Review Summary: Spacehog’s debut album, “Resident Alien,” should not be a forgotten record, for it contains several golden tracks that would rank among many other 90’s greats.
If you were asked to name memorable music from the 90’s, names such as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Third Eye Blind, Weezer, and many others would come up. Amongst the grunge and alternative rock that the 90’s spurned, was a forgotten band named Spacehog. You may ask yourself, who is Spacehog? However, if you heard single
In the Meantime right at this moment, all sorts of déj* vu would come back.
In the Meantime is really the only claim to fame that Spacehog has, since it is the only single to achieve a great deal of mainstream success. Spacehog’s debut album, “Resident Alien” was released in 1995, and reached 49th on the Billboard 200 chart in 1996. The band would produce two more full-length albums, “The Chinese Album” and “Hogyssey” in 1998 and 2001 respectively. Unfortunately neither album received the mainstream success of their predecessor, which overall wasn’t even that great.
Spacehog is:
Johnny Cragg – Drums
Antony Langdon – Guitar
Royston Langdon – Vocals, Bass Guitar
Richard Steel – Guitar
Much of “Resident Alien” gives off a spacey vibe, consistent with both the band title and the record title. Spacehog’s sound on this particular record is somewhat typical of a 90’s alternative band, but draw influences from U2, Guns N’ Roses, and even David Bowie. The Guns N’ Roses influence is especially apparent in Royston Langdon’s vocals, which at times sound original, but at times sound like a bad Axel Rose impression.
Candyman is a tremendous example of this; Langdon’s voice sounds eerily familiar as he repeats, “Candyman, Candyman, Candyman.” This observation is again clear in power-ballad
Shipwrecked, when Langdon shouts, “And as the stars fly by me.” Despite this however, Langdon proves to be an adequate front-man, singing with passion, strength, and even using a falsetto when necessary.
“Resident Alien” in terms of quality is an above average record and includes some great tracks.
Shipwrecked is a five and a half minute, heartbroken ballad in which is enhanced by lyrics, such as “I wonder as I wandered, do you wonder me? I always sit, and think of you, and smile in memory. So if you raised a glass, to love you’ve passed. Raise a glass to me, cause I’m lonely as a sailor.” A mix of acoustic and electric guitars are utilized well here, and Landgon’s vocals are emotional and diverse, ranging from a falsetto to a powerful shout. The track continues to build momentum, until it finally concludes explosively.
The Last Dictator, is another highlight of the record, that makes excellent use of a somewhat typical 90’s electric intro and again, falsetto vocals. Track
Cruel to be Kind, is an unoriginal rock song, but is the most upbeat and fun song on the album. The track is driven by catchy guitar and piano parts, as Langdon convincingly sings, “You don’t have to be cruel to be kind.” Single
In the Meantime may be the best and most intricately written song on the album, for the track has continuous playability for several reasons. The song contains a sixty second introduction, complete with a synth keyboard, simple bassline, and more falsetto tones from Langdon. The chorus is accessible and memorable, and the track concludes with a fitting piano solo.
While “Resident Alien” has great songs, the record is really hindered by other mediocre ones.
Candyman has the makings of a great song, but is dragged down by annoying repetition in the lyrics and vocals. The nearly 7-minute
Zeroes begins promising with spacey and foreboding guitars, but is ultimately disappointing due to the same repetition that
Candyman suffers from.
Spacehog’s debut album, “Resident Alien,” should not be a forgotten record, for it contains several golden tracks that would rank among many other 90’s greats. The record however, suffers from inconsistency, preventing it from reaching excellence.
Recommended Tracks:
In the Meantime
Cruel to be Kind
Shipwrecked
The Last Dictator
