Cult Called Man, Whelan's, Dublin
- Written by Marky Edison
Cult Called Man launched their second EP, Mr. Wednesdae, in Whelan’s last Thursday. The six piece from Meath have been gigging around Dublin for a few years now and the practice they have put in is really starting to show.
They hit the headlines earlier this year by writing an open letter to Modest Mouse asking for a support slot. Their bid was unsuccessful but they did gain plenty of exposure in their attempt. Also, given the general reaction to Modest Mouse’s Helix appearance and the appalling sound quality, it might be for the best that they didn’t get the slot.
They kick off on the main stage at 2200 and the kinetic energy is abundant from the first beat, with all six of them constantly in motion and dancing frenetically. The set is diverse in influence and in execution, drawing from ‘70s glam rock and ‘80s new wave dance music. Like an old pop band, each song has a different feel and rhythm to the last. The diverse selection of tunes is delivered flawlessly and with great enthusiasm.
And no one is more enthused than lead singer Luke Razmo. Razmo has the look of Neil Hannon about him but, rather than The Divine Comedy’s louche baritone, his vocal style is reminiscent of Kevin Rowland, with a bit of David Byrne thrown in for good measure. While the rest of the band lay down harmonies that are tighter than a gnat’s chuff, Razmo yelps, croons, and howls over them with a degree of vocal control and finesse that is rare. He comfortably mixes smooth pop singing with expressive performance, even while singing through a megaphone.
The rest of the band are no slouches either, delivering those harmonies with verve and panache, and looking damn pleased to be doing so. If Razmo is Kevin Rowland then Cult Called Man make a fine Dexy’s Midnight Runners, though thankfully without the dungarees. Like Dexy’s, the style is open and they refuse to stick to a single genre or approach from one song to the next. They are tight and accomplished without feeling the need to show off, and possessed of an unapologetic pop sensibility. Every note and beat serves the delivery of the song.
Cult Called Man are a genuinely talented band and an uplifting live experience. Word seems to be spreading about them and they are doing well to get a couple of hundred people into Whelan’s on a Thursday night. They’ve come a long way in the past few years and it will be very interesting to see where they are a year from now.