My first exposure to the Detroit rock band Space Nelson was their 2002 release, Evil Computer from the Future. I was very impressed with what I heard, in the way they combine the best elements of modern straight-forward rock and the harder edged progressive rock. I found them again recently on MySpace.com where I contacted them about their latest release, 2005's Don’t Panic.
Musically I’d place Space Nelson somewhere between such well known bands as Enchant, Platypus and newer Spock’s Beard as well as lesser known bands like Omni (from Washington State) and Little King. I think the beauty of Space Nelson’s sound is that they come from the rock genre and use progressive elements to achieve a more interesting sound than most modern rock bands of today.
On their latest effort (their forth according to their online discography) “Don’t Panic”, even though it's a 33 minute album, the band delivers quality music that is both memorable and interesting with each listen. Isn't that what good music is all about, the quality not quantity. Within the album, the band keeps the songs nicely within a three to five minute mark. I'm sure they could have gone all out and expanded on their ideas but they let what they wrote speak for itself. Highlights for me are "Into The Sun", "Mars" and "Here Before". Incidently, you can hear these complete songs on their MySpace.com page here.
Space Nelson is a fantastic band that helps bridge a gap between the modern rock and progressive rock worlds. This is a band to look out for. I feel Don’t Panic is a must own album especially for fans of the mainstream music world that want something more than watered down boring music that is put out by the major record industry. Also progressive rock fans will enjoy this band and album as well, especially those that enjoy the more rock side of the spectrum.
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on January 28th, 2006
