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The Cat Empire In Vancouver
The Cat Empire in Vancouver was a full-on Saturday night celebration as the Australian group took the Commodore Ballroom to new heights. The tour marked the release of their latest album Bird in Paradise, which dropped in March. Remember the genre ska? Vancouver definitely does. The city sold out both of The Cat Empire’s shows. If you’re not familiar, think upbeat rock with trombones, saxophones, and a bit of surfy energy. If you ever played Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater with “Superman” by Goldfinger blasting in the background, this band is right up your alley. As someone who grew up with ska, this show felt like the band’s way of evolving the genre rather than leaving it stuck in the past. Did they pull it off? Let’s get into that. But first, the openers: Bermuda Search Party.
Vancouver Disappears Into Bermuda Search Party’s Trance
From Boston, Bermuda Search Party is made up of Leo, Claire, Maclin, Hoyt, and Stephan. The band originally performed under the name The Q-Tip Bandits before switching it up. With their music evolving and a new sense of direction, they leaned into the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle and came up with a name that matched the vibe. By 8pm, the room was already full and the energy was high. The band brought a ton of personality to the stage, interacting with each other and the crowd throughout the set. It was exactly the kind of opening act that gets you in the mood for a night of ska. Bermuda Search Party also had their own milestone to celebrate with the recent release of their second album Fools On Paradise. The record is already earning praise for its lively sound and feel-good energy. Live, the songs landed even harder, and the set flowed with ease.
A highlight came when Hoyt started swinging his trombone around while Leo ducked out of the way, turning the moment into a bit of physical comedy. It caught everyone off guard and made the performance even more fun. As someone who was hearing them for the first time, I walked away really impressed. Their stage presence alone makes them a must-see. With their set finished, it was time for the main event: The Cat Empire in Vancouver.
The Cat Empire Bring the Caribbean to the City
As the lights dropped around 9pm, the sold-out crowd at the Commodore was ready. The band kicked off with a brass-heavy intro that built into “Blood on the Stage” before frontman Felix Riebl made his entrance. From the first note, it was clear the group was having a great time. Alongside longtime pianist Ollie McGill, the newer members brought something fresh to the performance. Neda Rahmani drove the percussion with nonstop energy, Grace Barbé handled bass and vocals with ease, and Daniel Farrugia returned behind the kit after playing with the group back in 2018. Lazarro Numa rounded out the brass section alongside veterans Ross Irwin and Kieran Conrau. Even though the lineup has shifted a lot since the band first formed in 1999, the new members felt right at home. They brought new life to the stage while still staying true to the spirit of The Cat Empire.
Setlist and Sounds
The setlist was stacked. Across 20 tracks, the band pulled from every corner of their catalog. From early albums like The Cat Empire, Two Shoes, and Cities, to newer ones like Stolen Diamonds and Bird in Paradise, the show was a full-circle celebration. What stood out most was how the energy never dropped. Every song had its own moment, and the band kept things moving with vocal swaps and instrumental breakdowns that gave everyone a chance to shine. The ska and jazz fusion was there, but it was the Latin-inspired beats that pushed the night into party territory. All around the venue, people were dancing, moving, and just letting go. It felt more like a tropical dance club than a downtown concert hall.
In Closing
The Cat Empire in Vancouver was the perfect way to spend a Saturday night. The show closed with “All Night Loud,” and the crowd lived up to the name. As the final chorus hit, the entire room erupted in cheers. The band stood at the edge of the stage to thank the crowd, and the response felt like it could shake the floor. Night one was a huge win, and it’s safe to say those heading to night two were in for something unforgettable.
I’d like to thank The Cat Empire In Vancouver for the incredible performance, and thank their team for allowing us to capture and experience the night. To find a future date of the BIRD IN PARADISE Tour or more info on the band, please visit here: https://thecatempire.com/
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