L-space
"Their idiosyncratic electronic dream pop mixes ghostly vocals with big synthy sounds to create raw, personal songs about the future. Influenced by the likes of Mogwai, Radiohead and Sigur Rós, L-space put together speculative tunes that are worth a closer listen." - The List
"Stylistically, there is a lot going on in here, more than is first apparent to the ear. Arch synths, sinister guitar fuzz, dark vocal distortions – so many textures and hues. So many sonic pictures that flow in and out and across each other. There is a myriad of sounds, a plethora of gear changes like ever changing plot-lines, to keep the listener riveted." - Fresh On The Net
"L-Space are a futuristic, electronic band from Scotland who are as equally intriguing as they are exciting. Their mixture of hard basslines, along with sounds straight from the future culminate to set the background for lead singer Lily's vocals to purr over the track. What they do so magnificently is to carve their own uniqueness into your brain and their sole place on the scene leaves them with little to no competition." - KMMReviews
Old Machines
"Well they may make music inspired by old machines, but this sounds most definitely like it was created with the aid of new ones. A soft ethereal female voice floats atop slim strands of synth, sonic ambience and plenty of echo. On the one hand it has a futuristic dreaminess made all the more enigmatic by contrapuntal vocal overlaps and half-chords that melt into different half-chords without ever fully establishing a stable harmonic base. Yet there is an undercurrent of churchiness about it too, evoking memories of organs and choirs resonating with the open acoustics of sixteenth century architecture [not that I’m claiming to be nostalgic for the sixteenth century. I’m no time traveller!]. This should soothe the souls of warriors and boost our non-aggressive stance.
L-space’s Soundcloud page promises to retain little on it by way of material, instead directing audiences to their Bandcamp and Spotify pages. That, of course, is cool if you want to purchase any of their fine music [and well you may after hearing Old Machines]. But for information purposes they do also have a Facebook page which reveals that they are a quartet (50/50 women & men) from Glasgow who are playing regular live dates. They list their influences as Mogwai, Radiohead and Philip Glass (among others) and say they write about the future; all of which explains the rich dreamy textures and fluid, otherworldly soundscapes
Old Machines is a welcome example of originality both in terms of its musical construction and its structural make-up. It is exquisite and exotic too; a winning formula all round." - Fresh on the Net
Backup Baby
"A few months after their excellent previous offering, Suneaters, Scotland's L-space return with another single off their upcoming album which is due out this Fall. Backup Baby is one of the more accessible tracks the four-piece have recorded so far, still carrying the band's signature ethereal dreampop sound. The single comes paired with a music video whose techy visuals emerge as a suitable match to the song's murky sci-fi theme.
According to L-space, Backup Baby is "inspired by the idea of using babies as organ farms to ensure that even when we die we will not cease to exist."
One of the single's charming b-sides, Old Machines, is a poetic take on an imaginary future where machines build a better world for us than the one we did, echoing the philosophical science fiction of Philip K. Dick or the dystopian modernity of J.G. Ballard." - Destroy // Exist
"L-Space are an electronic dream. The band hail from various locations across Scotland’s Central Belt and are recent signings to the Last Night From Glasgow label. Overblown had the pleasure of catching their live show recently at the label’s 2nd birthday party. We were nothing less than absolutely thrilled to see them and hear them justifying the excitement that surrounds them. ‘Backup Baby’ is their second single for LNFG and here’s the first play of the accompanying video. It’s something along the lines of Black Mirror running a TV shopping channel with some amusing facts about each band member thrown in for good measure. The song itself fits firmly in the dream pop category, the keyboards and soft vocals float above its beats, it’s what I assume being in heaven would sound like. The band claim to make music for a better future which is a lovely ambition. Thankfully they’re making the present all the more acceptable in the process." - Overblown
Suneaters
"The enduring gift of Air’s critically acclaimed debut album Moon Safari in 1998 was the wave of subtle dream-pop bands which emanated from the French duo’s quintessential electronic prototype. Twenty years later and that preliminary mirage has become a palpable verity in the electronic gospel concocted by Central Scotland four-piece L-space (short for Library-space).Barely yet band-toddlers, the 2-boy/2-girl makeup have already had their debut EP Sol 0 rated among the very best EPs of 2017, and signed with nascent record label Last Night from Glasgow (LNfG) who expect to release their debut album in September 2018. Premiering what can be expected, the opening single Suneaters homogenizes silken organs, engaging synths, and the fragile but elegant vocals of front-woman Lily Higham, generously propelled by guitarist Gordon Johnstone. Only the primitive beat tempo skimming beneath the song appears superfluous as Dickson Telfer’s scuzz-bass and Maura Keane’s synthesised echoes are enough sorcery for a truly enchanting piece of work.
Comprising of a poet, a literary editor and an author within their ranks, L-space will unquestionably have a lot to say over the coming months and years ahead. This isn’t to say that there is a highbrow tact being adopted by the band, but rather that sentiment and opinion are welcoming features of a group who have already proven ebullient and fun as a live spectacle with their illuminated umbrellas, face-glitter, and bubble wands. All this would be facetious if the group never had the songs to back the playfulness, but with an apparent substantial musicianship, defined ambition, and a capacity to enjoy the moment, what follows in 2018 may well plant an L-space flag on that moon which Air were so eager to visit two decades previously."
