Here we have the latest album from the Bristolian NASA-styled space cadets. This excellent ensemble presents 14 self-penned tracks to rather wonderful effect. A slightly slimmed down version of the album is available as a ten-inch vinyl from Western Star under the title ‘Stay Fresh, Cheese Bags’.

The album kicks off with a very nice piece of surf-rock entitled ‘Test Pilot’, I was somewhat surprised therefore to see vocals introduced about mid-way through the track, but it works.

‘B- Positive’ is more of a psychobilly number albeit with surf trappings to the fore. It also has some lovely bass slapping in the breakdown. The vocals are spot on.

‘Ticking Time-Bomb’ is a slower, more measured song, but it is still a great song with some lovely, understated guitar work.

‘Moonbuggy Baby’ is an up-tempo number that features some delightful organ and furious slapping. There is a great guitar solo and frantic vocals that make this a must for the wreckin-pit.

‘Kamikazee’ has a very simple descending guitar riff, with slapping bass and gang vocals on the chorus that make this is a joyful song. 

‘Orangutangaboogie’ starts with jungle drums, this is a classic psychobilly number.

‘Gloucester Road’ begins with an accordion that conjures up images of Paris, but then the vocals come in and the song moves into quite a moody shuffle. There is also an atmospheric reverb-soaked guitar solo that is followed by an accordion solo. This is another string to the Kings of Outer-Space’s bow in terms of the diversity of repertoire.

‘Doomsday Surf Club’ is a great rockabilly-style number, replete with fine vocals and excellent guitar playing.

‘Big Ol Monster’ is a psychobilly number that sounds a little reminiscent of those Russian psychobilly legends the Magnetix, which, in my book, is only a good thing!

‘Under the Same Moon’ retains the psychobilly-theme of the previous song with plenty of pace.

‘Outa This World’ provides more up-tempo furious slapping, breakdowns and false endings, as such, it is a psychobilly gem.

‘Nature’ recorded live in the studio is an excellent psycho number that demonstrates very clearly that this is a band that is fully accomplished on their instruments individually, but that also has some considerably ability when playing as a collective.

‘Life’s Too Short’ once again sees the accordion at work, backing the vocalist, on what sounds a little like a Beatles’ number. One is steadfastly waiting for the band to kick into double time, but this never happens. It is always a good idea to keep the listener surprised.

Final track ‘Watch Me Burn’ features the organ lending the song a 60s’ feel that is retained throughout the song. As such it goes a long way to cementing my view that the Kings From Outer-Space are a splendidly chameleon-like group that is expert with styles ranging from surf to rockabilly and psychobilly and finally 60s’ garage. 

This is a very good group that has birthed a superb album. You ought to buy their album and also try to catch them live.

Nick Kemp

Buy a copy of ‘Things That Make Us Strange’ from Western Star Records