Editor’s Note: It’s not every day where Madness To Creation receives a review and it is simply mind blowing, yet that was the case when we reviewed “Space Elevator I” by British rockers Space Elevator. The music was a combination of an arena rock show, a Broadway musical, and a glam rock love fest all rolled into one. Space Elevator recently reissued the album, which includes a bonus cover of “Don’t Believe A Word” by Thin Lizzy. Fans can find Space Elevator at the following locations:
www.facebook.com/spaceelevatoronline
Madness To Creation: What inspired Space Elevator for the reissue of I?
The Duchess: We had just released Space Elevator II on Steamhammer in May. The first Space Elevator album was self released a few years previously by the band.
It was then re- released in Europe but again by the band. Our version of Don’t Believe A Word had never been on either album and was for download only along with the video. It seemed the perfect opportunity to increase our catalogue with Steamhammer and get the track out as a bonus just to give it something new from the first release. The first release has the tracks in a very specific order starting with “Elevator” and ending with “Move On”. Don’t Believe A Word is a bonus track at the end.
Madness To Creation: Giving us a movie title, describe Space Elevator.
The Duchess: Almost Famous.
Madness To Creation: “Loneliness Of Love” could be my favorite song right now. Period. Take us into that song, and please release it as a single *laughs*
The Duchess: Haha..thank you! Well actually we did release it as a double A side with a track called “Oils and Bubbles” when the album was released in Europe a couple of years ago. There is also a live video of the song on YouTube. The intention with that song was to do something very deliberately AOR , almost specifically American. We are quite a British sounding band but that song sounds like the Golden Gate Bridge or something, from a Brit’s point of view! Haha. It was always meant to be a radio friendly rocker with that big guitar riff, but with the more American style Harmony vocals as well.
Madness To Creation: What inspires you?
The Duchess: On a wider point, the idea of getting our music out to people anywhere in the world. Musically it can come from anywhere, a nice chord or an idea of a groove, but generally it’s an overall sense of the kind of music we want to put out. Rock music but with plenty of melody and musical twists and turns.
Madness To Creation: What should people expect from the reissue of I?
The Duchess: If someone comes to this album second, it’s arguably more flamboyant than the follow up. Space Elevator II has more of a direct rock sound on it although it’s still eclectic, but it has the guitar to the fore. The first album has guitar and piano/keyboards kind of 50/50 and we really chucked the kitchen sink in to the songs in terms of vocal and guitar layering. The songs are longer!
Madness To Creation: What does Thin Lizzy mean to your career, what was the inspiration behind covering “Don’t Believe A Word”?
David: I don’t know that they mean that much to our career exactly, but we all grew up listening to them along with other bands. Myself and drummer Brian Greene think Live and Dangerous is the best ever Live album. You almost learnt to play by jamming with that record. Our singer The Duchess loves Solo in Soho by Phil Lynott.
Madness To Creation: Best gig that you have had this year.
David: Personally it was a gig In Oxford. The band is based close to London but it’s equidistant to Oxford. We’d just done a few gigs in the North of England and Scotland but on this gig it all clicked for whatever reason.
Madness To Creation: Take us into your favorite song on this album, and why is it your favorite song?
David: My own favorite is I Will Find You (Gallifrey Dreams) I know what went into writing that song and I’m really pleased with how it came out. I love the dynamic range of it, starting with solo classical guitar but ending with those incredible high vocals after the modulation. It always storms on a gig although in essence it’s a ballad, but the song goes on a journey. I particularly like the drum fills at the end too over that 6/8 groove where Brian plays off the cymbals and hi –hat. We’re very proud of that song.
Madness To Creation: What else would you like to add about I and the partnership with Steamhammer?
David: I think the first album sits really nicely with the follow up. We have developed a signature sound and while the two albums are quite different in some respects, I’m certain that anyone liking the second one will enjoy this one if they go back and check it out. Regarding Steamhammer, It is possible in this day and age to record an album and release it on your own as a band if you can somehow find the funds to do it. In essence we did it twice, Steamhammer coming on board just as we were about to self –release SE II. However, the importance of working with a great label cannot be overstated, it takes so much promotional and other work away from the band which is a huge help. This interview wouldn’t be happening without the label, so that extra reach is absolutely critical in facilitating the continued working of the band.
