Groups such as Tame Impala, Wolfmother and AC/DC have all come out of the land down under to rock the U.S. music charts, making it impossible to ignore the region when searching for the next big talent. The Australian group the Cat Empire is certainly among that select talent. The multifaceted group combines elements of funk, jazz and ska for a truly original style. “Brighter Than Gold,” the group’s first single and track off the 2013 release of Steal The Light, opens the album with a thick grooving double bass line which they build on using horns, synth and unusual percussion climaxing in a head-banging marching band line. Other songs such as “Still Young” have more of a Rastafarian feel. This will be one funky dance party. (William Hoffman)