Space Apaches - Smokin’ Voyages
- Written by Julia Lamb
Self-described as "kinda like a psychedelic Eagles with a sense of humour", Space Apaches is the spaced-out rock ‘n roll band dedicated to the weird and wonderful. Hailing from North Carolina, the quintet’s front-man, Andrew Reed was the producer behind Daves Highway’s top-five release An Acoustic Christmas, but the sound couldn't be further away on Space Apache’s latest record, Smokin’ Voyages.
The 14-track album is a meaty blend of rock and country, topped with space synthesisers and retro effects to create a sound that feels somewhat a late ‘80s time- warp. Opening track, ‘Entry’ leads you into the album with an expansive, booming soundscape reminiscent of every sci-fi movie ever made, followed by classic-rock guitars bursting through the door on track, ‘Sunrise’. ‘In My Mind’ takes a bluesy direction with organ-esque keyboards and acoustic guitars, while ‘Empty’ leans on the wailing ballad side. One of the more jaunty tunes on the album is jangly, tambourine-adorned, ‘I’m On My Way’: “I’m on my way, just feeling fine/Knowing I got nothing but my pride. I left my past, I dumped my load/Just starting my redemption of the soul”.
The band throws a few covers into the mix on Smokin’ Voyages, including the psychedelic-rock hit ‘Just Dropped In’, written by Mickey Newbury and made famous by Kenny Rogers. However, in this setting Space Apaches give the track a slight Motown treatment with female backing vocals that feel like they've been lifted straight out of the ‘60s.
Space Apaches have produced a record that’s in a word, fun. These tracks are full of life, played by a group that clearly loves their craft. While the album feels a little drawn out, you get the feeling that these guys don’t really care for condensing and there’s something quite endearing in that method of creation.