POP MUSIC : A REFRESHING REPORT BY CACTUS WORLD NEWS
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It was oddly refreshing Wednesday at the Whisky that when Cactus World News singer Eion McEvoy told the crowd, “It’s time to get involved,” he didn’t mean send money to Ethiopia, but rather that he wanted people to dance.
Don’t get the idea that this Irish quartet has nothing more on its mind than partying and record sales, though. This is a band of Big Ideals, as signified by such song titles as “The Promise.”
In the Whisky show, those ideals came across powerfully, propelled by a big guitar sound and a largely uptempo repertoire spearheaded by “Years Later,” a shining example of exciting and uplifting rock. Yes, the sound is often close to that of the group’s fellow countrymen U2 (who’s Bono produced the first Cactus World News single), but better that than sounding like Journey.
One thing Cactus World News hasn’t picked up from U2 is the talent for keeping spirits elevated when the musical pace slows. Several songs in this 70-minute set wallowed in uninvolving ponderousness. That--and the need for a more unique musical territory--are what currently stand between this band and its promise. Cactus World News will play a free concert at 5 p.m. today at Universal Studios.
Local band Kevin McCormick and the Uninvited (who open for David Lindley tonight at the Palace) led off the evening with a set of varied rock material, accomplished and mainstream sounding, but made intriguing by some original musical twists and McCormick’s expansive stage presence.
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