- Louder Than War
"Regular readers will know that our love for all things L-Space knows no bounds. They are a band who seem incapable of making anything other than magical music – a place where classic electronic pop meets the future. Their sound is as much influenced by movie soundtracks as other bands, lending it an epic, expansive feel which makes them stand out from the crowd. With each new release they give a glimpse of what is promising to be a wonderful bigger picture in the shape of their first album, due to be released on Last Night From Glasgow later in the year.
The latest single ‘Suneaters’ is the perfect example of this. Sci-fi dream pop at its finest, while it stands alone as a great single, when added to what has gone before, and what is surely to come, it only confirms L-Space as a band to see us through tough times. I’m a believer."
- Scots Whay Hae!
Nice n Sleazy, Glasgow - 06.12.17
"L-Space are a knowingly geeky outfit (they are named after a Terry Pratchet’s Discworld reference), but is still undeniably cool; the band oozes creativity and is the definition of a forward thinking modern band. With wispy vocals, crisp electronic synthesisers and guitar, bass and drum machine ready to get the thoughtful crowd dancing at a moments notice.
The thing that really stands about this band is the content of their songs, in a scene drowning in the same old angst and heartache L-Space is the cure, with refreshingly crafted songs imagining what future generations will sing on Mars.
L-Space are one of the most exciting bands in Glasgow, if you find yourself getting bored of going to gigs in small venues, don’t give up without seeing this band." - Rave Child
Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh - 11.03.18
"Through the shifting clouds of time and a warping soundscape from the deepest cosmos L-Space materialise for the launch of their debut single Suneaters. Aesthetically and sonically they exude a distinct yet ageless sci-fi aura; a stranglehold on their governing epoch is impossible to discern — the 1980s by way of the 2180s. Operating without a drummer, the four stand abreast like a police lineup from an amalgam of The Usual Suspects and The Fifth Element. Emerging with Southern Reach’s wistful and sweeping electronica establishes the four-piece’s synthetic backbone from the get go, which persists with perfect posture until the set’s denouement.
The atmosphere that their sound creates is celestial in both spectacle and spirit, but it is also darkly deceptive. Aloe begins with Lily Higham’s breathy vocals and heavenly synths, luring us into a reflective reverie, before erupting into wanton warfare. Gordon Johnstone’s soaring guitar delivers an aerial assault of distortion, while Dickson Telfer’s buzzing bass booms like the heralding of a robotic revolution, but Higham’s superlunary tones swoop in again like the white dove, to deliver peace.
The originality of the lyrics — inspired by visions of what is yet to come and the minds of great Sci-fi wordsmiths — are matched by no other of their contemporaries. No clearer is this than on Brother Mars, a future-folk tale about the colonisation of the red planet. Higham’s conviction and imagery makes the dream of this mission seem like a palpable memory that we experience vicariously. The delicacy of Johnstone’s arpeggios coupled with Higham’s performance is beyond captivating. Cradling the mic with two hands, with closed eyes, the rawness of her character could not be any more prominent, neither could my goosebumps. Retro-futurism is a hard balance to achieve, but L-Space’s unyielding credence in their cause allows them to run the blade without a chance of slipping." - Crash
Aloe
"‘Aloe’ is about someone being turned into a giant metal bird, need we say more. It’s also a dark, sinister yet dreamy piece of pop that stood out as the best work of an exciting band to emerge in 2017. L-space released a couple of promising EPs this year but it was this single released towards the end the calendar that caught our attention the most as it built from atmospheric beginnings to a ominous climax and left us wanting more." - Rave Child [39 on their top tracks of 2017]
"Released at the tail end of August, their latest single sees the band take another stride forward as they seek to envelop us in their increasingly quirky world. ‘Aloe’ is the slightly disturbing tale of someone being turned in to a giant metal bird. Sound mad? Of course it is. It’s also rather good.The sparse introduction allows the band to gradually build up the air of menace as the track progresses before reaching an ominously quiet ending. Lily Higham’s voice shines brightly throughout, her dreamy delivery perfect when set against the somewhat sinister musical backdrop.
Comparisons to Mogwai are inevitable. However L-Space show no signs of being suffocated by their influences. It is going to be a whole lot of fun following them as they continue to grow their own distinctive musical world." - The Barley Boat
"The spaced out choir that introduces the song leads up to this track so perfectly. And it compliments lead singer Lily's soft, celestial vocals. And I couldn't possibly be more impressed with the evolution of Lily's vocals as it's obvious that she is gaining more confidence and really refining her talent she is beginning to dominate L-Space tracks and that is exactly the direction I wanted this band to go in. The quality of the track doesn't end with those lovely vocals, the production is also upper echelon.
