CATS IN SPACE
“DAYTRIP TO NARNIA”
Album Review by Chris Palmer
10/10
Being a huge fan of the Felis Catus, or Domesticated Cat, or even Disruptive-Pain-In-The-Arse-But-Furry-Snuggle-Bucket to us kitty lovers, I was curious to see [or hear] what all the fuss was about regarding West Sussex band Cats In Space. Formed in Horsham in 2015, the band consists of Paul Manzi [Lead Vocals & Screams], Greg Hart [Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Tubular Bells, Acoustics and Vocals], Dean Howard [Lead & Rhythm Guitars], Jeff Brown [Bass & Vocals], Andy Stewart [Piano, Synthesizers, Vocoder and Organ], Steevi Bacon [Drums, Percussion, Timpani and Vocals], and Mick Wilson [Vocals, Acoustics and Additional Synthesizers].
These seven musicians perform a combination of Classic 70’s-Inspired Rock and AOR PowerPop. Since forming just four years ago, Cats In Space have been incredibly prolific, releasing two official full-length albums: “Too Many Gods” [2015] and “Scarecrow” [2017]. March saw the release of the band’s third full-length, thus keeping with the tradition of releasing an album every two years, and what a cracker it is too!
The album is called “Daytrip To Narnia” and is available on Harmony Factory/Cargo Records UK. It runs for almost 56 minutes and contains fourteen tracks. The album is set up perfectly for a vinyl release, with seven individual singles [Side A] and then an excellent conceptual masterpiece, which runs for 27 minutes, spread across the remaining seven tracks [Side B].
Side A is chock full of superb AOR PowerPop Rock with a Classic 70’s edge. Upon pressing play you find yourself walking along a hallway, into a bedroom before opening the wardrobe door and entering the wonderful world of “Narnia”. You’re accompanied by catchy melodies and sing-along choruses throughout this 5+ minute journey, before being greeted by the humorous “She Talks Too Much”!
The next three numbers hit you in quick succession and are an absolute joy to listen to. The powerful “Hologram Man” launches at you with its excellent musicianship. This tune has a chorus that’ll have you singing loudly while you’re dancing around the room. “Tragic Alter Ego” rolls along with its pulsating rhythm and sections that will be pleasing to Queen fans everywhere. In fact, there’s sections which sound remarkably familiar to Queen’s “The Game”, but I’ll let you decide for yourselves… Then comes what is, in my opinion, the highlight of this album, “Silver And Gold”! I absolutely love this song and its delightful lyrics and sounds. It’s fair to say that, two of these three songs, have the potential to be future Power Rock/Pop classics and I’m sure they’ll help to push Cats In Space into the rock mainstream market.
Acoustic ballad “Chasing Diamonds” comes next and is swiftly followed by another excellent melodic rocker in “Unicorn”, which brings this first side to a close, and what a trip it’s been so far. But nothing can compare you for the 27-minute Space Odyssey that runs through the second half of this album, as we join Johnny Rocket on a journey of epic proportions.
“Space Overture” introduces us to this momentous effort, before “Johnny Rocket” takes off and takes a leap for all mankind. His adventures are told throughout the next six songs as Cats In Space play out an outstanding piece of work. This section of the album bounces beautifully from AOR Rock/PowerPop [“Johnny Rocket”, “One Small Step” and “Twilight”], to Rock [“Destination Unknown”], to Disco-Rock [“Thunder In The Night”], and to powerful balladry [“Yesterday’s News”]… all of which comes together to make one hell of a record.
Wow! What a record this is! I’m absolutely obsessed with playing “Daytrip To Narnia”. The album has been playing constantly since it landed in my inbox. I just can’t get enough of the fabulous melodies, soaring vocals, and rockin’ rhythms. Everything a lover of Rock ‘N’ Roll music could ever dream of is present on this record, all pieced together into an epic package played with variety and superb musicianship.
To be honest, I like and appreciate all forms of Rock and Metal music, no matter what the subject matter, and this album has just blown me away and left me breathless. “Daytrip To Narnia” is a superb effort and an essential addition to any respectable Rock collection. The music has a wonderful knack of lifting you up, blasting you to the stars, and making you feel fantastic!
So, if you’re feeling a little low, or if your pet kitty is being a pain in the arse, then instead of booting it in said arse, buy this record, strap yourself in, and let these Cats take you on an epic journey. You certainly won’t regret it [and neither will your cat]!
TRACKLIST
Narnia
She Talks Too Much
Hologram Man
Tragic Alter Ego
Silver And Gold
Chasing Diamonds
Unicorn
The Story Of Johnny Rocket I: Space Overture
The Story Of Johnny Rocket II: Johnny Rocket
The Story Of Johnny Rocket III: Thunder In The Night
The Story Of Johnny Rocket IV: One Small Step
The Story Of Johnny Rocket V: Twilight
The Story Of Johnny Rocket VI: Yesterday’s News
The Story Of Johnny Rocket VII: Destination Unknown
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