Review Summary: Two Shoes is an album which truly exhibits what The Cat Empire is all about. Fusions of music from around the world performed with a party like feel. An excellent, fun album.
An unusual band with many unique aspects, the cat empire is one of Melbourne’s if not Australia’s finest bands. Using a fusion of styles including reggae, hip-hop and funk the bands sound is one which can be enjoyed by people who listen to a range of genres
1. Sly 4.5/5
Sly is a jumping opening song to this album getting you in the mood for a party or reminding of good times. A catchy if slightly repetitive trumpet continues through the song and gives it an exciting feel. Not one of my favourite songs on the album but it still provides a good opening.
2. In My Pocket 5/5
One of my all time favourite songs. Not as party like as Sly but it is a much more interesting song in a musical sense. The song is quite Latin sounding and makes a nice contrast to Sly. A very enjoyable song to listen to whatever the mood you are in. As with many of The Cat Empires songs it has quite a mainstream feel to the music.
3. Lullaby 4/5
Slower than most other songs on the album this song still provides the customary party like atmosphere of The Cat Empire. The chorus does get old after a few listens and is my main critisism of this song. The hip-hop style of this song does prevent is being as instrumentally interesting as other songs on the album.
4. The Car Song 5/5
Debatably the most famous of all The Cat Empire songs. This song has in fact virtually nothing to do with cars, but don't let that stop you from enjoying this wonderfully simple song working its way through your blood. Makes you want to get up and move no matter how you view The Cat Empire. This song is a fusion of hip-hop and The Cat Empire's own unique style. A gem of a song!
5. Two Shoes 5/5
A slow beginning leads you into believing that this song could be lack lustre but it in fact turns in to one of the liveliest songs on the album. A song about being true to yourself it provides a cliché message in quite a reasonable way. Done well in a reggae/latin style only The Cat Empire can pull off,
6. Miserere 4.5/5
Many people may think that the usually boppy Cat Empire is unable to write a sad song. They obviously haven't heard this song then. A great mid-album song which slows down the heart and makes you think about life just a little bit more. A song which doses not lose its meaning even after multiple plays.
7. Sol Y Sombra 4/5
A contrast to miserere in a large way Sol Y Sombra is a latin song which brings you back into the general fell of the album. Quite a repetitive song in the verse despite occasional extra instruments being put in to make it gain interest. After a few listens this song can become rather tiresome.
8. Party Started 4.5/5
This song is what The Cat empire is all about. A fusion of sounds from many different cultures that evokes thoughts of happiness and fun. This song is able to make use of all of the different genres of music The Cat Empire use, from reggae to Latin to Australian hip-hop it all appears in this fun tune.
9. Protons, Neutrons, Electrons 4/5
A song with a message. Live life to its fullest. This fun tune makes you want to sway from side to side. What this song lacks instrumentally it makes up for with interesting lyrics which draw you into the song. A song that makes its point in a fun manner rather than a serious one.
10. Saltwater 4/5
The drum intro gives this song the feel of a conclusion and in my opinion probably would have made a better final song than "The Night that Never End". A fun closing to an excellent album which seems to celebrate life and living it. A song that wants you to get up and move to it.
11. The Night that Never Ends 4/5
A slow beginning just tells you there is one last story that is to be told on this album. An appropriate song for the end of an album. Played and written in a gypsy style it gives just another genre The Cat Empire use on this album. Although this part of the song takes a while to become celebratory and happy it is worth the wait. Don't be fooled into thinking after the gypsy music had ended the song has. This song continues with an entirely different feel and story. This second part becomes repetitive like the slow gypsy music and is strung out too long.
I hope you enjoyed this review and I highly recommend you listen to this album!
