Two Shoes - Cat Empire (The)

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Track 5: Two Shoes

The title track of the album, and arguably it's strongest link. The lyrics, sung mostly by Felix, give a message, as do most of their tracks, relating not to bling and guns and hos and the like, but, more unusually, freedom, liberty, friendship, life and the power of music. There is, again, something of a reggae and dub feel to the track, also incorporating a strong latin influence. The reggae feel is supported ...
...an anti-climax after the energising Two Shoes, starting with a simple mixture of keyboard and piano, but give it time. Felix's vocals follow, and then a simple drum beat. Next up comes the introduction of brass and a female vocal line for the chorus. There is then a breathtakingly beautiful mixture of trumpet and xylophone (or glockenspiel, can never remember which one is the metal one!) It is written in a minor key, which is never going to give ... more

I haven't written a music review in a very long time, but on looking through the site could only see one review about The Cat Empire, so thought I better beef up their presence. If you're after mainstream indie rock, this may not be the band, or the album, for you. But, if you are open to a wide variety of musical styles and cultures, and enjoy a good chilled out tune, these are the boys for you. Don't get me wrong, they do a fine line in rocking out - but it's overtaken by some fantastic, more exotic influences.

The band are from Australia, with a permanent line up of 6, plus the Empire horns (a superb trumpet and trombone player, along with an occasional saxophone that appears on this album.) whenever seems to be possible. The lineup, especially considering there are 6 numbers, is unusual. Felix and Harry share the role of lead vocals and front-man, instantly giving them access to a wider range of styles than with just one voice. Both have very different styles which come across in their songs. Harry is also a fantastic trumpet player, whilst Felix takes on role of percussionist when not singing - but not just shaking a tambourine in a Gallagher brother style, he is an awesome bongo player amongst other things, not to mention he his tremendous accomplishments as a songwriter. Next up is Ollie, an amazing pianist, keyboard player, and very occasional guitarist. Ryan, bassist, places a mixture of electric and double bass. Then there is drummer Will, who is fantastic, and blends exceptionally well with the percussion of Felix. Finally is DJ Jumps, who does a fantastic range of sampling and more old school scratching techniques. But, there is no standard guitarist - something virtually unheard of these days. But this band do not miss it one bit.

The current 6-piece line up started playing together in 2001, and started out playing late night jazz venues down under, and just took it from there. They have been big in Australia for some time now, mainly through hard work, endless gigging, and word of mouth. I was first introduced to this album by a friend who had been travelling in Australia, and realised it was something special. I've always had a passion for 'real' music, something made predominantly by human hand, nurtured, with tender loving care, and that reaches that special place in the soul. Not everyone appreciates music in the same way, I think it comes down to 20 years spent playing musical instruments on my part. Exceptional music has always had the ability to penetrate my very being, and once I'd seen the hits from this and the first album played live, I knew that The Cat Empire would always be at the top of my list.

The album itself was recorded in Cuba at the end of 2004, released in Australia in 2005, and eventually released generally to the rest of the world after striking a record deal in 2007. It is impossible to label the album - it is a mixture of mellow jazz, reggae, ska, a bit of punk, some latin and salsa influences, rock, hip-hop, and, to be honest, pretty much most other genres of this sort you could care to name. None of the ideas are necessarily earth shattering, but that's what makes it. The thought that has gone into these songs, with every little detail lovingly added, is simply unheard of in most artists nowadays, with a few exceptions of course. I'll go through each track one at a time, but will try keep it limited as I could go on all day!

Track 1: Sly

The track starts simple with drums, then keyboards, then builds up to the vocal. It's one of the catchier tracks, with a dominant recurring keyboard and bass part. Felix takes on the vocals - in an almost rap style - with Harry having what can only described as a scat solo (but far better than Scatman John for anyone horrified by the thought of scat), as he is able to use his voice to create some amazing sounds, not unlike a didjeridoo! There are nice brass riffs in and amongst adding some depth and variety.

9/10

Track 2: In my pocket

Straight away this is much more relaxed than sly. It has something of a Latin feel to the track with a nice partnership, once again, between keyboard and drums - perfectly fitting together. The instrumentation is minimal, emphasising the slow and more thoughtful aspects of the song - but it fills out in the chorus when more builds up. It is also instantly obvious that it is a different vocalist - as Harry takes the lead in a song that perfectly suits his quite rugged, not too deep, almost out of tune but not in a weird sort of way, voice. It builds up to a full instrumental section, which, live is second to none. To be honest, I can't even begin to put it into words, it had me standing in awe.

9/10

Track 3: Lullaby

Not the lullaby you would immediately think of, but a more relaxed song. It has more of a dub/reggae bounce to it, with a heavy recurring piano solo, and Felix taking vocal duties. This does almost create a rocking sensation for some listeners, as you can't help but sway from side to side. Some nice jazz trumpet solos feature in the middle giving more of a bounce. It makes me think of being in a jazz club in the heart of Harlem, which, dear reader, you must remember is not a bad thing!

