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Liberator 5.1
Steve Spacek
Space Shift

The British born singer, former member of funk futurist Spacek, billed in the U.K. press as the “Radiohead of soul” Steve Spacek relocated to Los Angeles to record his solo debut Space Shift. Spacek hooked up with producer Jay Dee (Slum Village/Common), and songwriter Leon Ware (Marvin Gaye) to create an album of experimental, modern, psychedelic soul. Drawing inspiration from classic Motown, Philly Soul and Isley Brothers Space Shift celebrates a vibe or space full of late night chill-out funk. The main reason to check for this record is the gangsta funk of “Dollar” produced by Jay Dee who loops a Billy Paul sample “Let the dollar circulate”, echoing 1974 and the era of Cadillac’s with white-walled tires. The intricate arrangement of “Smoke” pays respect to Marvin Gaye, while the lush production of “The Hills” offers a dreamy headspace of clashing baselines, and sturdy kick drums. The smokey daze of “Days Of My Life” makes you wonder, what happened to D”Angelo? It’s refreshing to know that soul singers don’t have to flex vocal gymnastics to evoke a sensible emotion. The understated vocals and laid back grooves of “So Many Ways” and “Slave” prove that less is more. Perhaps a bit ambitious, at times rather sparse and long. Still, space is the place. A welcome edition to modern souls new landscape, alongside forward thinkers Sa Ra Creative Partners, Plantlife and Platinum Pied Pipers.

words: jon jon