INCA BABIES – “SPACEWALK”
A SPILL EXCLUSIVE MUSIC PREMIERE
What a treat we have here today with the latest, perhaps greatest, offering from one of Britain’s finest “vintage” bands – and when we say that, it is with the utmost respect for their last 50 years of making music (still going strong). We are keen on “Spacewalk” – with a name that grabs you, but not to any extent relative to this blazing track itself.
If you could combine Brian Setzer’s twang, the silver lining amidst Bauhaus’ dark expanse and the post-punk fever fired up by Gang of Four, you’d end up with the sonic output of long-time deathrock supremos Inca Babies. A pulsating anthem, this song is a visceral journey through goth-rock and post-punk – a captivating blend of angularity and intensity with a driving rhythm. The underlying sense of urgency adds a layer of depth and complexity.
Their new single happens to be the first sonic morsel from a collection they’ve been prepping for he past three years, since releasing their 2021 album Swamp Street Soul. Yes indeed, this will be their ninth studio album Ghost Mechanic Nine. Put your seatbelts on – here’s one for lovers of Screaming Blue Messiahs, The Gun Club, John Spencer Blues Explosion, The Cramps and The Birthday Party.
Today, the band is made up of Harry Stafford (guitar, keys, vocals), Rob Haynes (drums, percussion), Jim Adama (bass) and Kevin G. Davy (trumpet). This will be their first release is three years, following Continuing their explosive exploration of goth, punk and death-rock jazz-blues, Inca Babies deliver an album that explores the essence of the 80s death-rock vibe, with a tribute to the strong riffing and cool, dead-pan delivery of the dark wave scene at the time.
This album visits a similar place to where Inca Babies started in the 80s with their psychobilly trash rock. “Spacewalk” itself is a calling card for the album, taking listeners back to a sound that is raw, spiky and reminiscent of their early days in the 80s.
Since their debut in 1982, Inca Babies have crafted a captivating and unconventional sound. Their unique and intriguing music has consistently influenced and excited listeners. Undeniably one of the pioneers and defining figures of British rock ‘n’ roll, their music serves as a personal manifesto, reflecting the values and aspirations of a generation and resonating deeply with those who have connected with their sound.
Recorded at 6Db Studios in Salford under Simon ‘Ding’ Archer (The Fall, PJ Harvey), this album was recorded and mixed by ‘Ding’ and Stafford over two years, with with ‘Ding’ also contributing serious sonic and dub flourishes. Marco Butcher mastered this record at his Boombox studio in North Carolina.
Harry Stafford explains, “This is a rockabilly Sci-fi song about the wonders of the Space age. From Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 to the mega cities of Blade Runner and the fact that when I was a kid, in the far-off future, 2024 was supposed to be a silver suited, hover car space age with pills instead of Pizza. We were to have a completely automated world on the moon. Thank God this fulsome nonsense never happened so it’s time to reintroduce Rockabilly to the world’s consciousness instead.”
Originally comprised of Harry Stafford, Bill Marten, Mike Keeble and Pete Bogg, Inca Babies began in 1983 in the now-legendary deck-access flats of Hulme in Manchester. Intended as executive ‘cities in the sky’, they quickly became cockroach-infested slums inhabited by students, artists and druggies. They released their 1984 debut single ‘Interior’ on their Black Lagoon label with an unusual sound for Manchester, which was then associated with Joy Division, Buzzcocks, The Fall and The Smiths. With a nod to their influences, Writer CP Lee dubbed them “the Hulme Cramps” for their Gothabilly twang.
As of October 3, “Spacewalk” is out everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. On November 29, the Ghost Mechanic Nine album will be released on vinyl and digitally, and can be pre-ordered via Bandcamp and the Louder Than War shop.
CREDITS
Written by Harry Stafford & Rob Haynes
Harry Stafford – vocals, guitars & keyboards
Rob Haynes – drums & percussion
Jim Adama – bass guitar
Kevin G Davy – trumpet, horns
Simon ‘Ding’ Archer – sonic and dub flourishes
Released by Black Lagoon Records
Catalogue no. BLRLP0060
Recorded, mixed & produced by Simon ‘Ding’ Archer & Harry Stafford
Recorded at 6Db in Salford under Simon ‘Ding’ Archer
Mastered by Marco Butcher at Boombox Studio (North Carolina, USA)
Artwork created by Harry Stafford
Live photos by Simona Masoni
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
While you are here, also enjoy goodness from their 2021 album:
Inca Babies
[Single]
(Black Lagoon Records)
Release Date: October 2, 2024
Artist Links
Background Photo Credit: Harry Stafford
SPILL ALBUM PREMIERE: INCA BABIES – SWAMP STREET SOUL
