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{{Short description|Indie rock musical group}}
{{Music-stub}}

{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| name = Fantastic Cat
| name = Fantastic Cat
| image =
| image = FantasticCat ReithHumphreys1.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| image_upright =
| image_upright =
| landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption = Fantastic Cat performing in 2024
| alias =
| alias =
| origin =
| origin =
| genre = [[Americana (music)|Americana]], [[Folk rock]], [[Indie rock]], [[Country music]]
| genre = [[Americana (music)|Americana]], [[Folk rock]], [[Indie rock]], [[Country music]]
| discography =
| discography =
| years_active ={{Start date|2021}}–present
| years_active = {{Start date|2021}}–present
| label = Blue Rose Music, Missing Piece Records
| label = Blue Rose Music, Missing Piece Records
| spinoffs =
| spinoffs =
| spinoff_of =
| spinoff_of =
| current_members = [[Anthony D'Amato]], Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, Mike Montali
| current_members = [[Anthony D'Amato]], Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, Mike Montali
| past_members =
| past_members =
| website = https://www.fantasticcatband.com/
| website = https://www.fantasticcatband.com/
| module =
| module =
| module2 =
| module2 =
| module3 =
| module3 =
}}
}}


'''Fantastic Cat''' is an indie music [[supergroup (music)|supergroup]] consisting of [[Anthony D'Amato]], Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, and Mike Montali.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/12681737-Fantastic-Cat-2 |title=Fantastic Cat (2) Discography |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=discogs.com |publisher=Discogs |access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref>
'''Fantastic Cat''' is an indie music [[supergroup (music)|supergroup]] consisting of [[Anthony D'Amato]], Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, and Mike Montali.<ref name="Discogs">{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/12681737-Fantastic-Cat-2 |title=Fantastic Cat (2) Discography |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=discogs.com |publisher=Discogs |access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Fantastic Cat was conceived as a project between Mike Montali (of [[Hollis Brown (band)|Hollis Brown]]) and Don DiLego who wanted to form a "four [[singer-songwriter]]" group.<ref name="Tina">{{cite web |url=https://americansongwriter.com/when-four-singer-songwriters-unite-one-fantastic-cat-is-born/ |title=When Four Singer-Songwriters Unite, One ‘Fantastic Cat’ is Born |last=Benetiz-Eves |first=Tina |date=2021 |website=americansongwriter.com |publisher=American Songwriter |access-date=March 26, 2024 |quote=}}</ref> The band claim's their name comes from a waitress in bar who when asked what she would name a band responded with "Fantastic Cat."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rockandrollglobe.com/rock/fantastic-cat-funky-felines-on-the-prowl/ |title=Fantastic Cat: Funky Felines On The Prowl |last=Zimmerman |first=Lee |date=August 14, 2022 |website=rockandrollglobe.com |publisher=Rock and Roll Globe |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref> Brian Dunne was brought in along with Mike Montali and Don DiLego to record the group's early music at DiLego's recording studio in the [[Pocono Mountains]], and Anthony D'Amato joined via recording remotely from his home in [[Colorado]] due to travel restrictions from the [[COVID-19 Pandemic]].<ref name="Tina"/> Artist Jane Beaird illustrated the band depicting them as [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[cat|cats]] for the first [[EP record]] release in 2021, which has become reoccurring iconography in following releases by the group.<ref name="Jane">{{cite web |url=https://www.janebeaird.com/fantastic-cat |title=FANTASTIC CAT |last=Beaird |first=Jane |date=2022 |website=janebeaird.com |publisher=Jane Beaird |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref>
Fantastic Cat was conceived as a collaborative project between [[Singer-songwriter|singer/songwriter]]s Don DiLego, [[Anthony D'Amato]], and Brian Dunne along with [[Hollis Brown (band)|Hollis Brown]] frontman Mike Montali.<ref name="Tina">{{cite web |url=https://americansongwriter.com/when-four-singer-songwriters-unite-one-fantastic-cat-is-born/ |title=When Four Singer-Songwriters Unite, One 'Fantastic Cat' is Born |last=Benetiz-Eves |first=Tina |date=2021 |website=americansongwriter.com |publisher=American Songwriter |access-date=March 26, 2024 |quote=}}</ref> Lacking a name before their first recording session, the four asked a waitress at a local New York City bar what they should call themselves. Without hesitation, she replied, "Fantastic Cat," and the name stuck.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rockandrollglobe.com/rock/fantastic-cat-funky-felines-on-the-prowl/ |title=Fantastic Cat: Funky Felines On The Prowl |last=Zimmerman |first=Lee |date=August 14, 2022 |website=rockandrollglobe.com |publisher=Rock and Roll Globe |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref> Artist Jane Beaird illustrated the band as [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[cat|cats]] for the cover of their self-titled 2021 [[Extended play|EP]], which eventually turned into the signature masks the band wears in all of their photos and videos.<ref name="Jane">{{cite web |url=https://www.janebeaird.com/fantastic-cat |title=FANTASTIC CAT |last=Beaird |first=Jane |date=2022 |website=janebeaird.com |publisher=Jane Beaird |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref> The band has described their humor and satirical attitude as a spoof of their own respective solo careers taking themselves too seriously.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hamptons.com/interview-fantastic-cat-talks-their-band-new-album-and-the-hamptons/ |title=INTERVIEW: Fantastic Cat Talks Their Band, New Album, and The Hamptons |last=Chumbi |first=Veronica |date=June 3, 2024 |website=hamptons.com |access-date=June 4, 2024}}</ref>


