Fantastic Cat: 2026

A quartet of songwriters that got together in 2021, Fantastic Cat's Anthony D'Amato, Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, and Mike Montali are completely charming. 

As solo artists, they've released multiple albums. D'Amato's last release was 2022's At First There Was Nothing and Dunne's Clams Casino came out last year. DiLego has released six albums, including Magnificent Ram B Sides in 2018 and and Montali's other band is Hollis Brown, who released Ozone Park in 2018. Over the years, via sessions, concerts, or FUV's 2025 High Line Bash, Fantastic Cat have become radio station pals.

When these four friends come together, there's a certain magnetism that can't be denied. Their collective sound is captivating, as they trade off on vocals and instruments — and they harmonize so well. Their style is welcoming and down-to-earth with big sing-along choruses and bright, shiny guitars.

I've heard them described as "barstool philosophers' and that's accurate and on full display on their third and most recent album, Cat Out of Hell. The songs are lyrically deep and thoughtful, as on "Don't Let Go," which they performed in this FUV Live session. Dunne sings: 

Hearts get hard, and people get old
And nothing you can buy can save what you sold
So hold on tight to the light in your soul.

Fantastic Cat did a four-song set for this FUV Live session — and they explained to me how the band is a true democracy. This was one of my favorite sessions of the year — what a joyful New York band.

[Recorded 3/25/26. Engineered by Jim O'Hara with Erin Merriman, James Higgins, and Stacy Tran. Produced by Meghan Suma. Videographers: Nikki Phillips, Lily Crean, Bella Lipayon, Olivia Iannaccone, Dylan Duong and Danny Cifelli.]