900 Spaces Review
A review of 900 Spaces at The Prince Albert.
It’s frustrating when some bands get exposure out of nowhere, get catapulted into the big-time without a steady rise to the top. Luckily 900 Spaces seem to appreciate learning curves after exchanging band members, having to drive to Bognor Regis for practices and having to rival many electro indie competitors at a time when so much music is being made that people think they’re the business because they’re making music on a playstation.
Sure, there’s nothing wrong with Guitar Hero, but catch a show by 900 Spaces and you can clearly tell their hard work has come in the real world, although their sound itself does pour out a kind of celebrated virtual technicolour.
The guitar lead comes unplugged during the first track tonight and the band shrug it off and hit replay. It’s actually pretty refreshing because to re-hear the synths of ‘Discotechnology’ is a bit like relighting your birthday candles again after you’ve blown them out already.
The party keeps coming and coming but crucially the band offer respite within the songs, so you can catch your breath, drink your poison, anticipate the change in pace and truly absorb the disco.
All the core components of a good party band are here, from the synths and angelic voice of lead singer Emma Lou, to the style of bassist Joe-Leigh Branton who dances like Franz Ferdinand and the considered pickings of guitarist Adam House. They have a good forthcoming run of gigs and this should tighten the group dynamism further. With a new EP out also; if the band keep adding to this strong repertoire and maintain the strong form then they’ll deserve to be playing to 900 faces.
Marcus Walsh