On Friday 8th November 2024, Spaceheads made a triumphant return to The Carlton Club. Comprising James’ trumpeter Andy Diagram and drummer Richard Harrison, the duo delivered their signature blend of electronic trumpet loops and powerful drum beats. Fresh off an extensive North American tour with James, Andy wasn’t the only member of the band in attendance – he joined forces with James drummer David Baynton-Power, who lit up the stage as one half of the electronic dance duo Blacakat. The bands were accompanied by Rucksack Cinema, who elevated their performances with mesmerising multi-projection light shows crafted in real-time, using a blend of archival film footage and digital glitches.
In a striking departure from his drumming with James, DBP brought a fresh energy to the stage with live electronic drums, dynamic percussion, and expertly timed sample triggers. He was joined by his longtime collaborator, Speedy, who added layers of synths, effects, and seamless sequencing. Blacakat’s roots in jam sessions were evident, as the duo’s nearly telepathic connection created an unbroken flow of music, blending a diverse range of electronic genres. As the crowd filled the dance floor, it was clear why this duo is a favourite on the festival, club, and party scene.
Spaceheads opened their set with ‘What Does the Money Machine Eat?’ from their Rust EP—a track that evolved from a blend of Andy’s daily livestreams during lockdown and the duo’s summer meet-ups at the farm where they record in Cheshire. Giving fans more than their money’s worth, the duo powered through a dynamic setlist spanning their entire back catalogue. Through live looping and harmoniser effects, Andy Diagram creates intricate, boundary-pushing layers that consistently elicit euphoric reactions from the audience, and the groove of ‘Sway’ had everybody moving. Next came ‘Robbing the Memory Bank’, a track that perfectly highlighted the eccentric and experimental range of sounds that Andy is able to conjure.
While Richard’s drum kit keeps him anchored to the stage, Andy is free to roam and during ‘The Revolution Sashays up the Mall’, he disappeared into the crowd, who danced joyfully around him as his soaring trumpet harmonised perfectly with Richard’s irresistible beat. Though even when confined to the stage, both Andy and Richard exude a palpable sense of enjoyment in their performance. It’s clear that the joy of playing together is something they cherish and ‘Chug’ was the perfect reflection of that, as Richard’s fast-paced, driving beats seem to almost compete with Andy’s trumpet. The intense back-and-forth between the two builds up to a thrilling climax before coming to an abrupt finish.
If you follow Spaceheads on social media, you’ll know that their creativity never stops, and they didn’t disappoint, debuting a powerful new track. Humble as always, Andy took the lead in engaging with the crowd between songs, effortlessly building rapport. Before introducing ‘The Rich Are a Luxury We Can’t Afford’, he invited “the Spaceheads choir“ up onstage as his backing vocalists. It wasn’t long before the entire audience enthusiastically joined in with the chorus, creating a moment of unity and shared energy that perfectly suited the song’s message.
With such a wealth of original material under their belts, Spaceheads rarely perform covers, making their decision to introduce ‘House of Jealous Lovers‘ a surprising treat for fans. Originally released by The Rapture in 2003, the track is renowned for its energetic, dance-punk style. Spaceheads, however, put their own spin on it, delivering a remarkable rendition that captured the essence of the original, despite performing as a duo.
Spaceheads have a unique, almost telepathic connection when it comes to experimenting with song structures and timings, allowing them to create truly spontaneous and innovative performances. One of their most memorable moments came when they performed a track to raise awareness of the Carlton Club’s threat of closure. With a steady beat and a catchy trumpet line, Andy took the spotlight, delivering a fast-paced verse akin to a rap, outlining the club’s significance to the community. As Andy chanted “Which club? This club! Save the Carlton Club!” the crowd eagerly joined in, turning the performance into a unified call for support.
After numerous fan requests, ‘Sun Radar‘ finally made its long-awaited appearance late in the set, and it lived up to its reputation as a live favourite. With its sci-fi effects and quirky drum sounds, the track exudes a playful energy from start to finish, with its infectious rhythm making it one of Spaceheads’ most danceable songs.
Unlike any other musical duo – Spaceheads are a whirlwind of originality, and their creativity has been flowing strong since the ’90s. Performing at the Carlton Club, they seamlessly covered a range of styles, showcasing a brilliance that shines both in their individual talents and in their dynamic partnership.
Spaceheads have just released a stunning 3LP box set that features 27 tracks from their early period, all remastered and pressed on vinyl for the very first time. If you’re in the US, you can order it from Bandcamp. If you’re in the UK/Europe, it’s available from Norman Records.
Supporters can help keep the Carlton Club’s doors open by signing the petition and spreading the word to raise awareness. Every signature and share brings the club closer to securing the future it deserves in Manchester’s cultural landscape.
