“Kickstart the Sun” demonstrates the Cats In Space’s ability to write catchy and memorable songs inspired by a range of 70s rock, pop, prog, and pomp influences. The album features fifteen tracks that showcase the band’s tight musicianship, particularly the contributions of guitarist Greg Hart, drummer Steevi Bacon, and vocalist Damien Edwards, all of whom play vital roles in the songwriting process. The band’s sound is defined by its confident and uplifting delivery, as well as its ability to offer a diverse range of styles within a single album.
One of the standout tracks is “King of Stars”, which opens with bold horn blasts and incorporates staccato piano lines and powerful guitar chords alongside a driving and groove-laden beat. “Poke the Witch”, another highlight, ups the groove ante with its catchy rhythms and showcases Edwards’ impressive vocal range. “Teenage Millionaire” is another fascinating song, combining tumbling beats with rich vocal harmonies and a blazing guitar solo, while “Goodbye American Dream” shifts gears from a ballad to a self-assured strut. The heartfelt ballad “1,000,000 Miles” is simply wonderful, while “Smoke and Mirrors” wraps the listener around its finger with its blend of ELO and City Boy influences. The eight-minute “Bootleg Bandoleros” is a pomp-prog masterpiece that manages to be both epic and sing-along worthy. Other tracks on the album, such as “Last Dance Saloon” and “A Big Balloon”, showcase the band’s ability to incorporate elements of Styx and Magnum into their sound, while the homonymous track, “Kickstart the Sun”, offers a more introspective and emotional moment on the album. It’s not that easy to pick your favorite ones out of the 15 tracks.
All things considered, “Kickstart the Sun” is a triumph for Cats In Space and a must-listen for fans of 70s-inspired classic & glam rock. The band’s enthusiasm and energy are captivating, and the songwriting is superb, resulting in an album that is both uplifting and deeply satisfying.
