Cities: The Cat Empire Project

Released in 2006, Cities: The Cat Empire Project was a unique endeavor for the Melbourne-based collective, recorded in just a few weeks to capture a more immediate, raw energy than their previous studio efforts. While their debut and follow-up 'Two Shoes' leaned into polished pop-ska, Cities functions more like a cinematic travelogue. It highlights the band's virtuosity in Latin jazz and funk, heavily featuring the trumpet work of Harry James Angus and the world-class percussion of Felix Riebl. The album was famously recorded with a 'no-overdub' philosophy for the brass sections, lending it a gritty, authentic atmosphere that mirrors their legendary live shows. It remains a fan favorite for its inclusion of 'Down at the 303', a tribute to a legendary Melbourne venue, and its seamless integration of hip-hop elements via DJ Jamshid 'Jumps' Khadiwhala. Critically, it is seen as the bridge between their early commercial success and their later, more experimental world-fusion explorations.