Fantastic Cat released their debut [[LP record|LP]] ''The Very Best of Fantastic Cat'' in 2022.<ref>{{Cite AV media notes |title=The Very Best of Fantastic Cat |title-link= |author=Fantastic Cat |others= |url= |date=July 29, 2022 |access-date=|at= |type= |publisher=Blue Rose Music |id= |location= }}</ref> The cover art features the band members photographed in their masks by Shervin Lainez, and the accompanying bio references past bands with multiple singers and songwriters, claiming it had "never been done" before going on to list several famous examples including [[The Beatles]], [[Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young]], and [[The Highwaymen (country supergroup)|The Highwaymen]].
Fantastic Cat's first [[LP record|LP]] ''The Very Best of Fantastic Cat'' released in 2022, produced by Joe Poletto with Michael Hesslein, Tyler Rigdon, Randdy Schrager, and Andrew Zehnal as additional musicians.<ref>{{Cite AV media notes |title=The Very Best of Fantastic Cat |title-link= |author=Fantastic Cat |others= |url= |date=July 29, 2022 |access-date=|at= |type= |publisher=Blue Rose Music |id= |location= |ref=}}</ref> The cover art features the band members photographed by Shervin Lainez. The album cover's blurb parodies prior rock bands with multiple singer-songwriters claiming comically it had "never been done" before listing several famous supergroups such as [[The Beatles]] and [[The Highwaymen]]. Reviewer Jon Young for ''No Depression'' favorably compared the album's opening track "C'mon Armageddon" to [[Bob Dylan|Bob Dylan's]] "[[Subterranean Homesick Blues]]" and it's protest message against former US president [[Donald Trump]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nodepression.com/album-reviews/team-spirit-animates-the-very-best-of-fantastic-cat/ |title=ALBUM REVIEW: Team Spirit and Thoughtful Songcraft Animate ‘The Very Best of Fantastic Cat’ |last=Young |first=Jon |date=July 27, 2022 |website=nodepression.com |publisher=No Depression |access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref> Reviewer Shawn Donohue made comparisons of the album to the music of [[Delta Spirit]], [[Bruce Springsteen]], [[Jackson Browne]] and [[Monsters of Folk]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://glidemagazine.com/278608/fantastic-cat-crawl-out-easy-rolling-the-band-inspired-debut-offering-the-very-best-of-fantastic-cat-album-review/ |title=Fantastic Cat Crawl Out Easy Rolling ‘The Band’ Inspired Debut Offering ‘The Very Best Of Fantastic Cat’ (ALBUM REVIEW) |last=Donohue |first=Shawn |date=July 28, 2022 |website=glidemagazine.com |publisher=Glide Magazine |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref> In an enthusiastic review for Americana Highways, critic John Moore stated "If there is any justice in this world, this would be the first in a series of shows, followed by another record. Even the [[Traveling Wilburys]] gave us two albums (and The Highwaymen gave us three)."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://americanahighways.org/2022/07/27/review-fantastic-cat-the-very-best-of/ |title=REVIEW: Fantastic Cat “The Very Best Of” |last=Moore |first=John |date=July 27, 2022 |website=americanahighways.org |publisher=Americana Highways |access-date=March 26, 2024 |quote=If there is any justice in this world, this would be the first in a series of shows, followed by another record. Even the Traveling Wilburys gave us two albums (and The Highwaymen gave us three).}}</ref> Fantastic Cat would perform several songs from the album on [[CBS Saturday Morning]] in August 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21445752/ |title=CBS Saturday Morning Episode #11.33 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=imdb.com |publisher=IMDB |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Jane"/>


Fantastic Cat throughout 2023 would issue singles covering [[Warren Zevon|Warren Zevon's]] "Keep Me in Your Heart" and [[Paul McCartney and Wings| Paul McCartney and Wings']] "[[Band on the Run (song)|Band on the Run]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/fantastic-cat-warren-zevon-keep-me-in-your-heart-1234691839/ |title=Warren Zevon’s ‘Keep Me in Your Heart’ Gets Covered by Men Wearing Cat Masks and It’s Superb |last=Hudak |first=Joseph |date=March 7, 2023 |website=rollingstone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fantastic-cat-cover-band-on-the-run-wings-paul-mccartney-1234910322/ |title=See Fantastic Cat — Dudes Who Wear Cat Masks and Suits — Cover ‘Band on the Run’ With Butch Walker |last=Hudak |first=Joseph |date=December 5, 2023 |website=rollingstone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref> A vinyl exclusive EP titled ''Live at The Bowery Ballroom'' was self-published by Fantastic Cat in 2023 with the humorous claim it was a "Japanese import" from a factory that was destroyed by [[Godzilla]] after pressing only 250 copies of the record.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fantasticcatband.com/product-page/live-at-the-bowery-ballroom-7-vinyl-ep |title=Live At The Bowery Ballroom 7" Vinyl EP |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2023 |website=fantasticcatband |publisher=Fantastic Cat |access-date=March 26, 2024 |quote=Pressed on luxurious gold vinyl, this rare Japanese import is a collector's dream featuring four spine-tingling performances (including two previously unreleased songs) captured live at The Bowery Ballroom. Only 250 were made before the pressing plant was destroyed in what authorities have described as a routine Godzilla stomping.}}</ref>
[[Rolling Stone]] called the album a "wildly satisfying collection of folk-rock, country, Americana, and good old rock & roll"<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/fantastic-cat-warren-zevon-keep-me-in-your-heart-1234691839/ | title=Warren Zevon's 'Keep Me in Your Heart' Gets Covered by Men Wearing Cat Masks and It's Superb | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=7 March 2023 }}</ref> with "equal doses of Dylan and Springsteen,"<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fantastic-cat-cover-band-on-the-run-wings-paul-mccartney-1234910322/ | title=See Fantastic Cat -- Dudes Who Wear Cat Masks and Suits -- Cover 'Band on the Run' with Butch Walker | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=5 December 2023 }}</ref> and the band made their national television debut shortly after the release on [[CBS Saturday Morning]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21445752/ |title=CBS Saturday Morning Episode #11.33 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=imdb.com |publisher=IMDB |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Jane"/> Reviewer Jon Young favorably compared the album's opening track "C'mon Armageddon" to [[Bob Dylan|Bob Dylan's]] "[[Subterranean Homesick Blues]]" in ''[[No Depression (magazine)|No Depression]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nodepression.com/album-reviews/team-spirit-animates-the-very-best-of-fantastic-cat/ |title=ALBUM REVIEW: Team Spirit and Thoughtful Songcraft Animate 'The Very Best of Fantastic Cat' |last=Young |first=Jon |date=July 27, 2022 |website=nodepression.com |publisher=No Depression |access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref> while Glide Magazine's Shawn Donohue likened the album to the music of [[Delta Spirit]], [[Bruce Springsteen]], [[Jackson Browne]] and [[Monsters of Folk]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://glidemagazine.com/278608/fantastic-cat-crawl-out-easy-rolling-the-band-inspired-debut-offering-the-very-best-of-fantastic-cat-album-review/ |title=Fantastic Cat Crawl Out Easy Rolling 'The Band' Inspired Debut Offering 'The Very Best Of Fantastic Cat' (ALBUM REVIEW) |last=Donohue |first=Shawn |date=July 28, 2022 |website=glidemagazine.com |publisher=Glide Magazine |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref> In an enthusiastic review for Americana Highways, critic John Moore stated, "If there is any justice in this world, this would be the first in a series of shows, followed by another record. Even the [[Traveling Wilburys]] gave us two albums (and The Highwaymen gave us three)."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://americanahighways.org/2022/07/27/review-fantastic-cat-the-very-best-of/ |title=REVIEW: Fantastic Cat "The Very Best Of" |last=Moore |first=John |date=July 27, 2022 |website=americanahighways.org |publisher=Americana Highways |access-date=March 26, 2024 |quote=If there is any justice in this world, this would be the first in a series of shows, followed by another record. Even the Traveling Wilburys gave us two albums (and The Highwaymen gave us three).}}</ref>


[[File:FantasticCat ReithHumphreys2.jpg|thumb|Band members Brian Dunne (left) and Anthony D'Amato (right) performing in 2024. ]]
Fantastic Cat announced their second LP ''Now That's What I Call Fantastic Cat'' in 2024 with the release of a music video for "All My Fault" parodying VHS dating services.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fantastic-cat-all-my-fault-video-dating-1234993672/ |title=Don’t Date These Men: Fantastic Cat Are Cringey Singles in New ‘All My Fault’ Video |last=Hudak |first=Joseph |date=March 25, 2024 |website=rollingstone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref>


In 2023, Fantastic Cat released a cover of [[Warren Zevon|Warren Zevon's]] "[[The Wind (Warren Zevon album)|Keep Me in Your Heart]]" and teamed up with [[Butch Walker]] for a 50th anniversary recording of [[Paul McCartney and Wings| Paul McCartney and Wings']] "[[Band on the Run (song)|Band on the Run]]."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/fantastic-cat-warren-zevon-keep-me-in-your-heart-1234691839/ |title=Warren Zevon's 'Keep Me in Your Heart' Gets Covered by Men Wearing Cat Masks and It's Superb |last=Hudak |first=Joseph |date=March 7, 2023 |website=rollingstone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fantastic-cat-cover-band-on-the-run-wings-paul-mccartney-1234910322/ |title=See Fantastic Cat — Dudes Who Wear Cat Masks and Suits — Cover 'Band on the Run' With Butch Walker |last=Hudak |first=Joseph |date=December 5, 2023 |website=rollingstone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref> The band also released a limited edition 7" vinyl EP titled ''Live at The Bowery Ballroom,'' which they claimed was a "Japanese import" from a factory that had been destroyed by [[Godzilla]] after the first and only pressing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fantasticcatband.com/product-page/live-at-the-bowery-ballroom-7-vinyl-ep |title=Live At The Bowery Ballroom 7" Vinyl EP |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2023 |website=fantasticcatband |publisher=Fantastic Cat |access-date=March 26, 2024 |quote=Pressed on luxurious gold vinyl, this rare Japanese import is a collector's dream featuring four spine-tingling performances (including two previously unreleased songs) captured live at The Bowery Ballroom. Only 250 were made before the pressing plant was destroyed in what authorities have described as a routine Godzilla stomping.}}</ref>
⚫
==References==
⚫
{{Reflist|30em}}


Fantastic Cat announced their second LP, ''Now That's What I Call Fantastic Cat,'' in 2024 with the release of a music video for lead single "All My Fault," which parodied vintage VHS dating services.<ref name="Date">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fantastic-cat-all-my-fault-video-dating-1234993672/ |title=Don't Date These Men: Fantastic Cat Are Cringey Singles in New 'All My Fault' Video |last=Hudak |first=Joseph |date=March 25, 2024 |website=rollingstone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref> The album track "So Glad You Made It" featured [[Adam Duritz]] of [[Counting Crows]], and a music video for the song features Duritz along with [[Run-DMC|Run DMC]]'s [[Darryl McDaniels]] portraying the role of the band's engineer.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fantastic-cat-so-glad-you-made-it-video-adam-duritz-1235034974/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2NvUhlZOysfqlhEMTN8DLuPXNdom6rKQ9jSdctDEZaaxtmXK8h-y2Os8s_aem_AS3qFHnJa5OgXOsnrwUBaYzCtlvKYrKoqPm14hnQeTn-6RLAce6B46DVw2LQUrneuFyILqDzx9MI7uFTFw7waicD |title=Fantastic Cat Commit to the Bit With New Album and Video Featuring Adam Duritz |last=Hudak |first=Joseph |date=June 7, 2024 |website=rollingstone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=June 7, 2024}}</ref> The [[The Boston Globe|Boston Globe]] declared "So Glad You Made It" one of the Songs Of The Summer, calling ''Now That's What I Call Fantastic Cat'' "an album without a dud,"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/08/29/arts/songs-of-the-summer-2024/|title=Songs of the Summer 2024 |last=Morris |first=Chris |date=August 29, 2024 |website=bostonglobe.com |publisher=Boston Globe {{subscription required}}|access-date=October 19, 2024}}</ref> while [[No Depression (magazine)|No Depression]] raved that "there's not another rock band like them,"<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Gage |first=Jeff |date=Fall 2024 |title=Cat Power |url=https://store.compassrecords.com/products/no-depression-fall-2024?srsltid=AfmBOorkaGUPBw8wF26eGSXqVFwzQtgRFXh-ec0WmlBWm6CBl19pu5ys |magazine=No Depression |location= |publisher=Compass Records Group}}</ref> and [[The Village Voice]] asked "Is Fantastic Cat the 'Wu-Tang Clan of Folk Rock?'"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/is-fantastic-cat-the-wu-tang-clan-of-folk-rock/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2zHx-FCtnQIJ8kQIdcgOdV9GrZiyQvWlaTCDB32n-8dcHwb3MulGnkc3U_aem_YyV3bGpJDX_TdtYtha-edA |title=Is Fantastic Cat the 'Wu-Tang Clan of Folk Rock'? |last=Turman |first=Katherine |date=July 15, 2024 |website=villagevoice.com |publisher=Village Voice |access-date=October 19, 2024}}</ref> The band returned to perform on CBS Saturday Morning on June 8, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/video/saturday-sessions-fantastic-cat-performs-all-my-fault/ |title=Saturday Sessions Fantastic Cat Performs All My Fault |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=June 8, 2024 |website=cbsnews.com |publisher=CBS |access-date=June 10, 2024}}</ref>

Fantastic Cat was announced as one of the guest performers on 2024's ''Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin'' a benefit album for the Sweet Relief artist fund on behalf of [[Jesse Malin]], with Fantastic Cat covering "Queen of the Underworld" exclusive on the vinyl release.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin Arrives |url=https://www.antimusic.com/p/24/0922silver_patron_saints_the_songs_of_jesse_malin_arrives.shtml |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=antimusic.com|language=en}}</ref> In October the band released two holiday themed covers, [[Lindsey Buckingham|Lindsey Buckingham's]] "[[Holiday Road]]," and "[[Feliz Navidad (song)|Feliz Navidad]]" in collaboration with [[mariachi]] band Corazon de Mexico.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newjerseystage.com/asburymusic.com/getarticle2.php?thelocation=njstage&titlelink=fantastic-cat-releases-pair-of-christmas-covers102024 |title=Fantastic Cat Releases a Pair of Christmas Covers |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=October 23, 2024 |website=newjerseystage.com |publisher=New Jersey Stage |access-date=October 23, 2024}}</ref>

== Discography ==

'''Studio Albums'''
* ''The Very Best Of Fantastic Cat'' (2022)
* ''Now That's What I Call Fantastic Cat'' (2024)<ref name="Date"/>

'''EPs'''
* ''Fantastic Cat EP'' (2021)<ref name="Discogs"/>
* ''Live at The Bowery Ballroom'' (2023)

