REVIEW: THE CAT EMPIRE AT BRISTOL O2 ACADEMY (24/10/11)
The Cat Empire returned to Bristol, this time for not one but two sell out gigs on consecutive nights at the O2 Academy. The place was packed from early doors with a lively expectant crowd. Even the roadies got a cheer each time they graced the stage!
The Cat Empire finally arrived to rapturous applause and unsurprisingly started their set with the bouncy number ‘Hello’. Saying that, pretty much all their songs are bouncy numbers! The Cat Empire are a strange band to look at, the dress code is wear what you like, make an effort if you can be bothered (most of them can’t). Luckily this lack of cohesion is not reflected in their music. The gig was part of their ten year anniversary tour and as you would expect from a band who have played together for that long, their music was tight.
It’s rare to see a band where every member is so highly talented at his or her instrument but the numerous solo’s showcased each member’s skills. A definite crowd pleaser was provided by Will Hull-Brown with his drum solo cover of Guns and Roses Paradise City building into a full instrumental version with vocals provided by the audience. There were a couple of down-tempo songs chucked in for good measure and, in my opinion, some rather lengthy piano solos from the awkward but undoubtedly accomplished pianist Ollie McGill. Front men Felix Ribel and Harry James Angus (the man with three first names) kept the crowd jumping during the second half of the set with popular favourites such as ‘The Chariot’ and ‘Days Like These’. There was a high level of audience involvement with the mics often being offered up to the 1200 strong backing vocalists. These guys were never going to get away without an encore, they knew it, we knew it and they didn’t disappoint. The Cat Empire seem to tour the UK most years so check them out if you get the chance.
Props to the crowd surfer who got his trousers and pants ripped off by the doorman.
The last remaining dates on the UK leg of this tour are October 27th at the O2 Academy Newcastle and October 29th at the O2 Academy Manchester.
Future dates and more information about the band can be found at www.thecatempire.com and www.myspace.com/thecatempire
Words: Ben Byrant Mole
