THE SPASE - 2014 - 2017 (2 ALBUMS)

 

 "ON A CLOUD"

2014

MY MARILYN - The debut album by Widnes band The Spase opens with a great bluesy style Pop track with brilliant passionate and powerful vocals from vocalist/guitarist Andy Forrest ably backed by Peter Walker on bass and Simon Harris on percussion and guitar.  The song hints at Blues while keeping a Pop slant until about halfway through and slide guitar sounds come in to make it a Folk Country ending, superb.

EMPTY LANE - The tempo slows down on this Acoustic Indie track with hints of Gothic Rock sounding at times like The Mission.  The continuing moody and melancholic backing is sombre but has that unique positive tint.  The vocals actually remind me of Tom Bailey from Thompson Twins, emotional and deep.

A ROAMING SON - One of my favourites by the band, and after hearing it live many moons ago it became more so. A beautiful Acoustic track, minimal guitars and percussion bringing to mind a hybrid of The Stone Roses and The Monkees.  An absolute gem with a fantastic uplifting chorus.

 

BABY - Again The Monkees spring to mind when they got more Alternative.  This is a slice of perfect Indie Pop.

STAR CHILD - A simple bright little song with elements of The Everly Brothers, Simon and Garfunkel and The Stone Roses.  After reviewing their second album on New Music Ear I can see the progression in sound and songwriting, I await the third album.  This is a cool track.

SPIRITUAL HIGHWAY - This track takes you back to the 60s Indie Pop, with psychedelia and flower power Folk.  A little Progressive Rock vibe too.  

PRETTY IN BLACK - A great uptempo Rock 'N Roll track from the 50s/60s era.  Sounding like the popular beat bands of the time, this is a great listen.  Love it!

THE SHOOTING STAR - Another track that made me more of a fan hearing it live.  A pulsating beat and frenetic guitar and bass intro lead into a funky style Classic rocker.  It almost has a 90s Grunge feel too.  This is an awesome track, an anthemic chorus and real foot tapper!

 

INSPIRATION - A track that sends me back to the Madchester scene in the late 80s, early 90s.  Think Inspiral Carpets, The Charlatans and The Stone Roses.  A class song.

SPINNING JENNY - A Gothic Rock/Classic Rock stomper, great reverb and Progressive sounds make this another fine cut on this impressive debut.

BUTTERFLY - The album ends  on a beautifully crafted Acoustic Pop Rock ballad.  Atmospheric and pretty wonderful.

"EITHER SIDE OF RIGHT"

2017

DO YOU LOVE? - Crashing guitar and drum opener kicks off the band's second album with a bang.  It is an almost Gothic Rock track with hints of 90s Grunge.  A storming introduction!

STATUES - This has elements of the 60s and 70s Rock and also hints to the melodious, raw sounds of bands like The La's and Cast.  Great track.

WHEN NEARLY IS ALL YOU CAN DO -  The Spase really have a great sense of melodies and hooks.  This is a midtempo Pop Rock ballad that is emotive and engaging.  Three tracks in and we have a few different styles already!

MY HAND - A simply lovely Acoustic ballad that has a gentle Folk Rock style.  Reminds me a little of Red Hot Chili Peppers' slow tracks including vocals almost like Anthony Kiedis.

THE BLACK HORSE - One of my favourite tracks, great chug-a-chug beats and guitars that pump the song along at an uptempo pace.  Frenetic pace throughout, a pute "as live" sound htis the mark with this almost Progressive Rock track with a little veiled good old fashioned Rock N' Roll!

RAIN - A track that has a little hint to the early 80s Pop Rock with a quirky feel in the vein of The Cars or early Blondie.

BY MY SIDE -  A gentle Acoustic Folk style ballad, reminds me of The Everly Brothers, Simon and Garfunkel which is a great compliment.  Really nice track.

 

 

DEJA VU - The pace hots up again as this is a Hendrix style Classic Rock track which is another of my favourites.  Has the feel of a crazy band jam.  Brilliant.

 

 

FADE AWAY - Reminds me of The Monkees, it has that fun feeling, pure melodic Pop.

SHE WEARS ME LIKE A HUG - An atmospheric, melancholic Gothic Rock track, almost reminiscent of The Mission when they take it slow and moody.  Great ending to a fine sequel to the debut album, "On A Cloud".