Cats In Space Live Cottiers Theatre shockcity productions on point touring

Review By Darren McIntyre Images By Scott Anderson

Cats In Space are a Glam / Power Pop / Hard Rock band from Horsham, West Sussex, England who originally formed in 2015 and this year marks their 10th Anniversary. Cats In Space originally made their debut appearance @ London’s Half Moon in Putney on 6th Jan 2016, this led to many new shows and fastivals such as Stone Free & Ramblin Man. 2017 sees the boys tour with Thunder & Phil Collins @ BST, this ultimately led to support slots with Deep Purple, Status Quo all in 2017 then slots with Bonnie Tyler & Blue Oyster Cult. The boys have given us 7 studio albums, 2 live albums and to celebrate this landmark year they are out on tour, tonight they stop off at the spectacular Cottiers Theatre which is brought to you by ShockCityProductions & OnPointTouring, please join me as I take us through their electrifying performance in the intimate setting of this splendid venue, the stage is set and the visuals are blinking away at the back of the stage behind Steevi and as the lights dim and the house PA fades the guys take to the stage and take us into –

Too Many Gods – The track kicks off with a cool synth intro as the shredding guitars come at us as Damien steps forward in his spectacular gold & black full lenght coat and trademark dark glasses as this funky, toe tapping monster catches our attention as the boys bring us their colossal arrangement that fits perfectly into this intimate setting, the band are tight, precise and firing on all cylinders as this opening track gives us a taste of what’s in store tonight. The groove is a real fast and furious tone that gives the place a shake as the cool synth tones flow effortlessly through the venue, a slick. punchy solo oozes from Greg as he really pushes the track onwards as we really feel this is gonna be a real special night. The crowd are up on their feet cheering and hollering as the boys just shift through the gears and take us onto –

Immortal – Cool cymbal crashes bring the track to life as piano tones linger through the intro as snare drum taps let the groove flow as Damien lets his smooth, soaring vocals lead the charge as this fist pumping bruiser bursts into life. The rhythm section is commanding the room as it guides the groove through the beat as Willie drops the hammer with dark, brooding basslines that wrap themselves around this melodic poptastic toe tapping groover, the place is just bubbling under the surface as the boys bring smiles to our faces as the magical feeling runs effortlessly through the venue. The crowd are singing along and this just elevates the track as the boys are giving us a real experience within the walls of this stunning venue, the slick, crisp guitar solo is filling every corner of the venue as the place just welcomes The Cats as they give us a real visual show that is just something else, next up –

My Father’s Eyes – Crunching guitar riffs open the track as Damien leans in and lets his melodic, powering vocals lead the track down the road as the cool toe tapper bursts into life. The rhythm section is hitting us with solid snare drum punches that wrap themselves around this hypnotising track that really lets our feelings run free, the cool, meaty bassline is hitting us with soulful grooves that let the track tell it’s own story as the boys are really gelling and letting the music do the talking. The vocals are just soaring and really let the track give us a real warm, fuzzy feeling as the guitar licks combine with cymbal crashes that give the arrangement depth, swagger and bags of attitude as they just shift through the gears and give us a show that we won’t forget in a hurry, awesome musicianship that is just soaring, next up –

Narnia – Haunting guitar licks ooze from the stage as cymbal crashes fill the air as the synth tones linger through the intro as the mellow vocals lead the charge of this epic track. The dark, meaty bassline is dropping in and hitting us with cool grooves that let the track breathe, the boys join in on backing vocals as the track builds with ease as the stop start groove really adds mystery to this thrilling, symphonic rock track that has the crowd singing, dancing and really getting into tonight’s performance. The setting is just perfect as the vocals are booming and really reach every corner of this majestic venue as a slick, cool guitar solo leans in and lets the tone flow freely through the track as the boys just give us a polished, well thought out arrangement that just gets better and better with each track, the place is really showing their appreciation as we stroll into –

