Long-time fans of New York boogie/blues legends CACTUS have just cause to approach "V" with caution. Carmine Appice's recent geriatric 'revival' collaborations with Pat Travers were enough to send blooze 'n boogie fans running from cd racks, clutching their cash with white knuckles.

But this one will surprise you. While admittedly, there's no replacing the wild 'n wooly antics of the late CACTUS front man Rusty Day, former SAVOY BROWN vocalist Jimmy Kunes does an excellent job replicating the boisterous, carefree, whiskey-drinkin' vibe that made the band so unique and fun. Jim McCarty burns like it's still 1974, blanketing the proceedings with the gritty, entrancing blues fire that lit up platters like 1971's "One Way or Another". "Day For Night" is a fabulous, crawling shuffle in the vein of Zep's "You Shook Me". "Living For Today" and "Cactus Music" are both lively examples of the addictive boogie-or-bust style that permeates the entire record. Plus, surprises like the spellbinding acoustic piece, "Blues For Mr. Day" seem to lurk around every corner.

Not only do these tracks fit perfectly beside the early CACTUS material, they are executed so well, it should have fans longing to hear a full live show of Kunes-fronted CACTUS music. "V" is undoubtedly one of the year's most pleasant surprises.

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: www.cactusrocks.net

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