LIVE REVIEW: The Cat Empire with special guests Supathick and Death by Denim

The historic Fremantle Prison is quickly being recognised for being a very special venue, with its eerie surroundings and atmospheric location. Tickets seem to disappear quickly when live shows are announced and once again a wonderful crowd slid behind the walls that could tell a thousand tales and more, but this time to catch the wonderful Cat Empire. With the memories of the warm summer evenings quickly dwindling, tonight was near perfect.

Opening the night R&B funksters Supathick warmed the crowd with confidence. The Perth six-piece weren’t afraid to lay some new songs on the audience. The three-time WAM nominated locals laid their 70’s funk vibe on the crowd in a fun filled set. Guitarist Christian Zappia recounted going to one of his first ever concerts and it was The Cat Empire – this is how the universe should be, when the planets align. Watch out for these guys as they continue to impress.

Death by Denim took to the stage next and got right into their synth-infused indie groove from the off. Clearly a crowd favourite Death by Denim ensured they had as much fun as the crowd as they drifted through their set which included ‘Hope We Don’t Fall in Love’ from their latest EP ‘My House is a Club’ and ‘Moonbow’ from last year’s album of the same name. Their cover of Harry Styles ‘Watermelon Sugar’, which gained recognition for being a triple J Like a Version favourite was only eclipsed by their set closer ‘Cigarettes and Honey’ which encouraged a crowd participation moment.

It was an earlier than expected start for the headliners as jazz/funk legends The Cat Empire tried to squeeze a little bit more in to beat the 10pm curfew. And from the off it was clearly evident we were in for night of musical magic filled with unbridled joy, energy, passion and love. It was a night to celebrate the newest members on stage, with bass player and local girl Grace Barbé, Cuban trumpeter Lazaro Numa, brass players Ross Irwin & Kieran Conrau, drummer Daniel Farrugia and percussionist Neda Rahmani seamlessly joined Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill. Their Latin, reggae and ska influences had the crowd on the feet through out the set, as they danced and grooved on the prison yard, once used for a more regimental of exercise. A fantastic way to close the summer.