If you were to play this track and tell someone that this band are self funded and have taught themselves all the tricks of the trade then they probably wouldn't believe you just because of the sheer amount of talent that is on show here. Once again, the use of electronics is utilised perfectly and I can't help but feel that this type of sound coincides with the vocals so perfectly it is definitely a match made in heaven.
Overall, this track is definitely a must listen for fans of electronic music and those who require a little more value to their listening experience because that's exactly what L-Space provide, an experience and I'm excited to see the upwards trajectory that this band will no doubt take in the future." - KMMReviews
"Featuring a very Ultravox Vienna style electronic kit sound, slowly meandering synths and airy vocals, this floating, almost ethereal dream pop ballad will draw you in with ease as the group steadily build their instrumentation adding minimalist guitar and doubling up on the depth of the drum machine. Slowly, surely... Its all about the anticipation, the listeners longing for the to song reach its apex, which is in-fact its true peak. A great listen." - Earthly Pleasures
Space Junk
"There are many exceptional electronic bands around at the moment, but few have the inherent style and vision of L-space. There is a winning understatement and languor to their music which allows your head to swim with ideas as well as sounds. It is expansive, and “Space” is the key word, not only in terms of the physical and the audio, but also that between your ears. Their latest, ‘Space Junk’, is a contender for song of the summer, marrying Giorgio Moroder and John Carpenter with St Etienne and Stereolab. If Nicolas Winding Refn is looking for a band to soundtrack his next movie then he should look no further" - Scots Whay Hae!
"The bands latest single is a 4 minute exploration of dark-wave synths mixed in perfectly with dreamy vocals and uplifting guitar hooks. This is indie-electronica and dream-pop at it’s best!" - Channel 7A
"The theme of space has long held a place in our collective imagination. Something about that dark and unending expanse has always invited us to marvel and wonder. It is no surprise, then, that many our favourite artists have looked beyond the skies for inspiration. We only have to think of Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ or even The Killers’ ‘Spaceman’ for examples of when our love of sci-fi has passed over into pop music. L-Space remind us that pop music can be about more than danceable beats and catchy hooks- they remind us that it can be imaginative and creative. Combining retro synths and dreamy guitars with a touch of ethereal vocals, the electronic pop trio write songs about the future in cinematic fashion. But for all that they deal with themes of sci-fi, the bands concern remains with the realities of being human. The band’s latest single, ‘Space Junk’ (listen below), acts as a metaphor for the very human experience of feeling lost and bereft. ‘Sometimes it just gets too noisy in here,’ sings Lily in the opening lines, ‘so I drift off through the atmosphere.’
Such rhyming couplets define the tracks soft on the ear lyricism, whilst shimmering sound effects paint the cinematic sound space. The intense bass, delicate vocals and warm synths all commingle in a sort of imaginative space jam, but the result is a track with lots of feeling. L-Space are a band with a very distinctive brand of escapism, much suited to our modern age. If you have ever wondered what music from outta space sounds like, then this electronic outfit will give you an answer." - Culture Journal
"I first saw L-Space as a support for Eyre Llew back in March and I really liked them, so when I was approached by the band to review their new single, I was rather elated.
As I said when I reviewed them live: “Think if Doctor Who and Red Dwarf got together and made a band, this would be it”. I still stand by that statement. It helps that I am an avid Doctor Who fan and also think Red Dwarf is pretty cool (I’m gonna eat you little fishy, I’m gonna eat you little fissssssssh!).
Judging by the name of this track, the other tracks I’ve heard and their stage talk, they LOVE space and this certainly comes across in this track. “Space Junk” is all kinds of weird and wonderful, with the emphasis on the latter. When I listen to it, I feel like I’m floating about in some kind of disco bubble in space and I’m having a party with other people who bounce by in their own disco bubbles and everyone is having a great time.
The synths emanating from my speakers (alongside the sweet, yet ever so slightly and nicely distorted vocals) make my room feel like that bubble I mentioned just before. This track is super cool and I urge you to listen to it, along with their other stuff." - Captain Skydiver
"Synth dreams made in the swirling galaxies far away and then transmitted to us. UK based L-Space deliver a dreamy and cosmic jam titled Space Junk that brims with sharp riffs, heavenly beats and mesmerizing vocals. Are you ready to hear a song composed by the stars in the sky themselves?" - Diamond Deposits
"The song is cleverly named and written as the dreamy synths are interspersed with distorted interference giving Space Junk a grainy perspective, that reflects both of nature of outer-space with the myriad of comets and showers of rock fragments, as well within the earths pull the many abandoned satellites drifting around earth yet, lyrically described, through the seeming clutter there is an unfathomable beauty and spaciousness that lays therein with the winding guitar calmly unravelling itself through the just over four minutes track evolving from an almost unheard addendum to a clear focus of energy."
- Emerging Indie Bands
"Released on the 16th of June, Space Junk is the latest song from the Scottish dream pop band L-Space. Initially a mixture of synths and delicate vocals the track builds up nicely towards a powerful guitar dominated climax providing four welcome minutes of escape from the worries of this world. The desire expressed in the lyrics to simply be able to float in to space is certainly an attractive one, with voice and instruments effectively combining together here to enhance the imagery."
