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CAST performed a number of new songs to a crowd of around 1,000 in LIVERPOOL last night (April 6) at the band's first hometown gig this year.

Playing the concert ahead of the Grand National horse race, which occurred in the city today (April 7), the outfit played an hour long set at Chevasse Park. The band showcased favourites including 'Sandstorm', 'Alright' and 'Guiding Star', peppered amongst new tracks 'Meditations', 'Desert Drought' and 'How Do We Get Close'.

Technical difficulties plagued the gig right from the off. Opening track 'History' cut out in the first few minutes when the power generator broke leading to show host Craig Phillips, the winner of television show 'Big Brother', taking to the stage to apologise to the crowd.

The new material, that frontman John Power has previously described on NME.COM as "hop 'n' roll", had, in the main, a more bluesy direction than previously. However, 'How Do We Get Close?' included '60s-esque four-part harmonies, one unnamed track saw them dip into electronica starting similarly to Daft Punk's 'Aerodynamic', while 'Desert Drought' included a flute solo.

The band's performance was slightly rusty, with Power failing to hit the high notes of tracks such as 'History' and guitar parts sounding slightly sloppy at times. But the group eventually managed to get into their stride by the end of their 15-song set.

Originally the show had been due to take place on New Year's Eve, but poor weather conditions resulted in cancellation by the local authorities. Before leaving the stage Power said he was pleased with having finally performed the gig. "It's nice to see Liverpool finally getting their act together and putting things like this on," he said.

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Date/Time	Venue	Town/City	Seetickets	Viagogo
Jun 16, 2012 14:00	Chester Racecourse	Chester	Buy Cast Tickets from £37	Buy Cast Tickets
Jun 16, 2012 19:00	Liverpool University	Liverpool	Buy Cast Tickets from £22	Buy Cast Tickets
Jul 28, 2012 15:00	Quex Park	Nr Margate, Kent	Buy Cast Tickets from £6	Buy Cast Tickets