On The Button

The Cat Empire

2003 - EMI

Track Listing:
How to Explain – 3:37
Days Like These – 4:07
The Chariot – 5:34
Hello – 3:44
The Rhythm – 3:24
The Wine Song – 7:22
Nothing – 3:39
Beanni – 2:19
The Crowd – 5:13
Manifesto – 2:34
All That Talking – 6:54

Originally a three piece from Melbourne, The Cat Empire has evolved into something that embodies all that life should be about. They strive to move "the body and the mind", and unite people by the power of music. The current members are:

-Felix Riebl (vocals and percussion)

-Harry James Agnus (vocals and trumpet)

-Ollie McGill (keys)

-Ryan Monro (bass)

-Will Hull Brown (drums)

-Jamshid "DJ Jumps" Khadiwhala

They have recently released "Cinema" to high acclaim.

What better way to explain that "music is the language of our soul", then by representing it in song form. "How to Explain" your energy and your drive in life comes from this beast within, to someone who doesn't feel its presence. This track is filled with such intensity and life, its impossible to not become infected by it.

The beginning of "The Chariot" starts so theatrically and creates this ominous feeling which bursts into life! Its a declaration to life, and all it should be. The aversion of warfare and killing even though:"In a way we are an army, But this army not destruct. No instead we're doing simple things, Good loving fun and run amuck". I get beautiful images from this track. It way the world should be "any stranger feels at home".

Oh, "Hello". Comes from the throat, and you cant help but want to chorus it. Its the song that I wake up to. Its just so upbeat and optimistic, and embodies all i want my day to be. It has cute little lines like: "If she was a phone I'd pick her up and dial, The fire brigade Or zero zero zero" or "That's a little strange If you're asking me. Cos I like to eat and laugh and **** and play down low. It just plain makes me smile.

The simple infatuation with all that is beautiful, and the beauty that comes from "The Rhythm". The trumpets are so prominent in this track, with the heavy Latin vibe. Its all wine red, and smokey dens. "Sing with your hips, my baby, when your dancing to this tune", the change in tempo half way through definitely adds to the sexy Latin vibe.

The track "The Crowd" shows just how Australian the Cat Empire are. The speak of gaining freedom from social conventions, pure freedom, which comes from your mentality to life ("But life is curved not angular"), with or without "gods chains". Its a street song, its one of the people.

Through musical fusion and lyrics, the Cat Empire have captured millions of peoples attention. They have always prided themselves on performing live, and many of there releases are originally recorded live then edited. There is an infectious energy that come from them, which seems to make life not so bad after all. Perfect for parties of just chilling out. The Cat Empire is in my top 5. Treat your senses people!

Pour L'amour