Cactus's @ CMW 2009

Bovine Sex Club

Toronto, ON

on Mar 12 2009

Sheena Lyonnais (CHARTattack)

03/13/2009 2:17pm

Background / Composition:
This Tennessee trio features brothers Asher (vocals/guitar) and Sam Rogers (bass), and Jru Frasier (drums), who's a former member of Korean metal band Unroot. Audience members have been known to come onstage and hold Frasier's drum set together during Cactus's' performances. Brothers Rogers can hold their own as well, having played in touring bands the Smartest Monkeys (Asher) and They Said We Were Ghosts (Sam).

Grade: 77

Comment:
This is a band to see live. Not only is their tropical punk music crazy, but their stage banter is highly entertaining, hilarious and smart. While Sam said nothing at all, Asher and Jru feverishly took hold of the mic, never leaving a dull moment of silence or boredom. Their talent and energy equate to an overall fun band to watch live.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: G
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Cactus's introduced their songs with comical but concise stories that were well-received by the crowd. They welcomed their tune "Daddy" by saying: "This song is about how bad-ass dads are, because we're sick of bands singing about how much they hate their dads." It's honest, it's open, it's different and those three things accurately describe the entirety of this band. Their stage set-up was a little unusual with the drums very close to the front, centered and sideways, but it worked for them — other bands, probably not so much.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: E
Organization: G
Audience Participation: S
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Frasier is an animal. Seriously, this dude is like anarchy with arms. His playing is so intense and ferocious that it's hard to focus on anything but him, especially when he continuously breaks sticks yet never ceases playing. While the bass and guitar playing was great as well, it was the drumming that shone brightest. It was so captivating that it made the fact that Frasier was only wearing tiny women's Callahan shorts rather insignificant.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: S
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: S
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Cactus's individual elements such as their charisma and beats made them stand out on a night that hosted a lot of talent. While the vocals could be a little stronger, they don't hurt the performance or band much at all. They just have to work on incorporating some more variety into their tracks so that their song "Queen Bee" doesn't sound so much like "Purple Coyote."