w/ Eagle and the Worm
The Cat Empire are celebrating their 10th year making music, and celebrating in a big way. Two sold out shows at The Zoo, two sold out shows at The Tivoli. Four night straight, and I'm guessing four nights of heinous partying. And I was privileged to get in for night one. For me, I have long been a Cat Empire fan, but this was the first time I had seen them live. And this was probably the best show to have come in on. But more on that soon.
They were preceded by the wonderful Eagle and the Worm who I can't get enough of. BIGSOUND showed me that they are amazing live, but stall for time. And you know what? This is exactly what they did tonight as well! I do love this band, but this front man, spends way too much time wasting time. There are occasion where you butter the crowd up, and other time where you show just what you're made of. This is one of the times for the latter. You are supporting an amazing band, and you need to make an impression, not annoy the crowd who only really want to see the main act. Also, whoever was doing the sound for the guys did a terrible job. The balance was all wrong, and it made my ears bleed a little bit. But! Upon walking into The Zoo, I did notice a second mixing desk, lets hope The Cat Empire's own sounds guy does a better job.
So, set time - Eagle and the Worm 8.35-9.20, The Cat Empire 9.45-11.30. Do that math. That's an hour and forty-five minutes for The Cat Empire. And seriously it was an hour and forty-five minutes of bliss. They played a set of old favourites, choosing to celebrate their 10 year history rather then throwing in some new material also. I've said previously that there is a line between an "amateur" professional band and a professional band. Again, the line between Eagle and the Worm and The Cat Empire was vast. It really does show why this band have successful been together for 10 years. For their entire set there was no down time, no moment where there was no energy. They played everything from 'How to Explain' to 'Call Me Home' with 'Fishies' and 'In My Pocket" in the mix also. This is not to mention their two main hits 'Hello' and 'Sly'. They had everyone swaying, jumping, bobbing, clapping and whatever else without even trying, and you know what? They looked good doing it. Felix Riebl has a certain sexiness to him when he's on stage, and it makes everything seem so swarve. Harry James Angus on the other hand brings the sound of the traditional rawness to the ensemble. Ollie McGill (keys) on the other hand, looks like he in another dimension when he plays. It's entrancing to watch.
I said that Kimbra's gig was gig of the year so far, this has topped it easily! But with Gotye up next week, I think I have to be careful what I say for now. But, know this. The Cat Empire are still kicking, and going strong. I can not wait to hear their new music. They say it's going to be epic, and I believe them wholeheartedly.
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