Cartoon @ The Savoy

Posted on 11th Mar 05 by Contributor | 0

Artist: Cartoon
Author: Orla

The Cork music scene is not quite my natural habitat"as of yet". But slowly" I am easing
my way into the unknown having been sheltered from or oblivious to the knowledge of
concerts being played anywhere other than the Point" but I am learning"". With every
passing gig" my new found love of live music grows. I have no intention of insulting any
of my fellow Corkonians" but i have to say I was surprised by the wide range of
quality music available in the peoples republic"

Cartoon are one such band that increased my affection for the world of live music. They
played the Savoy on Friday supported by another talented band" Nellboy " who I would certainly
recommend a checking out. Description of the venue is not needed I assume""..but as
you know the atmosphere is changeable. On entering it was impossible not to absorb the
relaxed" friendly" chilled out "in your living room with your mates" type atmosphere.
It kinda seemed like one of those nights where you invite a small group of friends for
a quiet few drinks but more than a few friends turn up and more than a few drinks are
had " the makings of a memorable night. By the time Cartoon were on stage there was a
good crowd in. Fun" friendly" not in your face types with the mandatory few "posers"
who just cant understand how people actually reveal that they are happy and havin a
good time " looking you up and down" as if you were just released from a mental institution
because your definition of dancing is broader than head boppin and foot tappin. But
overall a likeable bunch.

Cartoon appeared on stage about a half hour after Nellboy. Notably" the group consists
of eight members contributing to the "friends havin a laugh" vibe. Firstly" you just
have to love their image. It"s so diverse. The two sax players couldn"t have looked more
different " one with the "just rolled out of bed" look and the other groomed to perfection.
Karen Underwood"s dress was but divine on her and I suspect on anyone else that would not
be so.

Musically" Cartoon are distinctive. To categorise them would be somewhat difficult " their
music is comprised of house/funk/punk rock/jazz/ alternative with a bit of soul. Running
the risk of sounding crazy" that is the best way to describe and when you hear it" it makes
sense. With regard to the jazz and soul" the use of saxophones was ingenious" coupled with
the amazing voice of Jeanette Buckley. The up tempo songs were supported by the remarkable
piano sound effect. The songs of Cartoon are uniquely versatile " the punk rock genre is
displayed in "first to break"" probably their most recognisable song with the vocals of
Karen Underwood enhancing the song spectacularly.

No warm up songs were necessary for Cartoon. The first tune had the affect of getting anyone
who was going to dance" up on the dance floor without delay. There is definitely something
about their music that brings out the "dance floor diva" in people. Your bones just want
to dance when you hear their music. This coming from a girl who would dance to the background
music of ad"s on t.v. but the proof lies in the fact that the dance floor was scattered
with members of both sexes. That is an achievement in itself and anyone who was there
should agree that there was very few wallflowers on the night. Am utterly looking forward

to their next gig but will not make the mistake of wearing stilettos. A word of warning to
the stiletto heel wearing community " you will not sit down for the night and hobbling home
does not add to the enjoyment of an almost faultless experience.