The Kids in Spacesuits are far from your typical musical duo. Hailing from the bustling streets of London, England, this extraordinary pairing of Elliott Day and Bethan Jones brings a cosmic narrative to both their artistry and their music. Elliott Day, known as the pansexual prince of Pluto, leads the band with his emotionally charged songwriting and magnetic voice, while Bethan Jones, with her powerful, resonant vocals, exudes the energy of a true rock empress. But their story transcends the typical rise of a band—legend has it that the pair were abducted by aliens and mysteriously dropped off in Cardiff, an experience that adds to the enigma of their origin.
Drawing influences from iconic artists like Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, and Talking Heads, The Kids in Spacesuits blend theatricality and alternative rock into their sound. Their unique style is a kaleidoscope of space, time, and raw emotion, an aesthetic that positions them as creative forces pushing the boundaries of modern music. Together, they embody the ethos of escaping reality through art and sound, reaching for the stars with every note.
On May 1st, 2024, The Kids in Spacesuits unleashed “Back of Our Heads”, a mesmerizing sonic odyssey that pulls listeners into the depths of space and the complexities of human emotion. The album is more than just a collection of songs—it’s an existential trip that covers themes of love, companionship, failure, and surreal fantasy. Elliott Day and Bethan Jones have crafted an intricate universe of sound, exploring everything from apocalyptic visions to dreams that blend love and nightmares.
Each track is a chapter in the duo’s eclectic story. Songs like “In The Morning” capture existential dread, while “Climbing High” celebrates love that transcends time. “Blue Dreams” provides a dreamy, poetic narrative, and instrumentals like “Sandcastles Out of Moon Dust” offer serene snapshots of the universe. Recorded in unconventional spaces across England, from bedrooms to garages, the album feels both intimate and cosmic, grounding its listeners while urging them to look toward the stars. As Elliott Day poignantly reflects, “We’re all just kids in spacesuits, staring at the sky… Hoping one day we’ll make it out.”
Back Of Our Heads Album Track List:
Climbing High:
“Climbing High,” from “Back Of Our Heads” by The Kids In Spacesuits, feels like a journey to the peak of emotional and musical expression. From the very first note, the track envelops you in a serene atmosphere, where purity and simplicity harmonize in perfect balance. The opening piano melody introduces a landscape of clean, unblemished sound, setting the stage for what unfolds like a slow, deliberate climb to musical heights. As the majestic bass kicks in, the gentle caress of drums and the soft piano combine to create a rhythm that feels like a breeze brushing across your skin. The textures are rich yet peaceful, giving a relaxed groove that feels both grounded and otherworldly. It’s a mid-tempo grace that invites you to sway, perhaps with your eyes closed, letting the sound transport you.
At the 0:21 mark, the entrance of the female vocalist transforms the song into something truly celestial. Her voice, pure and operatic, soars effortlessly, carrying with it a depth of emotion that feels intimate yet vast. There’s a clarity in her pitch, an elegance in her phrasing, that gives the song a reverent quality, elevating the melody to a higher plane. When the male vocalist joins her, the duet reaches new heights. His voice complements hers perfectly, adding warmth and depth to the harmonic interplay. Together, they weave a tapestry of sound that transcends the typical bounds of a duet, becoming a conversation between two souls on a shared journey. The vocal chemistry between them is magnetic, making the listener feel as if they are witnessing something sacred.
What makes “Climbing High” truly remarkable, though, is its consistency in delivering that ethereal feel throughout. The blend of soft and hard textures, the seamless flow of the rhythm, melody, and harmony—all work together to maintain a sense of musical majesty. The track’s balance between simplicity and complexity is its strongest asset, creating a soundscape that is easy to enjoy on the surface but reveals deeper layers upon every listen. It is a perfect embodiment of The Kids In Spacesuits’ ability to craft music that is both otherworldly and profoundly human, making “Climbing High” one of the standout tracks on “Back Of Our Heads”.
If It Doesn’t Work Out (You Can Always Come Home):
The Kids In Spacesuits deliver an infectiously hypnotic experience in “If It Doesn’t Work Out (You Can Always Come Home),” a track from their album “Back Of Our Heads”. From the very start, the song’s basslines grab your attention with their majestic yet groovy flow. There’s an undeniable charm in the subtle simplicity of the instrumental progression, where each element, starting with the bass and the light touch of the drums, builds a gentle yet captivating rhythm. Together, these instruments establish the foundation for the magic that gradually unfolds, leading you through a sonic journey that feels effortless yet meticulously crafted. The rhythm, mid-tempo and calming, is relaxed but with an underlying groove that continuously moves the track forward in an almost hypnotic manner.
At the 0:13 mark, the entrance of the female vocalist adds a new layer of beauty to the song. Her voice, clear and sweet, feels as though it’s gliding across the instrumentation, bringing warmth and emotional depth to the soundscape. Accompanied by responsive background vocals, her presence fills the track with fullness and richness, allowing the melody to blossom. The rhythmic progression, already subtle and gentle, is made even more graceful by the dancing piano melodies that weave in and out, adding a sense of elegance to the entire composition. The combination of her voice and the flowing rhythm feels like a soothing embrace, allowing listeners to sink into the calm and reflective energy of the song.
