Prince of Wales, Melbourne

Final Australian gig before the Europe tour.

Review

This review submitted by Shakalak.

I don't know The Cat Empire. Despite the fact that I'm a Melbournian through and through, I've only met the boys on the odd occasion. But you know what, I've decided it doesn't matter, because the music that they play and they way they play it has the power to make you feel a part of their mad world and Sunday's gig at the Prince of Wales did just that.

Now over the past weeks and months I've written a few of these reviews from different Melbourne gigs around the place that just filled you in on the hard facts. Indulge me here, because tonight's gig reminded me of why I found a passion for The Cat Empire in the first place.

The gig had all a perfect gig needs. The crowd was big and up for a good night - a good mix of the old and newer fans, mostly who were there for some crazy dancing and a bit of good music. Special guests, Nina Ferro, the Tedesco Brothers and Natalie from Skin also had the crowd pumped. Nina's scatting in Nothing was amazing and Two Shoes was again transformed by the amazing footwork of Johnny Tedesco.

While Voodoo Cowboy got its first Melbourne run and In My Pocket a welcome return, the night belonged to The Miserere. Unlike Thursday night, the room fell completely silent when those first haunting chords rung out. Never have I heard a room as big as that at the Prince of Wales go so silent during a gig. The chorus was sung by Nina Ferro and Felix's young brother Max, who stole the hearts and minds of all in the room (not to mention doing some fine work with the Empire Horns in the Chariot!) The song took on a life of its own and everyone, on stage and off was spellbound. Words aren't going to do it justice.

All the old favourites were heard - plenty of jumping up and down in Hello, a good old sing-a-long in The Chariot, hands in the air for One, Four Five and a few fine solos and plenty of dancing from the Empire Horns throughout.

And so that's it, the boys head overseas this week on their big adventure to spread their good word to Europe. What they take in amazing talent and unique spirit is no doubt matched by the best wishes and hopes of everyone here at home who hope that they get as much success as they deserve. Sometimes, you just know good music when you hear it; I wish you all could
have been there last night!

Setlist

Submitted by bethness.

Set One:

1. how to explain
   
2. the lullaby
   
3. nothing
   
4. days like these
   
5. voodoo cowboy
   
6. the rhythm
   
7. the wine song
   

Set Two:

1. rumbling
   
2. wandering
   
3. hello hello
   
4. the crowd
   
5. two shoes
   
6. miserere
   
7. the chariot
   

Encore: in my pocket