- The Barley Boat
Sol 0 EP
"Sci-fi influenced dream pop act L-space came to our attention this year and Sol 0 was one release of a few that caught our attention with synth driven tracks full of ethereal harmonies and dreamy guitar." - Rave Child [17 on their top EPs of 2017]
"We’re going to finish with music which demands to be called ethereal, and I make no excuses about it. L-Space, (who take their name from Terry Pratchett’s name for libraries in the Discworld universe), are suitably otherworldly in their music and outlook. More an artistic collective than band, their core members are Lily Higham, Gordon Johnstone, Dickson Telfer and Maggie Tam, and together they push the boundaries of their music, how it is made, played, and presented.
It’s great to discover a band who bring such a sense of wonder to the table. You have no idea as to what they may do next, and you suspect that they don’t either. You can, and should, explore more fully over at their Bandcamp page, where you can buy their Sol 0 EP as well as receive some compelling free downloads. From Sol 0 this is ‘Blue Flowers’, where Goldfrapp meets Slowdive, but it only tells a small, if beautifully formed, part of the L-Space story. Prepare for liftoff." - Scots Whay Hae!
"So It Goes from Scottish dream poppers L-Space is simply gorgeous. It gently caresses your ears like the whispers of angels. It wraps you up in it's gentle embrace whisking you away to a serene place, a quiet place, a place of solitude and peace. It's like being enveloped, cocooned in an ethereal mist. It's like a cobweb fragile, beautiful. It sounds like it wasn't created in a studio it was woven from silk fragments in an abandoned chateau. It's so restful, so relaxing it should be available on prescription. Less L-Space and more safe space. Take a listen but please don't operate heavy machinery until the effects wear off."
- The Devil Has The Best Tuna
"The electronic dream pop band have a unique soundscape of musical influences, a sure sound not unlike Portishead, Flaming Lips and the pioneering 65daysofstatic. The 4 piece female fronted L-Space were born in March 2016 and have already played Glasgow’s iconic music venue King Tuts.Cyborg Girl is trip- hop, loop samples, and soothing experimental electronica. . A certain element of Massive Attack, meets St Etienne, maybe even late 1990s Dubstar. Sol 0 is a 4 track EP of real variance. From EP opener BLUE FLOWERS to the gorgeous gaelic folk of BROTHER MARS, experimentation reigns within this band. Loops & samples soar through the space age ESCAPE V4.1 & the closer track ‘SO IT GOES’ is 6 minutes of everything L-Space offer. If musical nuances, experimental soundscapes, dreamy synths and ethereal vocals are your jam, then L-Shape are your band. We love it."
- Drunk On Music
"The about sixteen minutes four track release drifts across the room leaving spectral traces in its wake. Each of the pieces on Sol Ø offer different textures, sometimes flowing with piano, other-times a thread of sound led by synthesis and electric guitar." - Emerging Indie Bands
"Blue Flowers is a beautiful bouquet of beat driven soul from Scottish pop dreamers L-space. Equal amounts of funk and fortitude that is richly textured and emotionally available. How amazing would it be if this collective could be asked to score the next Bond theme?" - Diamond Deposits
"The songs are somewhere between acoustic and ambient and are concerned with space, time and technology. Our favourite is “Blue Flowers” that sums up their sound in just one song; ambient pop, lost guitars, trip hop beats, dreamy vocals and a sad piano melody." - Indie Pop Ups
"Brother Mars [is] a tender, wide-eyed song depicting wha it would be like emotionally to live on Mars. The vocal melodies and harmonies mesh wonderfully with the lyrics to create a real sense of wonder." - Independent Clauses
"Blue Flowers...is a chill R&B-inspired piano-led lounge jam, and one of Sol 0’s tracks with the most pop crossover potential. The group are cross-spectrum creatives, lifting their name from the late Terry Pratchett’s work, and taking inspiration from Man in The High Castle author Philip K. Dick, while modelling their music on Mogwai and Sigur Rós. We’re also reminded of Air, Flunk, and some of Moby’s more acoustic moments when we hear their work." - You've Got Great Taste
"Sit, snuggle, slow down, breathe, try to get away from the chaos of everyday life, if all this sounds difficult or almost impossible to you, then I suggest a little great help. Try to abstain from chaotic daytime listening to the thought-provoking and custom-made to keep your mind relaxed, debut from the L-space Scots. "Sol 0" is the name of preciousness, released just over 15 days, the album is literally a medicine for the soul, like a silent film only being driven by a sweet and sweet soundtrack suggesting bucolic images, lush landscapes, and The wind blowing in the face. Almost trip hop, or almost dreampop, it does not matter here trying to define what L-space is, just close your eyes, breathe and purify yourself. Please silence...." - The Blog That Celebrates Itself (translated from Portuguese)
Propaganda
"Propaganda is all around us. Sometimes obvious “Enemies of the people” stuff, sometimes less so around nationalist emotional notions of freedom or taking control. L-space, from Scotland, seem to share a similar ground to that occupied by PSB or Fuck Buttons. The intersection between electronics and guitar noise wig out. The tune Propaganda offers fifties/sixties US public broadcasts and chilled electronics until nihilistic washes of noise come to shake you from your consumerist torpor. Rise up." - Acid Ted
Cyborg Girl
"This piece of atmospheric dream pop caught out attention this week. Cyborg Girl is by Scottish group L-space and is a beautifully-crafted track that combines immersive electronic sounds with ethereal vocals. The band comprises Lily Higham, Gordon Johnstone, Dickson Telfer and Maggie Tam. The quartet record most of the music themselves and do all of their own art, videos and graphic design. To further explore the mesmerising sonic world that they create, check out their new EP Sol 0." - Sync.
