The Cat EmpireLocal soul-funk seven-piece Animaux play tightly and seem to love the chance to support local-lads-done-good The Cat Empire tonight. Vocalist Alex Lahey shifts effortlessly between singing and tenor sax duties, making it all look deceptively easy. The three-pronged horn attack in numbers like Wave Of Change give their music plenty of pizzazz, and they finish their set with the upbeat Questions And Exclamation Marks.
Quite the contrast to Animaux, Tinpan Orange embrace a more indie aesthetic. Singer Emily Lubitz looks very A Midsummer Night's Dream, in a white frock and floral head gear that work well with her pixie-like stage demeanour. Kicking off with a slowed-down cover of the theme song for '90s Aussie kids' show Round The Twist, Tinpan Orange continue with their own brand of bluesy roots-driven pop, including the laidback Flowers. Already featuring The Cat Empire's Ross Irwin on keys tonight, Lubitz's husband Harry James Angus makes a brief cameo with his trumpet, which draws cheers from the now-sizeable audience.
The cheering continues as The Cat Empire take to the stage to perform for this sold-out home crowd. First single and title track from their latest LP Steal The Light breaks the ice perfectly, building from its mellow opening to the trumpet sound that brings the party vibe into full effect. Singer Felix Riebl is all smiles as he closes his eyes and loses himself in the moment. The Latin element of their sound gets an airing during the track as a mini percussion solo sees Riebl take to the bongos for a blast. Sleep Won't Sleep is well received and was meant for the live arena, with lyrics yelled by audience members in the know. A few dancers join the band onstage, including a male decked out like voodoo icon Baron Samedi. The dancing element is a nice inclusion and not overdone since the spotlight always remains on the musicians. With a handful of albums to fall back on, the band pull out crowd favourite Sly and the crowd jump about like insane South American soccer fans. Brighter Than Gold brings the main set to an end.
The band's encore comprises The Chariot, which keeps the punters amped, and then it's All Night Loud. The Cat Empire exit the stage as the hometown heroes that they undoubtedly are.
