THE CAT EMPIRE – CINEMA
When The Cat Empire first burst forth into our ear drums, they did so with a vitality and freshness that was so different to anything else around. Their funky Latin beats, punchy horns, and non-stop attitude grabbed both the ears and feet of listeners in equal measures. Now a decade on, the band that began life as Jazz Cat, have released album number five and are almost a genre unto themselves. There is still nothing like them, led by the seemingly ever-positive Felix Riebl, they continue their trip without missing a beat on Cinema. The single Waiting is a good lead in for what is to come, and Falling bounces along on a keys and horn riff that is hard to deny. Perhaps the more interesting moments come when the excessive joy is countered with some introspection courtesy of Harry Angus on his numbers Only Light and The Heart is a Cannibal, the later with its distinct Calexico feel. We all know what Cat Empire do now, they do it so well, I wonder if they can do anything else?
***
