And although the bass is a tad to low in the mix for my liking, I can let it slide. The guitar riffs are big and brawny, while the guitar solos lie somewhere between blistering and scorching. Kunes is no Day, but his killer vocals shine like a blues rock beacon. At 74 years old, Appice plays with the same vigor he did at 24.
Tightrope boasts all the classic Cactus trademarks. Instead, he put together an incarnation of Cactus that plays with the same tenacity, swagger, and chops as the original lineup. He’d never compromise the legacy of Cactus by haphazardly slapping their name upon a cheap knockoff record. Thankfully, Appice is a man of honor and integrity. Fast forward 50 years and one original member later. Even during their initial run, after the departure of McCarty and singer Rusty Day (R.I.P.), the drop in quality was drastic (see 1972’s ‘Ot ‘n’ Sweaty). The original Cactus lineup was such a powerhouse. I must admit that I was a bit weary going into Tightrope. Joining Appice is longtime singer Jimmy Kunes and harmonica player Randy Pratt, as well as some new faces: Paul Warren on guitars and James Caputo on bass. Of the original lineup, only founding drummer Carmine Appice remains, although guitarist Jim McCarty makes a guest appearance on Cactus’ seventh and latest album, Tightrope. Formed out of the ashes of Vanilla Fudge, Cactus delivered hard hitting, hard rocking blues with an extra dose of sleaze and soul. There are very few bands from metal’s earliest years who are still active today.
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