Fill Your Heads With Static
"On Fill Your Heads With Static, Scottish band L-space do a great line in a guitar and synth-driven electro-pop. It’s very much on the indie end of that scale, putting me in mind of Scottish compatriots Mogwai and Arab Strap, or maybe Moby ambiently rocking out. The band says the song is about a cyborg girl visiting a small Scottish town to start a revolution. I like the sound of that!" - Electronic North
Carry Armour
"Video games were never really me. So, seeing that this track – Carry Armour – was inspired by them only gives a sinking feeling. But despite L-space saying “A fast, noisy synthy dance track inspired by the videos games we loved growing up, in particular Final Fantasy VII.” this is wonderful. It’s almost drum and bass in its use of fast/slow beats all topped off with any manner of epic and awkward synths. Leftfield excellence." - Acid Ted
Live at Banshee Labyrinth - 10.05.17
"I’d describe L-space as “keyboard and vocals band does Bladerunner meets Journey of the Sorcerer,” meaning I rather liked them (listen and make up your own mind). The lead singer/songwriter is a Philip K Dick fan, and she’s very much into the more thoughtful side of SF. This came across both in the music — there was a song about being uploaded into a spaceship and traveling the stars — and in the mind-blowing background graphics." - Black Gate
Live at Sneaky Pete's - 08.03.17
"These guys are pretty awesome! Think if Doctor Who and Red Dwarf got together and made a band, this would be it. Soft vocals, layered together with guitar, bass and synth and occasional viola. Each song has a story, which I find impressive. It’s all about space and travel and it’s pretty damn cool. They speak about travelling to Mars and ask who would go (about 3 hands go up). They talk about what astronauts have to do in order to be able to go into space. They’re very knowledgeable about space which is very impressive. It’s a bit out there, but really interesting and I’d definitely go and see them again!
If I had to choose a favourite song from their set I’d have to say the song “Brother Mars”. It was incredibly beautiful with the lead singers soft, quiet voice, no-one is talking, everyone is watching with awe. However, they also do a cover of Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” where they bring in the viola and it’s so slow and peaceful and very moving." - Captain Skydiver
"Their idiosyncratic electronic dream pop mixes ghostly vocals with big synthy sounds to create raw, personal songs about the future. Influenced by the likes of Mogwai, Radiohead and Sigur Rós, L-space put together speculative tunes that are worth a closer listen." - The List
"Stylistically, there is a lot going on in here, more than is first apparent to the ear. Arch synths, sinister guitar fuzz, dark vocal distortions – so many textures and hues. So many sonic pictures that flow in and out and across each other. There is a myriad of sounds, a plethora of gear changes like ever changing plot-lines, to keep the listener riveted." - Fresh On The Net
"L-Space are a futuristic, electronic band from Scotland who are as equally intriguing as they are exciting. Their mixture of hard basslines, along with sounds straight from the future culminate to set the background for lead singer Lily's vocals to purr over the track. What they do so magnificently is to carve their own uniqueness into your brain and their sole place on the scene leaves them with little to no competition." - KMMReviews
Old Machines
"Well they may make music inspired by old machines, but this sounds most definitely like it was created with the aid of new ones. A soft ethereal female voice floats atop slim strands of synth, sonic ambience and plenty of echo. On the one hand it has a futuristic dreaminess made all the more enigmatic by contrapuntal vocal overlaps and half-chords that melt into different half-chords without ever fully establishing a stable harmonic base. Yet there is an undercurrent of churchiness about it too, evoking memories of organs and choirs resonating with the open acoustics of sixteenth century architecture [not that I’m claiming to be nostalgic for the sixteenth century. I’m no time traveller!]. This should soothe the souls of warriors and boost our non-aggressive stance.
