CACTUS CHAINSAW
By Kiki Plesha
Photography by J.B. Bridges
When describing the band CACTUS CHAINSAW, the applicable phrase would be “a rawkin’ tumbleweed in the desert wind
on an endless ROLL!” Unstoppable. This hard-hitting, in-your-face band ‘o bros. out of Phoenix, Arizona, is about as subtle
as their name suggests. And their take-no-prisoners attitude came across loud and proud as ION Indie Magazine took in their
show at THE MARQUEE THEATER in Tempe, Arizona, as they opened for SKID ROW.
Cactus Chainsaw was forged out of the Sonoran sand in the fall of 2009. And lead singer FREDDIE SAGUARO (Fred Flory)
is a man with a plan…and that is to ROCK—no apologies, no excuses. Although newer to the Metal mecca scene that
permeates the desert, in a very short time, Cactus Chainsaw has proven that they are a force of nature more fierce than a
blustering dust storm. Besides Skid Row, CC has opened for such notables as FLOTSAM & JETSAM, SACRED REIGH and
MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP.
Their set was strong with solid musicianship. Flory’s vocals are stellar and well-honed. And, as Skid Row was a total
disappointment (sans SEBASTIAN BACH—we left after SR’s second song) and a shell of their former selves, Cactus
Chainsaw was larger than life and worthy of top-billing honors on any roster.
Their music is described as “Rock with a twist of Metal”. At times, I heard a splash of Blues served with a dash of the swamp.
They refer to it as “Desert Hillbilly Blues”. I found CC’s music dirty, devious (I dig that) and as cutting as a tumble into a prickly
pear. And yes, it leaves a MARK!
Beside Freddie Saguaro, Cactus Chainsaw is: CACTUS ROB (guitar), CHAINSAW MIKE (drums) and PRICKLY JOE (bass).
http://www.reverbnation.com/cactuschainsaw
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cactus-Chainsaw/139049439496706