CC the Cat

Reggae grooves pulsated thoughout the Great Northern last Saturday for CC the Cat’s debut album launch. It took the band two years to create Inna Babylon Jungle and the night was proof that it was time will spent. The band’s blend of reggae, dub, disco and funk brought out their local fan base and definitely recruited many more.

Opening the show was A French Butler Called Smith. The Gold Coast five-piece displayed amazing energy with their Latin, funk fusion. The fun stage presence of the heavily instrumental group had the audience dancing holes in the ground and, by the end, begging for more.

That desire was soon satisfied. When CC the Cat walked out, it was clear the band was there to have a great time. This vibe washed over the room when they opened with rocking reggae treat Concrete Jungle.

Drummer Guy Anderton and percussionist Boyd Luadaka kept the beat pulsating, with bassist Tracy Stephens ensuring the groove locked the crowd in. Katia Demeester backed up CC’s soulful vocal style wonderfully and Roberto Roshcel’s trumpet fitted with CC’s skanking guitar.

From the uplifting Live Your Dream to the disco funk infused Music, the band demonstrated strong versatility.

The reggae feel was taken to a harder, faster level with the grittier and slightly more volatile Reggae Blues. With CC delivering chunky guitar and the percussion section thundering, the urge to dance hit the ceiling and didn’t come down until the final song when CC sand about Chilling with Bob Marley in Zion. This may be where she ends up but there are still great things for her to do here first.

And if the amazing atmosphere at Inna Babylon Jungle’s launch is an indicator, the album should do well once it hits the airwaves.

- Pat Madden, the Northern Star, 15 July 2010
- Northern Star

CC THE CAT
Inna Babylon Jungle
Independent
3/5

Ever wondered what it would sound like to remix reggae with techno? CC the Cat have the answer; their debut album Inna Babylon Jungle. It’s steel drums, dreads and as many references to weed as you can roll into an album… but it’s also synth and remix warping. “Concrete Jungle”, the opening track, begins with a techno intro not unlike something Jamiroquai might dream up, but as the steel drums begin and CC the Cat belts out a few lines, you know this is reggae – with a 21st century twist. CC the Cat’s lead vocals soar, skat and swing to funky bass and lead guitar, playfully backed by effervescent drumming. Move your feet, shake your hips, dance in the sunshine, take a deep breath and embrace the reggae atmosphere so thickly laid onto this album you can almost touch it. For fans of: Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman.

JESSICA SAXTON
- Reverb Mag

CC The Cat, a six-piece reggae group, have released their debut EP. The first track, Concrete Jungle, lays out an anti-government, pro-weed agenda – not surprising considering the genre. Reggae and grass have a mutually beneficial relationship like peanut butter and jelly. Despite the politics, Inna Babylon Jungle never takes itself too seriously. The majority of the tracks are tongue-in-cheek narratives about smoking, music and seduction. Claire Cottone has a strong and spirited voice and carries a lot of the album’s energy. Nicotine is an addictive song, pun intended, and involves a great blending of reggae, jazz and funk. This is one of the best Australian reggae albums I’ve heard.
CHELSEA HEANEY
- Rave Magazine

"I like this one - easy to groove along to and I love the lyrics!" - Sarah Howells, Triple J Roots N All presenter - Triple J

"This band is awesome! CC rocks the house with powerful vocals and hot guitar licks with her rhythm section tight right behind her punching out body rocking bass and beats." - Triple J Unearthed

"This track is poignant and beautiful but energy levels are intense and powerful. Lyrics hit hard, vocals are stunning. Rhythm section is flawless. Outstanding." - Triple J Unearthed

"CC is an enigma. She has a certain gutsiness that melds well with the smooth grooves in this song, making it contradictory yet interesting. I love the reggae and jazz-inspired aspects of this song - it is rhythmically very smooth and mellow yet when mixed with the vocals becomes a completely interesting and captivating mix..."

"...We've been impressed by CC since her disc landed on our desks a month back. Can't wait to see what she does next." - Musicadium