Where the Angels Fall cover

Where the Angels Fall

The Cat Empire · 2023

51 min · 14 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz and ska, infused with infectious rhythms and uplifting melodies that invite celebration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Thunder Rumbles — This opening track sets an energetic tone with its infectious grooves and vivid imagery, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of resilience and hope.
  • →
    Dance the Night Away — This song exemplifies the celebratory spirit of the album, featuring catchy hooks and a danceable rhythm that invites listeners to join in the revelry.
  • →
    Be With You Again — With its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, this track showcases a more introspective side of the band while still embodying their characteristic warmth.
  • →
    Old Dog, New Tricks — This reflective piece combines playful lyrics with a jazzy arrangement, illustrating the band's knack for blending humor with deeper themes of change and growth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant jazz and ska elements with engaging arrangements, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong brass section in 'Thunder Rumbles', establishing a lively atmosphere that persists through the first half.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that encourages listener participation.
  • The final three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, transitioning from upbeat rhythms to more reflective melodies.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo dance vibes
  • sun-soaked afternoon gatherings
  • feel-good sing-alongs with friends
  • uplifting energy for celebrations
  • easygoing background for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer intense, fast-paced tracks
  • seek deep introspective experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued vitality and evolution.
Career context
Released on August 25, 2023, Where the Angels Fall marks The Cat Empire's return after a five-year hiatus since their last album, Stolen Diamonds. The band continues to evolve their signature sound while maintaining their lively spirit, showcasing growth in both musical complexity and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors
The Bamboos· Fat Freddy's Drop· The Specials

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Thunder Rumbles 2:55
  • 2 Boom Boom 3:05
  • 3 Money Coming My Way 3:03
  • 4 Deeper 3:23
  • 5 Owl 5:16
  • 6 Dance the Night Away 3:49
  • 7 Be With You Again 4:34
  • 8 Rock 'n' Roll 3:37
  • 9 Coming Back Again 4:11
  • 10 West Sun 3:07
  • 11 Old Dog, New Tricks 3:23
  • 12 Oh Mercy 4:51
  • 13 Walls 3:27
  • 14 Drift Away 2:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata