If you were to draw a Venn Diagram of Seeyouspacecowboy’s influences, it would look like the product of a demented Spirograph.
If I were to list them verbally, we would be here until the next tour. This is a band who pass through emo, nu metal, hardcore punk, doom metal, metal core, jazz, prog, electro rock, and a dozen more genres… then they get to the chorus of the song and introduce more. It’s nuts. If you were to listen to their music without seeing a photo of the band, guessing the number of band members would be impossible. There’s more moving parts here than a Rube Goldberg machine and it’s landed in The Cathouse tonight.
Who I thought were the one and only support for tonight is Boneflower. A trio from Madrid, from what I can gather, who are LOUD. The first song sounding like a church fire due to the PA struggling to contain the frontman’s screaming. If you see past the sheer volume, it’s a heavy blend of screamo, post hardcore, and some brutal mid western influences. There is melody within the noise occasionally and it sounds great.
Like taking gasps of air during the seconds you’re above water while drowning, it’s a fantastic contrast that you’re glad to have. The room is close to empty when they begin but it’s filling fast. There seems to be reluctance in the crowd to applaud, with the cue coming from the tour manager at the merch table, but that’s entirely on the crowd. Once this band get settled into what they’re doing, there’s every reason to cheer them.
A second support appears in the form of Killing Me Softly. They were announced at some point, I just missed it. The lucky thing is that I know exactly how to describe them… metal. From the first note to the last, it’s a relentless barrage of speed and absolute fury. The vocals go from screeching to valley deep guttural bleughs.
The result is the kind of circle pits you just don’t get to see anymore. You know the world is healing when you see walking wounded come out of the crowd mere songs into the set. If you’re into Metalcore or any of the speedier variants of the genre, I wouldn’t rest on this five piece from Leeds. They’re on the same island as us, so I imagine they’ll be touring a lot and should be back up here soon.
Seeyouspacecowboy gather on the stage while vintage film footage is projected behind them which continues to be the backdrop throughout the show. Putting the music aside for one second, the stage presence of this quintet is something to behold. Every member immediately begins emptying their tank on the stage as it’s impossible to track who is where at any given time. Bass player Timmy Moreno throws himself into the barrier at one point, screaming for the crowd as if there wasn’t already a pit moving. Very impressive spin kicks from vocalist Connie Sgarbossa – but the acrobatics are nothing compared to their vocal abilities.
When you listen to the recorded works of Seeyouspacecowboy, the vocals seem to be the result of a fleet of different people. With the exception of some [excellent] vocal work from the instrumentalists, it’s all Connie. The ease of switching between the smooth and melodic to the deep and rough is magnificent to hear, and with the changing dynamics of the music behind it, it’s elevated. Even if you’re not of the metal (or “sasscore”) persuasion, you can’t help but be taken in by the performance. Musically, it’s all just as crazy as the recordings but with more vitriol. Effortless switching between moods and breakdowns that keep you so on your toes that unless you’re familiar with the songs, you’d be forgiven for not knowing when one finishes and the other begins. Even at the more reserved sections, it’s loud and aggressive.
The circle pits that were created by the supports continue – if only by a handful of hardcore fans at points – but there’s always a good amount of energy being put back from the crowd. The Catty has always been a small venue which is often the first step for touring acts. But, it’s that status that allows fans to let go and express themselves as they see fit. There’s no fear of posers or judgement in the corners of the venue as you know everyone is here as genuine fans of the music and that makes for a better crowd.
If I had to sum tonight up in one word, that word would be “special”. Seeyouspacecowboy is a band who are so effortlessly complex, yet explosive, yet compelling, that you just need to see them live. Even if you’re not into screams, it’s a masterclass in stage presence and giving audiences what they deserve. You’re not going to get many chances to see them in small rooms like this again.
Photos by Catching Light Photography