By Paula Smith, Rock At Night Bristol
Review: Cast – Cardiff Utilita Arena – June 3, 2024
Here we are once more at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff! I really do like this venue and tonight is filled with anticipation on the return of Liam Gallagher to this Arena. Only this time Liam brings supporting acts “Villanelle” and “Cast” on his 2024 “Definitely Maybe” tour which has already been an incredible success.
In a night that is sure to be filled with swagger, Britpop, and nostalgia, Liam Gallagher’s headlining concert at Cardiff Utilita Arena will stand as a testament to the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll.
And so we begin the night with opening act Villanelle. The lead vocalist and guitarist Gene is none other than Liam Gallagher’s son. A chip off the old block you might say, with Gene having the same tonal qualities and vocal delivery as his dad. Result! Villanelle deliver a very strong and confidently played set to the already full Cardiff Arena. For me they sound a lot like early Oasis but with a slightly darker feel to their music, although they do retain some very nice melodic and memorable guitar elements in their songs and the band go down very well with the crowd.
Supporting act Cast who hail from Liverpool in the UK and were formed in 1992 are up next. Cast emerge onto the Cardiff stage to thunderous applause. From the moment they struck the first chord, it was evident that they were here to make a statement. Led by frontman John Power, the band wasted no time in delivering a set filled with infectious melodies and hypnotic vocal lines.
Opening the night with “Sandstorm” from the bands debut album “All Change”, Cast immediately have the audience singing and dancing. John Power’s vocals soared effortlessly over the driving guitars and pulsating rhythms. Then came “Love Is The Call” from their latest album of the same name, and then“Faraway” with its uplifting guitar intro, huge catchy chorus, and melodic guitar lines that compliment the song throughout.
Then came the wonderful “History” with its guitar driven intro and unusual rhythmic feel. One of the highlights of the night for me though was the band’s performance of “Walkaway”. For me this is a timeless anthem that resonated deeply with the crowd. Power poured his heart and soul into the lyrics and showcased the enduring appeal of the bands songwriting prowess with this track. Walk Away has some beautiful guitar lines too and it definitely the stand out song of their set.
Throughout the show Cast exuded a sense of joy and passion that was infectious, igniting a fire within the excited audience. Then came “Tomorrow Call My Name” from their latest offering “Love Is The Call” and for me the new material shows a more confident and mature approach to their songwriting and is indeed a step up musically too.
By the time Cast concluded their set with the incredibly upbeat and anthemic “Alright,” they had firmly established themselves as more than just a supporting act, and that they are a force to be reckoned within their own right with some memorable and well written songs under their belt.
As Cast bid farewell to the Cardiff crowd amidst the cheers and applause, it was clear that their performance had left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. A great job from this band who certainly know how to write an anthemic, catchy song or two. Thumbs up.
PHOTO GALLERY
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” I think it’s very important to surround yourself with like-minded people who are as dedicated as you are,and if you work hard and develop your craft over time, great things will follow”
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