When the male vocalist enters at the 1:30 mark, his dynamic and commanding voice brings a fresh intensity to the track. The backing vocalists that accompany him offer even more depth to the song, and his rich, deep tone contrasts exquisitely with the lighter aspects. A captivating and exotic atmosphere is produced by the male and female voices interacting with one other and the constantly changing rhythm and melody. The music is a beautiful combination of simplicity and complexity due to the subtle shifts within the rhythm and overall flow. “If It Doesn’t Work Out (You Can Always Come Home)” is a masterful piece, showcasing The Kids In Spacesuits’ ability to blend groove, melody, and emotional storytelling into one majestic composition.
Rain Dance:
“Rain Dance,” from “Back Of Our Heads” by The Kids In Spacesuits, is an exhilarating track that embodies freedom and joy. From the first few notes, its childlike and happy rhythm, paired with a carefree melody, makes you want to lose yourself in the sound and feel alive. The track begins with sleek, thick basslines that immediately grab your attention, alongside soft percussions and delicate string melodies. These elements blend effortlessly with subtle synths, creating a soundscape that gradually builds up until it fully blossoms at the 0:28 mark. When the track hits this peak, it transforms into a vibrant, groovy sonic reverie, driven by a unique drum groove and an infectious energy that pulses through every beat.
You get the impression that you could dance in the rain without a worry in the world because of this piece’s easygoing freedom. “Rain Dance” keeps evolving as it goes along, adding nuanced melodic and rhythmic alterations that maintain the song’s compelling energy. The song maintains its original beauty throughout its organic flow, which gives the impression that it is always evolving. The lead male vocalist adds a commanding presence to the track, his voice filled with a contagious happiness that resonates throughout the song. His vocals glide seamlessly with the rhythm, complementing the groove with a perfect blend of exuberance and precision.
His energy feels sincere, and it elevates the track’s mood, further drawing listeners into the infectious dance-like feel of the song. One of the most prominent features of “Rain Dance” is the backing vocals, which give the song a whimsical, almost innocent charm. These vocals, which sound like they belong in a children’s choir, give the music an extra dose of happiness and fun, making it even more upbeat. You get the impression that you’re a part of something enchanting and lighthearted when they’re around because of the track’s unmistakable purity and joy. Every aspect of “Rain Dance” – from the evolving rhythms to the infectious vocals – comes together in a harmonious celebration of sound, making it one of the standout tracks on “Back Of Our Heads”.
Rollercoaster On The Moon:
The serene progression of “Rollercoaster On The Moon” from The Kids In Spacesuits’ album “Back Of Our Heads” is undeniably one of its most captivating qualities. The song flows like a gentle ocean current, exuding a tranquil energy that soothes the soul. From the opening, the soft melodic guitar strings intertwined with majestic piano melodies create a transcendent atmosphere, pulling you into a peaceful reverie. When the subtle basslines and light percussive touches are introduced, they elegantly build a magical soundscape, setting the foundation for the song’s downtempo brilliance. The male lead singer’s voice is an integral part of this delicate progression, as his angelic tone evokes a celestial quality that adds to the song’s overall paradisical feel.
His emotive delivery of the lyrics aligns perfectly with the track’s soft groove, creating a delicate rhythmic flow that feels like a revelation in every sense. What truly stands out in “Rollercoaster On The Moon” is the balance between each instrumental element, with the gentle yet powerful drum rhythms making timely appearances. These subtle highlights intensify the emotional depth of the song, adding just enough vitality to make each moment feel more significant. As the melodies dance effortlessly through the progression, they reveal an intricately layered composition that is as relaxing as it is mesmerizing. When the female vocalist enters at the 1:35 timestamp, her voice breathes new life into the track. Her clean, clear, and pure vocals feel angelic, as if they were sent from another realm.
The song’s climax, a beautiful interplay that enhances the emotional resonance and overall excellence of the tune, is the duet that ensues between the male and female vocalists. The male and female vocals combine to produce a heavenly symphony that goes beyond the realm of traditional music. “Rollercoaster On The Moon” is an amazing musical composition that is enhanced by their harmonies, which blend in perfectly with the delicate melodies, soothing rhythms, and sporadic percussion pulses. It demonstrates The Kids In Spacesuits’ talent for creating soundscapes as much as tunes. With its captivating beat and airy vocal harmonies, this song sticks out as a unique piece of art that manages to feel both grounded and alien. Definitely engrossing from beginning to end
One album that defies simple classification is “Back of Our Heads.” It explores love, loss, identity, and hope in a profoundly personal way while also being a cosmic voyage. Listeners are invited to go on a trip that is both imaginative and based in genuine emotion with The Kids in Spacesuits’ expansive and intimate body of work. The album “Back of Our Heads” will stick with you long after the last note fades if you’re searching for truly meaningful subjects and music that defies expectations.
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