The Lanes, 19th March
A packed crowd of 40 something’s squeezed themselves into one of the city’s most unique venues to turn the clock back quarter of a century.
It’s impossible to state how beloved this band are. And to anyone under the age of 20 just how huge this band were. Albums “Spiders” & the aforementioned “Tin Planet” providing the soundtrack to the UK scene in the mid/late nineties.
The band, on tour for the 25th anniversary of their sophomore album “Tin Planet” took to the stage with all the eagerness & enthusiasm of a band less than half their age. Led by the flamboyant Tommy Scott the band are quickly into their stride for what turns out to be a huge set.
Space always played with an eclectic sound dubbed “queasy listening”. Drawing on electronica & sampling genres as diverse as hip hop, techno, post-punk, ska, lounge music, easy listening & film scores. The group were also noted for their deliberately tongue-in-cheek, dark humoured lyrics inspired by films, which frequently deal with topics such as serial killers, failed relationships, social outcasts, & mental illness. Whilst Space’s eclecticism & camp humour polarised listeners & critics, they have maintained a devoted cult following. Which was much in evidence as they power through the 25 strong set. At all times entertaining with cheeky Scouse humour & banter amongst the band members themselves that had the crowd in stitches.
Space devotees couldn’t have asked for more in terms of content. The old classics of “Female Of The Species”, “Me & You Versus The World” & “Avenging Angels” all there. As well as a belting performance of “Dark Clouds”. The age old question of who will spot for Cerys Matthews on “The Ballad Of Tom Jones” answered in incredible style by a Space uber fan who performed alongside the band seamlessly.
The band given precious breathing time as Franny Griffiths steps into the spotlight to bring the rave with “Fran In Japan” before the barnstormering encore of “Disco Dolly” & of course “Neighbourhood” see us out. An evening that proves there is plenty of life in Space still to be discovered.
Porthjess 
@bristolnomad_gigphotography
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