L-space’s Soundcloud page promises to retain little on it by way of material, instead directing audiences to their Bandcamp and Spotify pages. That, of course, is cool if you want to purchase any of their fine music [and well you may after hearing Old Machines]. But for information purposes they do also have a Facebook page which reveals that they are a quartet (50/50 women & men) from Glasgow who are playing regular live dates. They list their influences as Mogwai, Radiohead and Philip Glass (among others) and say they write about the future; all of which explains the rich dreamy textures and fluid, otherworldly soundscapes
Old Machines is a welcome example of originality both in terms of its musical construction and its structural make-up. It is exquisite and exotic too; a winning formula all round." - Fresh on the Net
Backup Baby
"A few months after their excellent previous offering, Suneaters, Scotland's L-space return with another single off their upcoming album which is due out this Fall. Backup Baby is one of the more accessible tracks the four-piece have recorded so far, still carrying the band's signature ethereal dreampop sound. The single comes paired with a music video whose techy visuals emerge as a suitable match to the song's murky sci-fi theme.
According to L-space, Backup Baby is "inspired by the idea of using babies as organ farms to ensure that even when we die we will not cease to exist."
One of the single's charming b-sides, Old Machines, is a poetic take on an imaginary future where machines build a better world for us than the one we did, echoing the philosophical science fiction of Philip K. Dick or the dystopian modernity of J.G. Ballard." - Destroy // Exist
"L-Space are an electronic dream. The band hail from various locations across Scotland’s Central Belt and are recent signings to the Last Night From Glasgow label. Overblown had the pleasure of catching their live show recently at the label’s 2nd birthday party. We were nothing less than absolutely thrilled to see them and hear them justifying the excitement that surrounds them. ‘Backup Baby’ is their second single for LNFG and here’s the first play of the accompanying video. It’s something along the lines of Black Mirror running a TV shopping channel with some amusing facts about each band member thrown in for good measure. The song itself fits firmly in the dream pop category, the keyboards and soft vocals float above its beats, it’s what I assume being in heaven would sound like. The band claim to make music for a better future which is a lovely ambition. Thankfully they’re making the present all the more acceptable in the process." - Overblown
Suneaters
"The enduring gift of Air’s critically acclaimed debut album Moon Safari in 1998 was the wave of subtle dream-pop bands which emanated from the French duo’s quintessential electronic prototype. Twenty years later and that preliminary mirage has become a palpable verity in the electronic gospel concocted by Central Scotland four-piece L-space (short for Library-space).Barely yet band-toddlers, the 2-boy/2-girl makeup have already had their debut EP Sol 0 rated among the very best EPs of 2017, and signed with nascent record label Last Night from Glasgow (LNfG) who expect to release their debut album in September 2018. Premiering what can be expected, the opening single Suneaters homogenizes silken organs, engaging synths, and the fragile but elegant vocals of front-woman Lily Higham, generously propelled by guitarist Gordon Johnstone. Only the primitive beat tempo skimming beneath the song appears superfluous as Dickson Telfer’s scuzz-bass and Maura Keane’s synthesised echoes are enough sorcery for a truly enchanting piece of work.
Comprising of a poet, a literary editor and an author within their ranks, L-space will unquestionably have a lot to say over the coming months and years ahead. This isn’t to say that there is a highbrow tact being adopted by the band, but rather that sentiment and opinion are welcoming features of a group who have already proven ebullient and fun as a live spectacle with their illuminated umbrellas, face-glitter, and bubble wands. All this would be facetious if the group never had the songs to back the playfulness, but with an apparent substantial musicianship, defined ambition, and a capacity to enjoy the moment, what follows in 2018 may well plant an L-space flag on that moon which Air were so eager to visit two decades previously."
- Louder Than War
"Regular readers will know that our love for all things L-Space knows no bounds. They are a band who seem incapable of making anything other than magical music – a place where classic electronic pop meets the future. Their sound is as much influenced by movie soundtracks as other bands, lending it an epic, expansive feel which makes them stand out from the crowd. With each new release they give a glimpse of what is promising to be a wonderful bigger picture in the shape of their first album, due to be released on Last Night From Glasgow later in the year.
The latest single ‘Suneaters’ is the perfect example of this. Sci-fi dream pop at its finest, while it stands alone as a great single, when added to what has gone before, and what is surely to come, it only confirms L-Space as a band to see us through tough times. I’m a believer."
- Scots Whay Hae!
Nice n Sleazy, Glasgow - 06.12.17
"L-Space are a knowingly geeky outfit (they are named after a Terry Pratchet’s Discworld reference), but is still undeniably cool; the band oozes creativity and is the definition of a forward thinking modern band. With wispy vocals, crisp electronic synthesisers and guitar, bass and drum machine ready to get the thoughtful crowd dancing at a moments notice.
The thing that really stands about this band is the content of their songs, in a scene drowning in the same old angst and heartache L-Space is the cure, with refreshingly crafted songs imagining what future generations will sing on Mars.
L-Space are one of the most exciting bands in Glasgow, if you find yourself getting bored of going to gigs in small venues, don’t give up without seeing this band." - Rave Child
Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh - 11.03.18
"Through the shifting clouds of time and a warping soundscape from the deepest cosmos L-Space materialise for the launch of their debut single Suneaters. Aesthetically and sonically they exude a distinct yet ageless sci-fi aura; a stranglehold on their governing epoch is impossible to discern — the 1980s by way of the 2180s. Operating without a drummer, the four stand abreast like a police lineup from an amalgam of The Usual Suspects and The Fifth Element. Emerging with Southern Reach’s wistful and sweeping electronica establishes the four-piece’s synthetic backbone from the get go, which persists with perfect posture until the set’s denouement.
