The Cat Empire | Northcote Theatre
On Saturday, September 6, Melbourne welcomed home The Cat Empire as they toured their 10th studio album Birds in Paradise. What unfolded at the old faithful Northcote Theatre was a colourful, genre-blending performance that reaffirmed why this band remains one of Australia’s most enduring live acts.
I’ll admit — I might be one of the few in Melbourne who hadn’t yet stepped foot in Northcote Theatre. But the moment I entered, I was floored. The vaulted ceiling with ornate Baroque plasterwork and multi-level layout felt tailor-made for a night like this. I found myself upstairs at the mezzanine, cocktail bar behind me, pint in hand, with a perfect vantage point at the railing.
Photo Credit: Dante Griffith
Supporting The Cat Empire was Little Quirks, a family band from the NSW Central Coast. Sisters Abbey (guitar) and Mia Toole (drums) and their cousin Jaymi (mandolin), later joined by Alex Toole (bass) and Jordan Rouse (electric guitar), brought undeniable chemistry to the stage. Their harmonies filled the theatre, blending folk influences with an ethereal vocal presence reminiscent of AURORA. Abbey’s ability to sing, play, and move with such energy reminded me of Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries, which is no small compliment. Their closing cover of Zombie was exquisite, Abbey nailing the song’s demanding vocal lines with conviction. Originals such as The Rain and Caught in June also stood tall, marking Little Quirks as a band to watch.
At 8:45 pm sharp, the theatre erupted as The Cat Empire strolled onto the stage. For many in Melbourne, myself included, this band has long been part of the city’s soundtrack. Though the lineup has evolved over the years, frontman Felix Riebl and keyboardist Ollie McGill remain at the core, now joined by Grace Barbé (bass/vocals), Daniel Farrugia (drums), Neda Rahmani (percussion), Kieran Conrau (trombone), and trumpeters Ross Irwin and Lazaro Numa. The new album, Birds in Paradise, leans into Afro-Cuban and flamenco influences while staying true to the band’s roots in funk and jazz. They opened with Blood on the Stage, a track that set the mood instantly — sultry, tight, and alive. From Ollie’s sharp keys to Felix’s magnetic presence and Grace’s stunning vocal range, it was clear that every musician on stage was brimming with talent.
Photo Credit: Dante Griffith
The setlist balanced new material with beloved classics. Early on, How to Explain? ignited the crowd, not a single body was left still. Songs flowed effortlessly between English and Spanish, with flamenco dancers joining at times to the audience’s delight. Highlights from Birds in Paradise included Candela (a Buena Vista Social Club cover), Going to Live, and Devil, while fan favourites like Brighter Than Gold, Two Shoes, Hello, Steal the Light, and Still Young ensured the dancefloor never paused.
Midway through, Felix dedicated Devil to his late brother Michael, who passed from cancer, describing how the song became deeply personal during its writing. Later, Be With You Again was performed in memory of his younger brother, Max, whose childhood drawing once inspired the band’s name. These moments of vulnerability transformed the show into more than entertainment — it became a communal celebration of grief, memory, and connection.
Felix also shared stories behind Going to Live, inspired by the haka and the voices heard from rooftops during lockdown in Barcelona. These anecdotes gave depth to the songs, showing how The Cat Empire thrives not just on musicality but also on storytelling.
As the night drew to a close, Still Young brought the set to a euphoric end with a song that felt like a love letter to Melbourne itself. The crowd roared for more, stamping and chanting until the band returned for an encore. They closed with The Chariot, a joyous anthem that turned the theatre into one unified chorus, with everyone swaying and singing together.
Photo Credit: Dante Griffith
By the final trumpet fade, it was clear this wasn’t just another hometown gig but a reminder of The Cat Empire’s power to blur genres, uplift spirits, and turn any room into a festival. For Melbourne, it was a night of joy and reflection that will linger long after the last note.