Cat Empire has done it again. They’ve reinforced their status as one of the greatest live acts in the country. They’ve proved their staying power in a fickle music industry, and they’ve proved that there will never be a substitute for live music.
It was Canberra’s ANU Bar that was treated to a night of horn blazing and booty-shaking as the Empire released their new album Cinema to Canberran audiences.
Before the onslaught of the Cat Empire, Mama Kin opened to a warm reception. Mama Kin’s music dons a folky-pop edge and was a good way to ease into the evening. It must be hard opening for an act of such magnitude, but Mama Kin performed with conviction and strong grooves.
Before too long, it was time for Cat Empire to rise to the stage and it took no time to get the crowd dancing. Their opening song was Falling, the second track from Cinema. It’s infectious grooves and blasting horn lines set the tone for the evening, and it was already clear a great night would be had by all.
What is so startling about Cat Empire is their unbelievable musicality and this was evident in their older tune, How to Explain. This song featured the Empire Horns, who consisted of Kieran Conrau on Trombone and Ross Irwin on Trumpet. It was a brass extravaganza as Harry Angus and the Horns battled with solos, the energy in the room rose to fever pitch.
By this time, the crowd was struggling to stay still, as the samba and Cuban influences in the Empire’s music brought out the inner dancer in every member of the crowd. Cat Empire is a band that draws influences from all of the world, and there were elements of every musical style imaginable in their two hour set.
My personal highlight of the evening was the trance-like song entitled the Darkness. It was a song that showcased lead singer and trumpeter Harry Angus’ incredible vocals and trumpet playing. With an Arabic tinge to the vocals and percussion, it was a song that many bands would struggle to pull off in a live arena.
I do not believe in the notion of perfection. However, if I were to place a picture next to the dictionary definition, the picture would be of The Cat Empire, on that night in Canberra.
Photos by Chris Whitfield.