The atmosphere that their sound creates is celestial in both spectacle and spirit, but it is also darkly deceptive. Aloe begins with Lily Higham’s breathy vocals and heavenly synths, luring us into a reflective reverie, before erupting into wanton warfare. Gordon Johnstone’s soaring guitar delivers an aerial assault of distortion, while Dickson Telfer’s buzzing bass booms like the heralding of a robotic revolution, but Higham’s superlunary tones swoop in again like the white dove, to deliver peace.
The originality of the lyrics — inspired by visions of what is yet to come and the minds of great Sci-fi wordsmiths — are matched by no other of their contemporaries. No clearer is this than on Brother Mars, a future-folk tale about the colonisation of the red planet. Higham’s conviction and imagery makes the dream of this mission seem like a palpable memory that we experience vicariously. The delicacy of Johnstone’s arpeggios coupled with Higham’s performance is beyond captivating. Cradling the mic with two hands, with closed eyes, the rawness of her character could not be any more prominent, neither could my goosebumps. Retro-futurism is a hard balance to achieve, but L-Space’s unyielding credence in their cause allows them to run the blade without a chance of slipping." - Crash
Aloe
"‘Aloe’ is about someone being turned into a giant metal bird, need we say more. It’s also a dark, sinister yet dreamy piece of pop that stood out as the best work of an exciting band to emerge in 2017. L-space released a couple of promising EPs this year but it was this single released towards the end the calendar that caught our attention the most as it built from atmospheric beginnings to a ominous climax and left us wanting more." - Rave Child [39 on their top tracks of 2017]
"Released at the tail end of August, their latest single sees the band take another stride forward as they seek to envelop us in their increasingly quirky world. ‘Aloe’ is the slightly disturbing tale of someone being turned in to a giant metal bird. Sound mad? Of course it is. It’s also rather good.The sparse introduction allows the band to gradually build up the air of menace as the track progresses before reaching an ominously quiet ending. Lily Higham’s voice shines brightly throughout, her dreamy delivery perfect when set against the somewhat sinister musical backdrop.
Comparisons to Mogwai are inevitable. However L-Space show no signs of being suffocated by their influences. It is going to be a whole lot of fun following them as they continue to grow their own distinctive musical world." - The Barley Boat
"The spaced out choir that introduces the song leads up to this track so perfectly. And it compliments lead singer Lily's soft, celestial vocals. And I couldn't possibly be more impressed with the evolution of Lily's vocals as it's obvious that she is gaining more confidence and really refining her talent she is beginning to dominate L-Space tracks and that is exactly the direction I wanted this band to go in. The quality of the track doesn't end with those lovely vocals, the production is also upper echelon.
If you were to play this track and tell someone that this band are self funded and have taught themselves all the tricks of the trade then they probably wouldn't believe you just because of the sheer amount of talent that is on show here. Once again, the use of electronics is utilised perfectly and I can't help but feel that this type of sound coincides with the vocals so perfectly it is definitely a match made in heaven.
Overall, this track is definitely a must listen for fans of electronic music and those who require a little more value to their listening experience because that's exactly what L-Space provide, an experience and I'm excited to see the upwards trajectory that this band will no doubt take in the future." - KMMReviews
"Featuring a very Ultravox Vienna style electronic kit sound, slowly meandering synths and airy vocals, this floating, almost ethereal dream pop ballad will draw you in with ease as the group steadily build their instrumentation adding minimalist guitar and doubling up on the depth of the drum machine. Slowly, surely... Its all about the anticipation, the listeners longing for the to song reach its apex, which is in-fact its true peak. A great listen." - Earthly Pleasures
Space Junk
"There are many exceptional electronic bands around at the moment, but few have the inherent style and vision of L-space. There is a winning understatement and languor to their music which allows your head to swim with ideas as well as sounds. It is expansive, and “Space” is the key word, not only in terms of the physical and the audio, but also that between your ears. Their latest, ‘Space Junk’, is a contender for song of the summer, marrying Giorgio Moroder and John Carpenter with St Etienne and Stereolab. If Nicolas Winding Refn is looking for a band to soundtrack his next movie then he should look no further" - Scots Whay Hae!
"The bands latest single is a 4 minute exploration of dark-wave synths mixed in perfectly with dreamy vocals and uplifting guitar hooks. This is indie-electronica and dream-pop at it’s best!" - Channel 7A
"The theme of space has long held a place in our collective imagination. Something about that dark and unending expanse has always invited us to marvel and wonder. It is no surprise, then, that many our favourite artists have looked beyond the skies for inspiration. We only have to think of Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ or even The Killers’ ‘Spaceman’ for examples of when our love of sci-fi has passed over into pop music. L-Space remind us that pop music can be about more than danceable beats and catchy hooks- they remind us that it can be imaginative and creative. Combining retro synths and dreamy guitars with a touch of ethereal vocals, the electronic pop trio write songs about the future in cinematic fashion. But for all that they deal with themes of sci-fi, the bands concern remains with the realities of being human. The band’s latest single, ‘Space Junk’ (listen below), acts as a metaphor for the very human experience of feeling lost and bereft. ‘Sometimes it just gets too noisy in here,’ sings Lily in the opening lines, ‘so I drift off through the atmosphere.’
