release So Many Nights, before launching into the infectiously happy Days Like These off debut album The Cat Empire, the band start out at full speed before slowing it down with the atmospheric The Darkness.

Immense talent

Only three songs gone in their set and already the band are able to demonstrate not only their immense talent but also the impressive range their back catalogue contains.

Later in their set, the slow reggae vibes of Till The Ocean Takes Us blends seamlessly into the upbeat funk of Sly, before the lead track off their new album So Many Nights gets the whole room jumping in unison to its bluesy piano rock sound.

This diverse triple blast again showcases what great variety the band’s sound contains.

It’s hard to get bored watching these guys in action, as each song takes on a new direction, and yet is still guaranteed to keep your head bobbing throughout.

Sweltering sun

Already big names in their native land, its high time The Cat Empire replicated that success here in the UK. With the sweltering sun of last week still fresh in the memory, and with more scorching weather looming on the horizon, The Cat Empire are the perfect soundtrack to any summer.
 

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