⚫
==References==
⚫
{{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:American indie folk groups]]
[[Category:American indie folk groups]]
[[Category:Indie rock musical groups from New York (state)‎]]
[[Category:Indie rock musical groups from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2021]]
[[Category:2021 establishments in New York (state)]]

Latest revision as of 02:21, 1 December 2024

Fantastic Cat
Fantastic Cat performing in 2024
Background information
GenresAmericana, Folk rock, Indie rock, Country music
Years active2021 (2021)–present
LabelsBlue Rose Music, Missing Piece Records
MembersAnthony D'Amato, Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, Mike Montali
Websitehttps://www.fantasticcatband.com/

Fantastic Cat is an indie music supergroup consisting of Anthony D'Amato, Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, and Mike Montali.[1]

History

[edit]

Fantastic Cat was conceived as a collaborative project between singer/songwriters Don DiLego, Anthony D'Amato, and Brian Dunne along with Hollis Brown frontman Mike Montali.[2] Lacking a name before their first recording session, the four asked a waitress at a local New York City bar what they should call themselves. Without hesitation, she replied, "Fantastic Cat," and the name stuck.[3] Artist Jane Beaird illustrated the band as anthropomorphic cats for the cover of their self-titled 2021 EP, which eventually turned into the signature masks the band wears in all of their photos and videos.[4] The band has described their humor and satirical attitude as a spoof of their own respective solo careers taking themselves too seriously.[5]

Fantastic Cat released their debut LP The Very Best of Fantastic Cat in 2022.[6] The cover art features the band members photographed in their masks by Shervin Lainez, and the accompanying bio references past bands with multiple singers and songwriters, claiming it had "never been done" before going on to list several famous examples including The Beatles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and The Highwaymen.

Rolling Stone called the album a "wildly satisfying collection of folk-rock, country, Americana, and good old rock & roll"[7] with "equal doses of Dylan and Springsteen,"[8] and the band made their national television debut shortly after the release on CBS Saturday Morning.[9][4] Reviewer Jon Young favorably compared the album's opening track "C'mon Armageddon" to Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" in No Depression,[10] while Glide Magazine's Shawn Donohue likened the album to the music of Delta Spirit, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne and Monsters of Folk.[11] In an enthusiastic review for Americana Highways, critic John Moore stated, "If there is any justice in this world, this would be the first in a series of shows, followed by another record. Even the Traveling Wilburys gave us two albums (and The Highwaymen gave us three)."[12]

Band members Brian Dunne (left) and Anthony D'Amato (right) performing in 2024.

In 2023, Fantastic Cat released a cover of Warren Zevon's "Keep Me in Your Heart" and teamed up with Butch Walker for a 50th anniversary recording of Paul McCartney and Wings' "Band on the Run."[13][14] The band also released a limited edition 7" vinyl EP titled Live at The Bowery Ballroom, which they claimed was a "Japanese import" from a factory that had been destroyed by Godzilla after the first and only pressing.[15]

Fantastic Cat announced their second LP, Now That's What I Call Fantastic Cat, in 2024 with the release of a music video for lead single "All My Fault," which parodied vintage VHS dating services.[16] The album track "So Glad You Made It" featured Adam Duritz of Counting Crows, and a music video for the song features Duritz along with Run DMC's Darryl McDaniels portraying the role of the band's engineer.[17] The Boston Globe declared "So Glad You Made It" one of the Songs Of The Summer, calling Now That's What I Call Fantastic Cat "an album without a dud,"[18] while No Depression raved that "there's not another rock band like them,"[19] and The Village Voice asked "Is Fantastic Cat the 'Wu-Tang Clan of Folk Rock?'"[20] The band returned to perform on CBS Saturday Morning on June 8, 2024.[21]

Fantastic Cat was announced as one of the guest performers on 2024's Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin a benefit album for the Sweet Relief artist fund on behalf of Jesse Malin, with Fantastic Cat covering "Queen of the Underworld" exclusive on the vinyl release.[22] In October the band released two holiday themed covers, Lindsey Buckingham's "Holiday Road," and "Feliz Navidad" in collaboration with mariachi band Corazon de Mexico.[23]

Discography

[edit]

Studio Albums

  • The Very Best Of Fantastic Cat (2022)
  • Now That's What I Call Fantastic Cat (2024)[16]

