Space Cadet are Matt Hock and David Walsh from The Explosion. With Space Cadet, the duo create something that is more post- than proto punk, more reverb- and chorus driven than distortion driven. I found much to like about the band’s 2021 debut LP Lion On A Leash. The follow up EP Suede Originals sees the band utilizing the short format release to perfection. The EP consists of four songs that all stay well under the 3-minute mark and are midpaced yet anthemic. Don’t expect to find the boiled up frustration and agression of The Explosion, but what Space Cadet may lack on that front they make up with a sense of urgency and melody.
Space Cadet are in top form on this EP. On the title track they almost overdose on “ooh nananana’s” and “yeah yeah yeah yeah’s,” but somehow Space Cadet can make it work. I find myself singing along every time. Sunshine State has more “Yeah-ee-yeah’s!” and EP closer Ya Ya Ya is full of “Ya Ya Ya’s.” My favorite singalong chorus though is “Wooohooo what’s the matter with you?!” This is a hell of an EP with tunes that stick!
Suede Originals is out now on 7″ vinyl on Miserable Neighbor Records. Matt Olsson plays drums and bass on the EP, Chris Gonzalez & Brian Pluta provide background vocal, and Pete Steinkopf did the technical and production stuff.