Cartoon Factory: Press

Under The Radar: Cartoon Factory


So many pop bands, so little time…

Ten years ago I came across a Greenville, South Carolina band called The Cartoon Factory on a late night surfing expedition; I was attracted to their energy and knack for a good powerpop hook. I thought their debut album was pretty good, and although it doesn’t appear they they ever issued a follow-up album (a 2002 release featured songs from an earlier configuration of the band under a different name), they’re still around and playing gigs, although Chuck Chapman seems to be the only original member still standing.

Powerpop is a broad term, so what do they sound like? Their website has some free downloads of pop covers like “Ah Leah”, “I’m a Believer” and “(I Want To) Rock and Roll All Night” as well as handful of great originals written in that same vein. Good harmonies, pop crunch; I’d say their self-appended comparison to Fountains of Wayne and Weezer is a decent starting point, as are the references I make below. If those names put a smile on your face, give these guys a listen.

"...These guys can floor you with their talent and their antics...no one misses a beat at one of their shows. You leave excited and pumped for the next show and asking where and when? The greatest part of this band is that they are for the age category of 8 to 88. Anyone and everyone enjoys the show and the y don't come across as "rock stars", but people. They make the audience feel special and appreciated as well and that is definitely something this Wild Child has not found in a long time. Fresh and great is all I can say."

"The Cartoon Factory is rock solid."

(The Cartoon Factory) comes to this release with waht I have termed "positive baggage". This is the good rep that only comes from strong regional success. Their success in the Southeast is primarily in line with that of bands like Dreams So Real and The Marvelous Three. The Cartoon Factory is known for opening a show, and playing so aggressively that it overshadows the headline band. "We Got Mona Lisa" is a Pop Gem, crafted with some odd twist of trickery.

..."We Got Mona Lisa" from the NOW HEAR THIS! Compilation CD is very melodic and well directed power pop characterized by a catchy refrain. The same can be said of "Tongue Tied" from their 2000 debut CD. The band adds a little flavor to an acoustic version of Uncle ozzy's "Shot in the Dark" for an upcoming Jake E. Lee Tribute album. I eagarly await a ne full-legnth release from the band.

Although the name might connote animated characters, this is a high energy power-pop band that sets its sights on harmony and melody. You can't be taking things to seriously when you have atrack called "Monkey Girl" lead off your record. "Tongue Tied" sounds like the Cars taking a stab at Joe Jackson and "Deaf, Dumb & Blind" starts out like Eric Carmen's "Hey Deanie" before sliding into the infectious chorus....power chords are there, but glass isn't shatering. "Hopeless" is a very catchy song that desrves to shake the house. I'll bet that "Without You" and "Whirlwind" rock the house live. Keep an eye on these guys.