The Cat Empire frontman Felix Riebl’s new solo EP is titled Black Room White Walls. No wonder, then, that its first single Black Room is now followed by the track White Walls.

The five-track EP was recorded over several years between New York and Melbourne. But due to an intense touring schedule with The Cat Empire and the release of their latest album he hadn’t had the opportunity to put it out yet. Then, COVID-19 struck and only four shows into their European tour, The Cat Empire rushed home. Just in time to escape the European lock-down. This gave Riebl enough time to prepare the EP’s release.

Don’t expect anything near the Cat Empire sound though. Other than his band’s fusion of latin, ska and funk, his solo tracks are darker and guitar-based with big choruses. The banging rockers combine elements of New Order and Coldplay, while Russian composer Rachmaninoff and Pink Floyd were influences as well.

“There’s an angst to it”, Felix Riebl says about White Walls. “A real dark energy in there, but in the anthemic chorus I feel that it is positive.”

The EP is set to be followed with a full-length album next year.

Recommended as well:
Felix Riebl – Black Room

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Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.