REVIEW: Space – Anthology box set - Demon Music

Liverpool’s psychedelic pop flamenco wizards Space have had their back catalogue complied together in a neat looking clamshell box set simply entitled Anthology with fresh liner notes by the band released via Demon Group.

With a background in the psychedelic rock scene of the early 90’s band lead singer Tommy Scott broke free from the limitations around this scene to find a new groove with his band Space. With elements of 60’s rock but with a popular production edge that also featured samba and soul sections in their repertoire, Space became a band who sounded like no other of the period.

Having released a bunch of singles including Neighbourhood and Female of the Species, where they scored national success featuring on the likes of Top Of The Pops and TFI Friday, the band then released their debut album Spiders in September 1996. With similar overtones as used by Captain Beefheart and George Clinton the debut has many likeable eccentric tunes under its sleeve. Mr Psycho and Voodoo Roller have a lovable humour. With further influences ranging from hip hop to folk the album delivers in terms of delivering something for everyone’s musical palette.

The bands 2^nd album Tin Planet followed In 1998 following some deeply moving personal issues within the band, which surprisingly doesn’t show on the record. With a more mature sound but with more softer pop tones the musical change alienated some of their original fan base who were crying out for the heavier numbers as featured on the debut. The Balled Of Tom Jones with Cerys Matthews of Catatonia adding some subtle Welsh harmonies to the charming waltz, Avenging Angles is a classic Brit Pop tune with a bouncing chorus and slight 60’s overtones. The album following in a similar vein to these successful tunes including 1 O’Clock and Being Again adding further fuel to the Space fire.

With a further 3 albums featured including the previously unreleased Love You More Than Football produced by Edwyn Colllins plus a collection of demos, b sides and oddities this is the definitive look back on a band loved for their quirky lovable numbers that never fail to delight, plus a fitting tribute to drummer Andy Parle.

Space – Anthology can be purchased from the Demon Group website