When a pair of platinum-selling artists, both with massive number one hits from the ‘90s, join forces for a special co-headline tour, I’m going to be there! English bands Spacehog and EMF visited San Diego to deliver an uplifting and entertaining night that left the audience completely satisfied with a huge dose of ‘90s musical nostalgia.
Though quite different musically, Spacehog and EMF have some interesting similarities. Both are from England (though Spacehog members met and bonded as English ex-pats in NYC), and both found huge success in the ‘90s with number one hits.
Anyone over 30 years of age knows EMF, even if they don’t realize it. If the band name doesn’t spark any recall with friends, just say, “You know, the band that sings ‘Unbelievable’ (singing the song title in the style of how it’s sung on the record)”. Presto! You get an immediate reaction of, “Oh yeah! That’s a great song!”
Indeed, “Unbelievable” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991 and catapulted the band to international superstardom. EMF is currently enjoying a resurgence – riding the wave of interest in ‘90s music – and their live show certainly delivers on the weight of the charismatic and engaging frontman, James Atkin.
EMF’s set was jam-packed, upbeat, dance rock, fusion frenzy. Of course “Unbelievable” was included, but also “The Day the Music Died,” “I Believe,” “Lies,” “Put Your Hands in the Air,” and “LGBTQ+.”
One memorable highlight was “Reach for the Lasers,” a well-crafted dance medley jam perfectly suited for EMF: “Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” from C&C Music Factory, “Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic, “Breath” by Prodigy, and “Blue Monday” by Orgy.
The Music Box crowd, filling up the venue nicely on a Tuesday night, thoroughly enjoyed the energetic show. Guitarist Ian Dench told OC Music News they will be back in the USA next year, so we expect EMF to please loyal fans and to connect with new listeners.
Next up, Spacehog took the stage donning outfits reminiscent of ‘70s glam rock acts such as David Bowie and T. Rex. For a band that hadn’t toured in over nine years, the quartet of all original members was dialed in, firing on all cylinders.
It was immediately evident how solid lead vocalist and bassist Royston Langdon sounded; very Bowie-like but with his own style. I had never seen Spacehog live but I quickly realized these guys were just awesome to watch. Royston’s brother Antony was quite animated ripping on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Richard Steel cranked out most of the guitar leads, and drummer Jonny Cragg pounded away while adding nice vocal harmonies.
Although sometimes labeled a “one hit wonder,” Spacehog has a lot to offer rock fans with a fantastic catalog of great songs. A more appropriate label for this fantastic band would be “Underrated.”
“Cruel to Be Kind” is a catchy pop rocker conjuring up a “Best Friend’s Girlfriend” by The Cars vibe. “Space Is the Place” is an energetic power chord jam, while “Ship Wrecked” a powerfully emotional ballad showcasing the band’s finesse, ending a beautifully sung song with a bold musical crescendo.
The song explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and yearning for connection: “So if you raise a glass to love you’ve passed, Won’t you raise a glass to me, ‘Cause I’m as lonely as a sailor, Shipwrecked on the sea.”
Finally, it was time for the song we were all waiting for, “In the Meantime.” The 1996 number one hit has everything: dynamic vocals flowing between gentle verses and the booming chorus, a fantastic bass line (how Royston impressively sings and plays that bass line is beyond me), a tasty string-bending guitar lick, and that infectious iconic high-pitched “ooh ooh ooh” vocal part. There is no denying the song’s massive appeal and status as one of the top rock songs of the ‘90s.
Over the past decade, Spacehog has remained relatively low-profile. Catching them on tour was a special and memorable treat.
I can only hope the band continues to tour periodically to celebrate and share their legacy and allow fans the amazing experience of witnessing their live show.
