Aussies bring fresh sound

Nearly two years after its release, Melbourne's Cat Empire drags their sophomore effort across to U.S. shores, but it's no less fresh than it was upon its original release. Cat Empire is a six-piece musical melting pot of jazz, reggae, ska, funk, rock and even hip-hop. On their second album, Two Shoes, Cat Empire brings a mix of all these world music styles to make a truly great record.\nTwo Shoes was recorded in legendary Egrem studio in Havana, recording home of the Buena Vista Social Club. The studio's Latin production is clearly heard throughout the record, which is a mix of new versions of fan favorites and new material. Percussionist Felix Riebl and trumpeter Harry James Angus split vocal duties, with Harry taking the bulk of the singing duties on this album. Band founder Oliver McGill brings in the element of jazz, with his jazz piano running throughout the album, most notably on the Latin-flavored "Sol y Sombra." Add in horns and reggae beats, and you have the sound of Two Shoes.\nThe album is full of a variety of styles and genres. The record opens up with the ska funk of "Sly," one of record's many highlights. Then there is the hip-hop horn-laden "Lullaby," followed by the youthful "Car Song." The middle sectio n is a slew of reggae and Latin tracks, followed by the properly titled "Party Started." The album closes up with the poppy piano-filled "Protons, Neutrons, Electrons," and then ends with a new version of the fan favorite "The Night That Never End." What's truly incredible about this record is how comfortable the band sounds in every style.\nThroughout the album, Cat Empire covers the themes of freedom and war. The new versions of fan favorites "The Chariot" and "Two Shoes" are both great politically charged reggae tracks. "On my feet I wear two shoes for dancing; dancing to be free; my feet they're paying tribute to the Bobby Marley legacy," sings Harry in the title track. Although the album is full of political themes, you can still hear their belief in a carefree attitude and lifestyle, which brings exuberance to the record.\nWhile Cat Empire is already big overseas, they are on the rise in the United States. After creating buzz at Bonnaroo in 2006, expect to hear more from this band in the upcoming years. For those of you looking to take a chance on something new, Two Shoes is a musically intelligent album that you won't regret picking up.