Kickstart The Sun – Damien chats about the track and the setlist as he tells us we are going through a journey tonight as the awesome piano keys kick in and let the track come to life. The strong, melodic vocals flow from the stage as Damien really showcases his range as we await the eruption from the boys, the cool, meaty bassline is coming through and really giving the track depth and energy as we listen intently to the boys as this colossal visual piece really catches our attention. Shredding power riffed guitar salvo breaks the silence as the boys give us a real soulful piece that is just outstanding as the place really appreciates the band and what they are bringing to Glasgow tonight. The musicality is just outstanding as each musician sets out their stall and takes us on an epic journey that just puts a smile on your face with it’s groove, tone and real emotion filled lyrics, the piano piece really elevates the track as we tear through the setlist and are led onto –

Queen Of Neverland – Damien chats about the track and what album it comes from as the shredding riffs fill the air as the pounding rhythm section kicks in the doors as this rocking groover bursts into life. The snare drum punches are letting the groove flow as Damien lets his soaring vocals lead the charge of this foot stomping, rock n roll monster, the boys are really coming together as the place is really getting into this funk, fusion groove night as we feel the energy pouring from the stage as the boys shift through the gears and really let our imagination run wild. The piano tones are wrapping themselves around this real nice arrangement as they work well with the twin guitar salvo that is coming at us right now as the boys really give us a show which we will remember for a time and no doubt it will be talked about for ages, up next –

Crashing Down – Damien starts off by telling us about the new album Time Machine and how it came about as he leads us into the track as cool piano tones linger through the intro as Damien brings the melodies with his epic vocals. The dark, brooding bassline drops in and brings the heat as this fantastic number explodes into life as the pounding rhythm section brings the groove with it’s cool snare drum kicks, the bass punches really let the track deliver a moving, thought provoking track that really catches our attention as we feel the energy pouring from the boys as they go about their business and really tell us they mean business tonight. A sweet, powering guitar solo oozes from the stage as Greg really digs in and really lets us have it both barrels, the place is just buzzing as these boys leave no stone unturned tonight as we move into –

This Velvet Rush – The visuals light up the room as this melodic number oozes in and brings a real mellow tone that is just awesome as Damien brings his soaring vocals to tonight’s performance. The rhythm section kicks in and brings snare / bass kicks that let the tone come to life as the guitar riffs join in and really let the track grow as we stand in awe of this colossal show that is throwing everything except the kitchen sink at us. The vocals are just silky smooth with depth and bags of emotion as the backing vocals fill the room with their cool tone. The slick, crisp guitar licks are pouring from the stage as this sweet, soulful number really hits the spot as the boys shift through the gears and really get the crowd clapping and singing at the top of their voices as we roll into –

Jupiter Calling – The synth tones are rolling through the intro as the visual screen lets the track come to life as the crowd starts clapping and letting the groove build. The rhythm section comes at us kicking in the doors with a real meaty snare drum beat that lets the bass kicks take the groove onwards as the cymbal snaps let the track breathe, the soaring, melodic vocals are just incredible as they wrap themselves around this toe tapping monster that just grows on you. Willie is looking resplendant in his black and white checked suit that just seems befitting for tonight’s performance as the bassline drops in with sultry, delicious tones that really give this track depth, swagger and bags of emotion as the mid section slows for a bit as the cool synth tones ripple through the track and they let the groove tell it’s own story as Dean steps forward and unleashes a soaring solo that is just awesome as the fist pumping groove leads us into –

Bootleg Bandoleros – The track begins with Greg coming in with a sweet acoustic strumming tone that is backed by cymbal rolls as Steevi brings the groove and the track begins to build. The soaring, melodic vocals from Damien are just incredible as they really let the track soar as the boys stand guard ready to deliver a cool, rocking beat as cool, funky bassline tones hit us and really give the track direction as the snare drum punches fill the room and really let the track drive off down the road as the visual display brings us a pirate ship cutting through the ocean and looking for it’s next victim as the boys do the video justice as they dig deep and bring us soaring vocals, crisp musicianship that takes us to –

Revolution – The band catch their breathe as a pounding snare drum beat gets this toe tapping groover off the ground as cool galloping guitar riffs bring the track to life. Damien’s soaring vocals are really giving the track swagger as the boys give it some and really get us up on our feet as the track builds and builds, the bassline is coming through and really dropping, meaty, funk laden tones that just melt all over this killer arrangement which is just brimming with slick guitar riffs that have the rhythm section for company. The synth notes are flowing effortlessly through the track and really lift the composition as the boys shift through the gears and bring us a fast paced, melodic number that tells us that is what Cats are all about as we hurtle onto the next track –

