Outer Spaces – Gazing Globe

Secret Meeting score: 70

by Philip Moss

Certain songs can seemingly exist in their own space and time. As the shuffling Real Estate-esque guitars that open I See Her Face on Outer Spaces’ new LP, Gazing Globe, there’s a transition takes place – from the real world into that of a cinematic landscape. This is only emphasised by Cara Beth Satalino’s diary entry-alike lyrics that attempt to gaze with an optimistic eye- ‘The jug of wine seemed infinite; days go by and now we’re on another jug of wine – time teaches you to forget, but the tide rolls by and now we’re on another plain of time.’ 

The record’s title track sees Satalino channelling Cat Power and, as is the case throughout, the soundscapes – overseen by producer, Chester Gwazda (Future Islands, Cloud Nothings, Adult Swim) – feel carefully honed. Single, YWLGOML, treads closer to the pop-punkisms of Courtney Barnett, while the LP’s pinnacle moment, I Slowly Close My Eyes, is carefully considered and shows a more knowing side to the Baltimore based songwriter – before it fulminates into a whirr of Green-era REM guitars.

Gazing Globe is not entirely successful. Truck Song is lyrically clumsy, and the middle pairing of Album For Ghosts and TV Screen leave little impression. But don’t let that put you off. The high moments on this sophomore effort are more than worthy of your time.

Want to keep up to date with all our latest pieces? Follow us on social media…