EPs

  • Fantastic Cat EP (2021)[1]
  • Live at The Bowery Ballroom (2023)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Fantastic Cat (2) Discography". discogs.com. Discogs. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  2. ^ Benetiz-Eves, Tina (2021). "When Four Singer-Songwriters Unite, One 'Fantastic Cat' is Born". americansongwriter.com. American Songwriter. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  3. ^ Zimmerman, Lee (August 14, 2022). "Fantastic Cat: Funky Felines On The Prowl". rockandrollglobe.com. Rock and Roll Globe. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Beaird, Jane (2022). "FANTASTIC CAT". janebeaird.com. Jane Beaird. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  5. ^ Chumbi, Veronica (June 3, 2024). "INTERVIEW: Fantastic Cat Talks Their Band, New Album, and The Hamptons". hamptons.com. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  6. ^ Fantastic Cat (July 29, 2022). The Very Best of Fantastic Cat (Media notes). Blue Rose Music.
  7. ^ "Warren Zevon's 'Keep Me in Your Heart' Gets Covered by Men Wearing Cat Masks and It's Superb". Rolling Stone. 7 March 2023.
  8. ^ "See Fantastic Cat -- Dudes Who Wear Cat Masks and Suits -- Cover 'Band on the Run' with Butch Walker". Rolling Stone. 5 December 2023.
  9. ^ "CBS Saturday Morning Episode #11.33". imdb.com. IMDB. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  10. ^ Young, Jon (July 27, 2022). "ALBUM REVIEW: Team Spirit and Thoughtful Songcraft Animate 'The Very Best of Fantastic Cat'". nodepression.com. No Depression. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  11. ^ Donohue, Shawn (July 28, 2022). "Fantastic Cat Crawl Out Easy Rolling 'The Band' Inspired Debut Offering 'The Very Best Of Fantastic Cat' (ALBUM REVIEW)". glidemagazine.com. Glide Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  12. ^ Moore, John (July 27, 2022). "REVIEW: Fantastic Cat "The Very Best Of"". americanahighways.org. Americana Highways. Retrieved March 26, 2024. If there is any justice in this world, this would be the first in a series of shows, followed by another record. Even the Traveling Wilburys gave us two albums (and The Highwaymen gave us three).
  13. ^ Hudak, Joseph (March 7, 2023). "Warren Zevon's 'Keep Me in Your Heart' Gets Covered by Men Wearing Cat Masks and It's Superb". rollingstone.com. Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  14. ^ Hudak, Joseph (December 5, 2023). "See Fantastic Cat — Dudes Who Wear Cat Masks and Suits — Cover 'Band on the Run' With Butch Walker". rollingstone.com. Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  15. ^ "Live At The Bowery Ballroom 7" Vinyl EP". fantasticcatband. Fantastic Cat. 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2024. Pressed on luxurious gold vinyl, this rare Japanese import is a collector's dream featuring four spine-tingling performances (including two previously unreleased songs) captured live at The Bowery Ballroom. Only 250 were made before the pressing plant was destroyed in what authorities have described as a routine Godzilla stomping.
  16. ^ a b Hudak, Joseph (March 25, 2024). "Don't Date These Men: Fantastic Cat Are Cringey Singles in New 'All My Fault' Video". rollingstone.com. Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  17. ^ Hudak, Joseph (June 7, 2024). "Fantastic Cat Commit to the Bit With New Album and Video Featuring Adam Duritz". rollingstone.com. Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  18. ^ Morris, Chris (August 29, 2024). "Songs of the Summer 2024". bostonglobe.com. Boston Globe (subscription required). Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  19. ^ Gage, Jeff (Fall 2024). "Cat Power". No Depression. Compass Records Group.
  20. ^ Turman, Katherine (July 15, 2024). "Is Fantastic Cat the 'Wu-Tang Clan of Folk Rock'?". villagevoice.com. Village Voice. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  21. ^ "Saturday Sessions Fantastic Cat Performs All My Fault". cbsnews.com. CBS. June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  22. ^ "Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin Arrives". antimusic.com. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
  23. ^ "Fantastic Cat Releases a Pair of Christmas Covers". newjerseystage.com. New Jersey Stage. October 23, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
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