H -°, L 22° | Tomorrow: 
H 23°, L 4°
Story by Roland Nimis
Screamin’ Cyn Cyn & The Pons sings songs full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. They bill themselves as theatrical punk and the fabrication is all too transparent.
The singer and keyboardist, Shane O’Brien, dressed in what looked like a loose leotard, complete with big bows on his headband and waist, all covered in glitter and featuring a Marilyn Monroe tattoo. He stared and pointed at particular audience members with desperate eyes, demanding to be loved. He traipsed through a crowd that was not nearly as excited as he was to hear the punk-by-numbers SCC&TP played for too long.
The guitarist, Cynthia Burnson, was half on-board with the act, dressed for a role in Bye Bye Birdie with blue dress and red shoes, occasionally playing on a stepping stool. The bassist and drummer were more concerned with actually playing their instruments, which put the two actors to shame.
O’Brien introduced one of his songs, saying it was about, “Democracy, love, touching your elbows to your knees, and throwing things away.” He did not support this claim with any evidence from the music. The culmination of the embarrassment occurred when O’Brien brandished a pink umbrella for no discernible reason to no fanfare.
SCC&TP has lasted six years, and it would be a shame if they haunted Madison for six more.
IP hash: 0561233b
Who cares if their aesthetic is entirely affected and they play the same songs over and over?
The songs (which of course are barely mentioned in this admittedly well-written, if evil, review) are clever and catchy. How can you hate on that?
IP hash: 7350fc85
The singer’s last name is O’Niel, not O’Brien. You were also remiss in not mentioning all of the singing-along, dancing-along, and applause offered up by the members of the audience who were clearly enjoying the show. But hey, why should you pay any attention to any of that?
IP hash: 6e06c9d6
you just don’t get it, you are nowhere near getting it.
IP hash: 1f2fda09
I wasn’t at the Forward Music fest, but talked to people who did attend. I have however seen the ‘Pons in numerous Madison venues over the last few years, and I can say, after being active in the Madison music scene since 2000, that Screamin’ Cyn-Cyn & the ‘Pons are one of the most well, and widely loved bands in town and there are few shows in Madison that for me have been as entertaining and fun. Best live shows, hands down.
Now, you’re not into the ‘Pons, that’s fine, it’s not for everyone. But, to say that crowds don’t get into them is ridiculous. Next time, maybe don’t let your personal distaste ruin your objectivity in reporting.
IP hash: b744dfa3
“(O’Neil) brandished a pink umbrella for no discernible reason to no fanfare.”
Who ever said he/you/we need a reason or fanfare to do something?
IP hash: 49750f7a
I’m not a huge Screamin’ Cyn-Cyn and the Pons fan, mostly because I’m just not into that style. But I’ve been to a few of their shows and every time I was there the crowd (and there was always a crowd) was almost obscenely into it.
As such, this review reads a bit hollow to me. It’s one thing to say you didn’t enjoy yourself and another to ascribe that feeling to others.
IP hash: 478f0ffd
I would say you should leave Madison now, because by my count, There fan base alone is enough to haunt you. I would try to do some investigative reporting instead of head up your ass reporting next time.
“THEY FILL THE HOLE, HERE IN MY HEART. I’D TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE THEM, BUT I DON’T KNOW WHERE I’D START!!!”
IP hash: 34899c87
Jesus, guys, it’s just one person’s opinion. Lay off. And, just to be clear, her opinion is published and yours (collectively, speaking) isn’t/aren’t.