What an album. 12 tracks, each of which will have you singing and headbanging all day long. My only challenge whilst listening came from having to work out how to use a CD player for the first time in about 10 years. Whilst I’ve always been a fan of classic rock, oftentimes I find myself looking for the genre to add a modern twist and with their new album ‘Atlantis’, Cats in Space have done just that. Right from the first chord of the opening track, I was bopping my head and had my air guitar at the ready and then when it seamlessly flowed into ‘Spaceship Superstar’, I was ready to be impressed and found myself Googling lyrics so I could sing along with the entertaining but thought-provoking album.
It still retains the classic rock feel with anthems such as the single ‘I Fell Out of Love with Rock ‘n’ Roll’, ‘Listen to the Radio’ and ‘Sunday Best’ harking back to the 70s and 80s when this genre was at its peak. However, what I believe sets this album apart from the classics of the bygone era is its awareness of current times. A relatively new band, formed in 2015, Cats in Space show their awareness of modernity, especially on the track ‘Revolution.’ Written by guitarist Greg Hart, the piece highlights the issues our world contends with today, including politics and global warming. Included are also some powerful rock ballads, ‘Magic Lovin’ Feelin’ being a highlight of the whole album for me.
I would definitely recommend this album to all the rock fans out there. In 2020, it is hard to find music so true to the genre, with power chords galore and finger-bending solos but also lyrics that get you thinking. ‘Atlantis’ has something for every rocker. Touring with and supporting some of the greats from rock history, including Alice Cooper, Thunder and Deep Purple, I believe Cats in Space are ready to make their mark on the 21st Century rock world, and ‘Atlantis’ may just be the album to do this. Rest assured when they are able to tour this album, I will be first in line for tickets.
I must give a big thank you to Pete Russell and Greg Hart for organising and sending me a promotional copy of the album that was released on the 27th November 2020.