The Katet vs 1995

The Katet vs 1995 is a showcase for some of the strongest musicianship at the Fringe. The instrumentation is fantastic, and this is plainly a group of exceptionally talented players. Mike Kearney leads a seven-piece band through jazz-funk arrangements of the music of 1995, with Oasis, Blur, Radiohead and others all getting the Katet treatment.

The 1990s mash-up format gives them plenty to work with, although not every choice lands. The Christina Aguilera mashup falls a little flat, but the show recovers with an Oasis medley, and by the end the audience is up and dancing.

The band are engaging performers, but there is no need for much more than that. The pleasure is in watching very good musicians play very good music very well.

Weaker mashup aside, and of course matters of taste, this is an extremely capable group doing what they do best.

The Katet vs 1995 by The Katet. Credit Mike Kearney Music.