Cool Cats spread their Empire from OZ to O2.

Byline: Andy Coleman

AUSTRALIA'S The Cat Empire are festival favourites in their home country - because in concert they're just "purrfect".

Latest album, Live On Earth, shows that the best way to experience the band is in the live arena.

Birmingham fans will be able to do just that on Monday when the group, who perform a fusion of jazz, ska, funk and rock with heavy Latin influences, call in at the O2 Academy.

The Cat Empire is made up of Ollie McGill (keyboard and backing vocals), Ryan Monro (bass and backing vocals), Felix Riebl (percussion and vocals), Harry Angus (trumpet and vocals), Will Hull-Brown (drums) and Jamshid "Jumps" Khadiwhala (decks, percussion).

When choosing the best performances for the album, Harry says having a workaholic in the shape of his colead singer Felix Riebl made it easy for the rest of the band. They knew he would sift through and create a short list.

Felix comes from a musical family. His uncle is the head violinist in the Vienna Philharmonic, sister Rosie studies classical piano and younger brother Max is one of Australia's emerging counter tenors.

Ollie, who began playing the family baby grand at four, also has an inspiring family. His brother is responsible for the White clothing label, his sister founded fashion label Shukuhatchi, while his artist father created the distinctive Cat Empire logo.

Ryan is as famous for his amusing diary of life on the road and his daily coffee blog which tracks every coffee he ever drinks, as he is for his bass playing.

By January this year The Cat Empire had played a total of 666 shows and will pass the 700 mark very soon.

And they promise a festival experience every time - even in the comfort of an indoor venue.

TicketInfo

THE CAT EMPIRE Monday: O2 Academy, Dale End Tickets: 0844 477 2000.

CAPTION(S):

Purrfect: The Cat Empire.