The Cat Empire

Those familiar with the cultural landscape of the Antipodes will tell you that Melbourne is one hell of a kickin' place music wise. Almost a decade ago, youthful locals Felix Reibi and Ollie McGill decided, over a glass of plonk, to get a little band on the go. When I say 'youthful' I mean unfeasibly juvenile, like, twelve years old! Throughout their teenage years the gang grew with the haphazard addition of Harry J Angus on trumpet and vocals, Ryan Monro on bass, Will Brown on drums and Jamshid 'Jumps' Khadiwala on decks into a red hot little outfit with a well-defined mission to mash hip hop, gypsy, jazz, Latino and reggae influences into a funky formula made for "dancing, screaming, jumping and beaming." Purists need not apply. The intended desire is to "make everyone wake up a little happier". The Cat Empire have performed shows throughout Australia, including WOMAD in the UK and Adelaide. 2010 sees the international release and world tour of Cinema, the band's fourth studio album. The album serves up a set which captures the inexorable force - and sheer joy - of their live performances, delivered in a format perfect for lounge-rooms, backyards, BBQ's, cafes, road trips and parties all over the world. This is music which defies definition, but has a sound all of its own. They only thing we can tell you it is that it is incredibly infectious, undeniably uplifting and definitely danceable.

www.thecatempire.com