5 Stars
Audio CD (paid link)
Since forming in Horsham, Sussex, UK, by guitarist Greg Hart and drummer Steevi Bacon, Cats In Space have been kicking up quite a stir on the British rock scene. They have released six studio albums (one was a Christmas album) a live album, and a greatest hits. Enthusiasm this band have in bucket loads.
They had a bit of a Spinal Tap syndrome with lead vocalists for a while, but this had a happy conclusion as it led to the Cats getting every Moggies favorite singer on vocals, the very talented Damien Edwards, who also knows a thing or two about stage presentation for the Cat stories.
The rest of Cats In Space are made up of Greg Hart on guitar and vocals, Steevi Bacon on drums, Andy ‘Madhatter’ Stewart on keyboards, Jeff Brown playing bass guitar and vocals, and Dean Howard on guitars. The Cats also have a secret weapon in seventh member Mick Wilson who is a multi-instrumentalist plus an excellent vocalist. Seven Cats prepared to go to the Final Frontier.
Each album release has seen a step forward in the Cats developing their sound/direction. They wear their hearts on their sleeves when it comes to influences. Think early seventies glam rock mixed with prog/pomp rock, Mott the Hoople, Faces, Kansas, Foreigner, and especially Queen. At first the influences were very prominent, but these days, although still there, the Cats definitely have their own sound.
The lineup has been steady now for two years; pandemics notwithstanding, things are on the up.
Since their last album Atlantis in 2020, the Cats have stepped up to the plate. “Kickstart the Sun” is a double album containing over an hour of music. As ever with the Cats, the attention to details has been magnificent. The artwork and packaging is second to none and a pleasure to have.
The Cats can still claim to be an upcoming band, as the previously mentioned pandemic ripped away two years.
The music starts off with an introduction to the title track. This could be Queen at their harmonious best as they introduce things a cappella. But then the first track bursts forth with a seven minute epic called ‘King of Stars,’ all about the desires of being a rock star. All that’s good about the Cats is laid out before you. Dual lead guitars, the keyboards are more dominant than ever before with the pounding piano of the Madhatter being one of the Cats’ most attractive assets. As the music reaches its crescendo, so do the musicians. The guitars fly, the keyboards rattle, the drums and bass thrash along, synthesizers swoop, the brass parps, and the vocals soar. It’s music I have often been frightened would die out. In the Cats hands, it’s very safe.
Following this up is the fun of first single off the album ‘Poke the Witch.’ Watching the video, with its jaunty tune and humorous content, one cannot help but feel all catlike. The guitars of Dean Howard and Greg Hart combine wonderfully, reminding one of another legendary band, Thin Lizzy.
Then the rock stick is brought out as the Cats flow into the heavy groove of ‘Teenage Millionaires.’ This song is going to be epic live. The guitars rip up a storm in the mid-section.
‘Goodbye America’ brings us more into the world of progressive rock with its heavy brass sections. I just hope this is not a message from the Cats giving up on breaking big in the States. Come on furry ones, the Americans love this sort of rock.
‘1,000,000 Miles’ is the first ballad on the album. All that you want from a power ballad—expressive vocals and emotional guitar solos, with a big lush arrangement.
‘Fifty One Pillows’ brings out some fine female backing singers, whilst ‘Charlie’s Ego’ is based on a true person, a fading rock star of the band’s acquaintance. Doesn’t make you a bad person to like the song.
Then comes the ace in the Cats pack, the main section of the title track. A glorious six minute epic that’s slowly builds as it takes over the places in your memory, a classic awaits you.
of a guitarist/songwriter, too.
‘A Big Balloon’ slots in nicely, not letting your mind wander, a little reminiscent of early seventies progressive rock with nice acoustic guitars.
‘Smoke and Mirrors’ would make an excellent single. It’s just made for those of a certain age to throw shapes to on the dance floor with its great backing vocals and a wah-wah solo to break the air guitars out too.
The second ballad, ‘Hero’ takes its place, allowing the listener pause to breathe after all that exercise on the dance floor.
‘Last Dance Saloon’ takes you back out onto the dance floor again. Such a bouncy beat held up by the excellent rhythm section with some nice flourishes from the strings, showing another string to the Cats’ bow, topped by excellent vocals.
The album proper then finishes in fine style with the third epic ‘Bootleg Bandoleros.’ Repeating themselves, the Cats have managed to squeeze everything that is good about their furry selves into one eight minute delight. You can feel the empathy in the band as they gather together, literally leading you up the path, before showing you their delights. The guitars chime in at the end, bringing everything to a rousing conclusion. The Cats wigging out.
We are let back to earth by the final reprise of the title track. Of course in this day and age you can simply splice all three parts of the epic together and listen in one pleasurably go.
This album has already taken the Cats a step further down the road in credibility with the critics. Now let’s hope the music buying public will not only go to the concerts in droves, but buy the music to take home with them.
Got through the whole review without mentioning Pigs In Space.
The Cats in Space are
Greg Hart – Lead Guitar and Vocals
Dean Howard – Lead Guitar
Jeff Brown – Bass Guitar and Vocals
Andy ‘Madhatter’ Stewart – Keyboards
Steevi Bacon – Drums
Damien Edwards – Lead Vocals
Secret Weapon Department
Mick Wilson – Multi Instruments and Vocals
BJ Cole – Pedal Steel Guitar
Plus uncredited String and Brass Sections
Songs
Kickstart the Sun Intro
King of Stars
Goodbye to the American Dream
1,000,000 Miles
Fifty-One Pillow Bed
Charlie’s Ego
Kickstart the Sun
A Big Balloon
Smoke and Mirrors
Hero
Last Dance Saloon
Bootleg Bandoleros
Kickstart the Sun – Reprise
Written by Mott the Dog
Photos courtesy of the Cats In Space Fans Facebook Page
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