Formed by ex-La's guitarist and one of the most eccentric bandleaders of our times, John Power, Cast are very much a product of their town - Liverpool. Live, the Irish folk element in their music leaps out from amongst their wild rythmical tattoo, much more so than on record.
They still remind of the La's mainly on the strength of Power's unmistakable coarse voice which is still like the wind whipping against the Pier Head. Although the sugary "There She Goes" was the La's hit, much of their output had a sharper bite to it.
The first Cast album was a Who's Next, wild Townshend riffs and muppet Moony drumming to match. However this collection finds them in a more reflective, and even romantic mood.
There is at least 50% ballads on this album, which is strange for a band celebrated as one of the Oasis "NoelRock" mafia by such as Britain's NME.
So John is returning to the style of his most widely-known musical work of yesteryear. Strings are used to good effect, and the harmonies are, on a Beach Boys scale of excellence, if not Pet Sounds, at least 20-20 (a sadly underrated album, in my opinion).
The lyrics are mostly in philosophical mode; this is not an album which tackles politics or social questions. But Power clearly feels we should be more in tune with the planet.
This is a nice album to stay in and listen to - a reflective and extremely satisfying album.
This album has not been scheduled for release in the United States.
