Before I get started on this review, I need to give you all a history lesson. In the late ’90s, a punk band from Boston formed. They were called The Explosion. Much like their name implies, they burst onto the scene. Filled with fast paced, high energetic punk rock, The Explosion was on top of the world. Eventually, their success led to a bidding war with several major labels. They were riding high for several years, until they decided to take a break.
Outside of everything happening with The Explosion post-break up and their subsequent reunion shows, lead singer Matt Hock and guitarist David Walsh found themselves independently writing music. The songs they were writing didn’t quite fit the mold of a typical Explosion song though. Once the two discovered that what they were writing was strangely similar, the nucleus of Space Cadet was created.
What started as a happy coincidence solidified into a full-fledged project with a brand new full-length. Released on March 26 via Wiretap Records, Lion on a Leash offers up 30 minutes of post punk goodness. Produced by Pete Steinkopf, guitarist for The Bouncing Souls, Lion on a Leash is a treat to listen to. If you’re familiar with Steinkopf’s producer credits, then you’ll know Space Cadet was in good hands on this one. Dave Hause. Brian Fallon. The Loved Ones (which features Walsh these days). All of these acts have the guitar-heavy post punk, Americana, rock n roll feel that the Space Cadet debut has. After listening to the album, you’ll realize Steinkopf was the right person for the job.
Only calling Space Cadet a post punk band is doing them a disservice though.
Aside from post punk, you’ll hear New Wave, synth, and Brit Pop. You’ll hear lots of fuzzy guitars and atmospheric melodies. At times, like on “Slö,” you’ll find yourself getting lost in the warm guitar tones. That song in particular is a three minute instrumental that begs you to close your eyes and groove.
When listening to Lion on a Leash, it’s like you’re transported to a time when riff-heavy pop rock was at the forefront. Each of the songs on this album are just ready to be heard in a big venue with great acoustics. The album gives you a little bit of everything too. If you like more of a poppy, danceable Americana rock song, then “Forever For a While” is your jam. If you want more of a New Wave feel, then it’s time to “Lose Control.” Even with all of these throwback influences though, Lion on a Leash feels fresh and current.
Wiretap Records is really hitting it out of the park lately. Space Cadet is another welcome addition to their growing roster of quality bands. There’s a lot going on with Lion on a Leash. It’s best to listen to it once all the way through because it’s a great album. After that initial listen, do yourself a favor and listen a little more closely. Hock and Walsh are master craftsmen, and they’re doing a lot of really cool things with their songs that become more obvious upon repeat listens. Lion on a Leash is one of those albums that you can enjoy at face value, but then get a deeper enjoyment when you listen to it with a critical ear.
