
Jul 29, 2014
The Cult brought their brand of Heavy Acid Goth Punk Sonic Hard Rock to the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California on Thursday (July 24) and didn't disappoint. After 30 years as a unit, the band, consisting of long time members vocalist Ian Astbury, lead guitarist Billy Duffy, bassist Chris Wyse, drummer John Tempesta and returning rhythm guitarist James Stevenson still deliver a dynamic sound.
The rhythm section of Tempesta and Wyse are a rock solid foundation and the always great Duffy showcased his skills and sound that can distinctively and definitively only be The Cult's. The choice to bring Gene Loves Jezebel guitarist James Stevenson back to the band in 2013 has proven to be a good one. Stevenson previously had a stint with the band on their Beauty's On The Streets tour in back in 1994. While Astbury's vocals at times dropped in and out of the mix, Wyse and Stevenson contributed nice backing vocals to fill in the few spaces vacated by Astbury.
After the band's 'Electric 13' tour last year that showcased the 'Electric' album in its entirety, they returned to tracks from all their albums for this current trek. 'Spiritwalker' was included from 'Dreamtime,' with tracks from 'Love' also well represented ('Rain,' 'The Phoenix' and 'She Sells Sanctuary'). Songs from the 'Electric' album included 'Wild Flower,' 'Lil' Devil,' 'Aphrodisiac Jacket,' 'Love Removal Machine' and set closer 'King Contrary Man.' 'Sonic Temple' songs in the set were 'Sweet Soul Sister' and 'Sun King,' but I found it odd that two of the most well known tracks from the band 'Fire Woman" and 'Edie (Ciao Baby)' were not included in the set from that album. Looking back at past set lists, the band hasn't been performing those two in concert for quite some time. 'Gone' was the lone track included from 1994's 'The Cult' album, with 'Rise' representing 2001's 'Beyond Good and Evil' release. 'The Witch' from 'Pure Cult: The Singles 1984–1995' was included, and the quintet also dug into its latest album, 2012's "Choice of Weapon," for a few songs; 'Honey From a Knife,' 'For the Animals' and 'Lucifer.'
Ian Astbury thanked the Chumash people for having them on their sacred land for the show and continuously thanked the crowd for coming out to join the band. After wrapping up with 'King Contrary Man,' (which wasn't on the original set list), Astbury said more new Cult music will be coming soon and invited everyone to join the band online www.thecult.us
Special Thanks to Mike Traphagen of Chumash Casino Resort. For all upcoming shows and events, or to book a room in their beautiful hotel go to www.chumashcasino.com