Fantastic Cat: Cat Out of Hell Album Review & Member Guide

Here I go “ABC” reviewing “Cat out of Hell”, the new album from NYC music scene supergroup Fantastic Cat, their back catalogue together with a resume of members of the ‘cat family’.

A) Fantastic Cat

The Band

The band consists of Anthony D’Amato, Brian Dunne, Don DeLigo and Mike Montali, all of who have existing regular solo or band careers.

Formed in 2021 they formed the band to escape the seriousness of their day-to-day jobs with their humour extending across their offering – “Cat” branded merch ("Folk Rock for Pussies" T-shirts) in addition to non-serious album titles.

The band doesn’t confine itself to the studio – live they embrace their fun nature, frequently trading instruments mid-set in a chaotic but technically brilliant manner.

The band recall similar supergroups; think of a less countrified Golden Smog (Wilco, The Jayhawks, Soul Asylum, Run Westy Run), crossed with The Thorns (Matthew Sweet, Shawn Mullins and Pete Droge) as some touch points.

The Cat Out Of Hell Album

Fantastic Cat - Cat Out Of Hell *(Image: Band website)*

April 2026 saw the release of the band’s third album, the improbably titled “Cat out of Hell”.

I say improbably, but earlier release titles, 2024’s “Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat” and 2022 debut “The Very Best of Fantastic Cat”, may have provided some warning on the quirky and self-depracating nomenclature the band likes to adopt.

The new album definitely dials things up with regards to the cohesiveness of the band itself. Despite the title there is a bit more seriousness to the songs and an associated togetherness, rather than four solo artists jamming together.

Accordingly, it’s a wider and more looser collection with a live vibe energy to it. It encapsulates well the influences of each member, harnessing their undoubted song writing chops which clearly channel classic folk and rock and roll from over the last 60 years.

Key Tracks:

· "Donnie Takes the Bus": A rollicking, anthemic lead single that showcases their signature instrument-swapping and shared vocals.

· "Don't Let Go": A heart-on-sleeve rocker with stacked harmonies that feels destined for a festival sing-along.

· "I Spoke to God a Lot Last Year": A more intimate, vulnerable track that balances the band’s usual wit with genuine existential reflection.

“Cat out of Hell” certainly represents a natural evolution. If the first album was a blind date and the second was a steady relationship, Cat Out of Hell is the band finally moving in together and making some noise.

Overall it’s a strong release, with songs chock-full of Whiskas enriched nutrition, that will leave you feeling like a cat that’s got the cream!

B) Sweeping up the Cat litter

For completeness and further listening the band’s other two albums are as follows.

“The Very Best of Fantastic Cat” (2022)

Fantastic Cat - The Very Best Of Fantastic Cat *(Image: Band website)*

Ironically titled for a debut album, this record introduced their "musical chairs" approach. Every member is a frontman, and they swap guitars, drums, and bass between tracks.

It’s a strong offering right from the outset. Opener “C’mon Armageddon”, laying down an early assault, followed by the power-pop battery of “Nobody’s Coming To Get You” knitting things together as the album gets into its groove.

In 2023 they also recorded their breakout cover of Wings’ "Band on the Run” (with the help of producer and singer-songwriter, Butch Walker) which provides some pointers to their influences, in this faithful-to-the-original tribute, marking the song’s 50th anniversary.

“Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat” (2024)

Fantastic Cat - Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat *(Image: Band website)*

Taking the joke further with a nod to the famous pop compilations, this sophomore effort solidified their "Americana supergroup" status.

It featured more polished production and guest spots, including Adam Duritz (Counting Crows) on “So Glad You Made It”, and further evidenced the unique chemistry the band had shown on their debut album.

Standout songs include “The Hammer & the Nail”, “So Glad You Made It” and “Head Down, Shots Fired” which inject both fun and melody into proceedings whilst keeping a firm rock emphasis.

C) The Paw Prints of the Band

Scratch the surface a bit further and there is a wealth of great music to uncover from each band member on their own patch. All are established members of the NYC music scene.

Anthony D’Amato

A critically acclaimed folk artist with comparisons of his writing to Bruce Springsteen and Josh Ritter.

D’Amato, born in New Jersey, brings the poetic, lyrical depth to Fantastic Cat and this also permeates his solo work.

He has been on the music scene since 2010, with 2014 release “The Shipwreck From the Shore” expanding his audience (songs appearing on TV series “Nashville”) and critical acclaim.

His most recent album, 2022’s “At First There Was Nothing” was recorded six years after his previous release “Cold Snap”, and was produced by indie folk star Joshua James.

Brian Dunne

New Yorker Dunne’s solo career took off around 2017, garnering a following and critical praise with albums “Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements” and “Selling Things” in 2020 establishing his mix of American rock and folk-rock.

The influence of 70s and 80s singer-songwriters such as Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, shines through his work, which perfectly co-exists with his work with Fantastic Cat.

Latest solo release, “Clams Casino” from 2024, builds upon “Loser on the Ropes” from the previous year.

Don DiLego

Massachusetts born and raised, DiLego operates as a solo artist as well as a Producer.

I’ve seen him live a few years ago supporting Jesse Malin on a UK tour, enjoyed his set and checked out some of his output back then.

His solo work can be categorised loosely within the well-crafted “alt-country” sphere and he often anchors the band's production side.

DiLego, who formed Velvet Elk Records with Jesse Malin, also operates as a producer from his "Velvet Elk" studio in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. He’s produced Malin as well as Hollis Brown, own band Fantastic Cat and Rebecca Haviland.

Hollis Brown (Mike Montali)

It’s always a good starting point when a band’s name references Bob Dylan and one of his classic songs (“The Ballad of Hollis Brown).

Hollis Brown (fronted by lead singer Mike Montali) is known for a classic American sound. Indeed they have even recorded a couple of reverential album tribute albums (Velvet Underground’s “Loaded” and The Stones “Aftermath”).

Accordingly, Montali brings the gritty, soulful rock-and-roll edge to Fantastic Cat.

The Cat’s Whiskers

Stepping into the world of Fantastic Cat opens up an expansive ecosystem of high-calibre songwriting and infectious energy. From their quirky album titles to their deep-rooted NYC solo careers, this is one musical cat flap well worth entering.

It’s a strong addition to any collection that will leave you feeling like the cat that got the cream.

Official Links

The Official Website: fantasticcatband.com
Album Pre-Order/Store: fantasticcatband.com/shop
Latest Single ("Donnie Takes the Bus"): Available on Spotify and Apple Music.

INK & AUDIO: Assault & Battery at the Cattery