Occam’s Razor9Not The End Of The World) – Bluesy piano tkeys let the track open as cymbal crashes rain down on us as this punchy groover bursts into life and really lets the crowd feel the beat. Damien’s killer, smooth, soulful vocals really give the track energy and let it soar as the place gets up on it’s feet to really feel the groove coming at us right now, the rhythm section is coming through and hitting us with a solid snare drum beat that has bass kicks that really give the track a reason to drive this soaring track onwards. We are getting a treat tonight as the boys really deliver in this epic setting and I think we will see the boys back real soon judging by this night as they look like they are really enjoying the whole experience as the crowd show their appreciation as we stroll into –

Hologram Man – The boys ready themselves as a crunching guitar riff opens the track as a punchy snare drum kick flows freely through the intro as Damien lets rip with his colossal, melodic vocals as the visual plays in the background as we feel the energy rise in the room as the boys hurtle through the setlist and really give us something special with this track, the place is rocking and rolling as the lights, visuals and energy raise their game with this slick, catchy rock n roll groover as we get a cool mellow guitar solo that just ripples through the venue as we are nearing the end of this fantastic evening of killer music that you really don’t want to end, we roll into –

Greatest Story Never Told – Piano intro sets the scane as we feel ourselves being transported to another place as Damien brings his soulful vocals to the arrangement. Keys are rippling through the intro and really give the track a haunting mellow feel as the boys ready themselves to get us moving with a cool, sweet guitar lick that is just fantastic, the rhythm section bursts into life as it hits us with solid snare drum punches that bring in bass kicks that just elevate the track somewhat, basslines drop in and really give us a dark, mellow tone that warps itself around this haunting piece that is just grabbing our attention as we feel the depth coming from the boys as the cool backing vocals reach every corner of the venue as the boys get us ready. The gig has been nothing short of spectacular as the boys wanted to really give us something we would talk about for ages and they were right, Steevi kicks in with a real solid, pounding groove that adds to the mystery of this classic track that is taking us one way then the next let me tell you, a colossal masterpiece that deserves all the plaudits as we come to the second but last song of the evening in the form of –

Thunder In The Night – Steevi steps up and unleashes an incredible drum solo that is filling every corner of the venue as he sets out his stall and brings us cymbal crashes and a real meaty bass kick that builds and builds and brings in the cowbell that just elevates the track. The thundering beats are just awesome as the whole place is clapping along and getting into the groove as a full on bassline drops in and hits us with deliciou, dark, mellow grooves that just allow the track to breathe, the slick, crisp guitar riffs are flowing freely through the track as the synth tones lean in and really let the track tell it’s own story. The place is on it’s feet and feeling the groove roll through this awesome venue as we near the end of this absolute banger of a night that has just put a smile on my face for sure, I am sure the boys have had a blast on tour as they had a little chat with me before the show and said what an impressive venue this is so be sure to catch the boys where you can. A soaring guitar solo rips through the place and really tells us that Cats In Space mean business as we come to –

I Fell Out Of Love With Rock n Roll – Damien leads us into the final track as cool piano tones flow effortlessly through the intro as the classy track is waiting to erupt and take us through the final moments of this incredible gig that was just off the scale. The rhythm section comes through and hits us with punchy snare drum kicks as the cymbal crashes rain down on us as the boys take us through our paces and let their story unfold, the cool, dark bassline is just wrapping itself around the track as we feel the beat come at us. Damien’s incredible vocals suit this track down to the ground as they are just perfect for this kind of arrangement that is just building and building as we are on our feet and feeling the tone fill the venue as the boys dig deep and really sock it to us, Damien asks us to sing along and we duly oblige as we are in the zone and feeling the love pouring from the stage as the boys take their bows and fade off into the night.

Cats In Space –

Damien Edwards – Lead / Backing Vocals

Greg Hart – Guitar / Acoustic Guitar / Backing / Backing Vocals

Dean Howard – Guitar / Backing Vocals

Willie Dowling – Bass / Backing Vocals

Andy Stewart – Piano / Keys / Synth / Backing Vocals

Steevi Bacon – Drums / Percussion

Setlist –

Too Many Gods

Immortal

My Father’s Eyes

Narnia