Cast

Beetroot [Polydor]

It must be telling in some way that, four albums later, the public perception of Cast is still that it’s ‘that guy from the La’s, but not the talented one’. His former band must be a huge albatross for John Power and in many ways it’s unsurprising. It would be difficult for even Lee Mavers to live up to the weight of the La’s history and possibly that’s why he has never attempted to. Power on the other hand is nothing if not a trier. Cast, therefore, have taken themselves off in search of a new direction – attempting to shake off the past for once and for all.

Beetroot opens with the new single ‘Desert Drought’. Armed with a brass section and flute, it completely misses the mark and is a chaotic mess. ‘Heal Me’ begins and ends with more than a slight nod to Bassment Jaxx and ‘Curtains’ comes complete with gospel choir backing vocals.

It’s the classic guitar driven tunes on Beetroot that are the best. On ‘Kingdoms and Crowns’, a simple chorus is perfectly underlined by a graceful flute. ‘I Never Can Say’ is a beatlesque paean to love – “I dream about the things… you do” – that will no doubt be a future hit single.

If Power would stick to what he knows there might be some hope for Cast. As it is, calling the album Beetroot… well, you’d be embarrassed too.

Helen Toland 5