Review: Rooney at Cat's Cradle

California pop group Rooney came to town and along with them hordes of screaming fans. At first it was a bit disconcerting to see my favorite local venue transformed in to the set of TRL, but it was actually quite refreshing to see people actually get excited at a concert — even if it meant I wish I'd brought ear plugs.

The band, gearing up to release a new album July 17, played a nearly even mix of material off their 2003 self-titled release and their forthcoming album, Calling all the World.

In their new material, including songs "When Did Your Heart Go Missing," "Are You Afraid" and "Tell Me," the group sounds as if they were literally hit over the head with all things 80s — and I mean that in the best way possible.

As if to cement their appreciation for the decade, Rooney entered the stage to the theme from Beverly Hills Cop.

In all, the show reminded me how much I like the songs off their self-titled debut. This group represents pop rock at its purest and, dare I say, its best.

[photos by Kevin Norris]