8/10

Track 4: The Car Song

I'm not usually someone who notices lyrics in songs, unless they are particularly ridiculous, but this one is a sing-a-long favourite of mine. Harry sings of his time at school, where basically he's a teenage boy - sitting in the park, eating chips and drinking beer, and generally being distracted. It goes through a school week, listing problems such as trying to talk to Fontaine, class hotty, and how it all gets in the way of his homework. He also explains his dream of buying a car, making it start, and some day, driving his car - and being able to do whatever he wants. Move forward ten years, to where he is still in the park, and meets high school geek, now turned successful rich lawyer, married to Fontaine. Harry, is now still dreaming of his car, and can't think of anything better to do than sit at his keyboard and write us this tune. The song itself is up tempo, has some lovely harmonies, and is very repetitive, but in the way you get the impression of being driven along - great for a song called the Car Song.

9/10

Track 5: Two Shoes

The title track of the album, and arguably it's strongest link. The lyrics, sung mostly by Felix, give a message, as do most of their tracks, relating not to bling and guns and hos and the like, but, more unusually, freedom, liberty, friendship, life and the power of music. There is, again, something of a reggae and dub feel to the track, also incorporating a strong latin influence. The reggae feel is supported by the line ' my feet they're paying tribute to the Bobby Marley legacy...', and the generally upbeat lyrics offer some interesting insight into the laid back and liberal views of the band. There is a strong mix of vocal and instrumental sections, and a good line in brass. The song takes a dip in the middle where it slows right down, building up to a cheery, fast climax. It's a definite toe tapper, and another guaranteed to go down a storm live.

10/10

Track 6: Miserere

Almost an anti-climax after the energising Two Shoes, starting with a simple mixture of keyboard and piano, but give it time. Felix's vocals follow, and then a simple drum beat. Next up comes the introduction of brass and a female vocal line for the chorus. There is then a breathtakingly beautiful mixture of trumpet and xylophone (or glockenspiel, can never remember which one is the metal one!) It is written in a minor key, which is never going to give the most upbeat sound. This is a slow one, and perhaps one to skip if you're not into more orchestral type arrangements. It's still really well thought out and brought together exceptionally well, using a variety of additional vocalists and instrumentalists - or some clever recording work.

7/10

Track 7: Sol Y Sombra

As the Spanish title - using the words for sun and shade - suggests, this is distinctly Latin in feel. It isn't quick, but there is a definite pace to the song. There are a few vocal lines in harmony singing over some lovely keyboard and drums, leading to the mother of all piano solos. Ryan really excels himself here with an awesome jazz based solo, that could happily go on forever if you ask me. But, this does tend to last for quite a time, and can cause you to forget what you were listening to. Live, this works for this very reason as all the instrumentalists pick up the baton and play amongst themselves for so long, that, when they cut back you have forgotten where you are. Getting lost in the instrumental section of this, for those who appreciate the skill and musicianship of instrumentalists, is a must. They have succeeded in creating a real Latin feel, as this song wouldn't feel out of place in a lot of Tapas restaurants alongside their soundtracks.

8/10

Track 8: Party Started

This is a nice, catchy little number, with some amazing scratching being the highlight of the introduction. It makes great use of samples, a much more electronic sounding keyboard and some really dirty sounding brass riffs to create something a lot more playful sounding. It could almost be placed in the background of something like an Inspector Gadget cartoon - but one for the more high brow music fan than the sugar dosed child. Felix's sing-rap style once again provide a great lyrical line. A great song to get that Party Started, even with it's distinctively jazzy feel.

9/10

Track 9: Protons, Neutrons, Electrons

This sounds more like something from a musical such as Cabaret or any of those 1920's-30's American themed shows, but once again brought right up to date by the band. Harry takes lead vocals. The beat is steady and constant, although with an underlying increase in the speed very subtly building throughout. It's back to the piano rather than keyboards for Ryan. The only problem is it starts to build your hopes for a faster song at the end as it picks up speed and piano solos and brass really start to kick in.

7/10

Track 10: The Night That Never Ends

This is the final song on the album. For anyone who loves the soundtrack to Bugsy Malone, the introduction is a must, back to the dirty brass sounds and gentle percussion. It then takes a shift and tries to make it's mind up flitting between major and minor, and continues between this more upbeat chorus and the sleazy back street jazz club vibe. I could see how this is a great sound to end an evening or wind down a busy crowd of music watchers, but unless you are a jazz fan, it may not be your bag.

7/10

Overall - as with most music that refuses to sit in a box with a nice lid and label on it - I couldn't even begin to do this album justice in this review. Believe me, I could have gone on for much, much longer. If you are looking to hear a band who have such an obvious passion for making music, and such skills, and you have an interest in more 'world music' ideas being incorporated into your record collection, this combines the two. The first album was arguably stronger still, but there is no category on here for me to review it - look out for The Chariot and The Wine Song - personal favourites. If you've ever been sat stuck in a bassment writing essays, or felt like you have the whole world on your shoulders, give The Cat Empire a go - you could be pleasantly surprised. And if you are, make it your mission to see them live!!!

My overall score: 9/10 - just for the sheer pleasure it brings to listen. It would be 10, but the album does weaken ever so slightly for the last few songs.

Tracking down the albums isn't that easy on the high street. Their website has the whole back catalogue for sale, along with a range of goodies - but bear in mind it has to be sent from Australia. HMV, play.com and Itunes - as well as most other usual suspects I guess, also have them on the website - they just don't seem to be popular with the shop visiting public. This particular album seems to be selling for around the £10 mark - just makes sure if you download it that you get the album, and not just the single as it's got the same name! :)

For more info or to hear a bit of what they do, visit The Cat Empire website: www.thecatempire.com 

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