Such rhyming couplets define the tracks soft on the ear lyricism, whilst shimmering sound effects paint the cinematic sound space. The intense bass, delicate vocals and warm synths all commingle in a sort of imaginative space jam, but the result is a track with lots of feeling. L-Space are a band with a very distinctive brand of escapism, much suited to our modern age. If you have ever wondered what music from outta space sounds like, then this electronic outfit will give you an answer." - Culture Journal
"I first saw L-Space as a support for Eyre Llew back in March and I really liked them, so when I was approached by the band to review their new single, I was rather elated.
As I said when I reviewed them live: “Think if Doctor Who and Red Dwarf got together and made a band, this would be it”. I still stand by that statement. It helps that I am an avid Doctor Who fan and also think Red Dwarf is pretty cool (I’m gonna eat you little fishy, I’m gonna eat you little fissssssssh!).
Judging by the name of this track, the other tracks I’ve heard and their stage talk, they LOVE space and this certainly comes across in this track. “Space Junk” is all kinds of weird and wonderful, with the emphasis on the latter. When I listen to it, I feel like I’m floating about in some kind of disco bubble in space and I’m having a party with other people who bounce by in their own disco bubbles and everyone is having a great time.
The synths emanating from my speakers (alongside the sweet, yet ever so slightly and nicely distorted vocals) make my room feel like that bubble I mentioned just before. This track is super cool and I urge you to listen to it, along with their other stuff." - Captain Skydiver
"Synth dreams made in the swirling galaxies far away and then transmitted to us. UK based L-Space deliver a dreamy and cosmic jam titled Space Junk that brims with sharp riffs, heavenly beats and mesmerizing vocals. Are you ready to hear a song composed by the stars in the sky themselves?" - Diamond Deposits
"The song is cleverly named and written as the dreamy synths are interspersed with distorted interference giving Space Junk a grainy perspective, that reflects both of nature of outer-space with the myriad of comets and showers of rock fragments, as well within the earths pull the many abandoned satellites drifting around earth yet, lyrically described, through the seeming clutter there is an unfathomable beauty and spaciousness that lays therein with the winding guitar calmly unravelling itself through the just over four minutes track evolving from an almost unheard addendum to a clear focus of energy."
- Emerging Indie Bands
"Released on the 16th of June, Space Junk is the latest song from the Scottish dream pop band L-Space. Initially a mixture of synths and delicate vocals the track builds up nicely towards a powerful guitar dominated climax providing four welcome minutes of escape from the worries of this world. The desire expressed in the lyrics to simply be able to float in to space is certainly an attractive one, with voice and instruments effectively combining together here to enhance the imagery."
- The Barley Boat
Sol 0 EP
"Sci-fi influenced dream pop act L-space came to our attention this year and Sol 0 was one release of a few that caught our attention with synth driven tracks full of ethereal harmonies and dreamy guitar." - Rave Child [17 on their top EPs of 2017]
"We’re going to finish with music which demands to be called ethereal, and I make no excuses about it. L-Space, (who take their name from Terry Pratchett’s name for libraries in the Discworld universe), are suitably otherworldly in their music and outlook. More an artistic collective than band, their core members are Lily Higham, Gordon Johnstone, Dickson Telfer and Maggie Tam, and together they push the boundaries of their music, how it is made, played, and presented.
It’s great to discover a band who bring such a sense of wonder to the table. You have no idea as to what they may do next, and you suspect that they don’t either. You can, and should, explore more fully over at their Bandcamp page, where you can buy their Sol 0 EP as well as receive some compelling free downloads. From Sol 0 this is ‘Blue Flowers’, where Goldfrapp meets Slowdive, but it only tells a small, if beautifully formed, part of the L-Space story. Prepare for liftoff." - Scots Whay Hae!
"So It Goes from Scottish dream poppers L-Space is simply gorgeous. It gently caresses your ears like the whispers of angels. It wraps you up in it's gentle embrace whisking you away to a serene place, a quiet place, a place of solitude and peace. It's like being enveloped, cocooned in an ethereal mist. It's like a cobweb fragile, beautiful. It sounds like it wasn't created in a studio it was woven from silk fragments in an abandoned chateau. It's so restful, so relaxing it should be available on prescription. Less L-Space and more safe space. Take a listen but please don't operate heavy machinery until the effects wear off."
- The Devil Has The Best Tuna
"The electronic dream pop band have a unique soundscape of musical influences, a sure sound not unlike Portishead, Flaming Lips and the pioneering 65daysofstatic. The 4 piece female fronted L-Space were born in March 2016 and have already played Glasgow’s iconic music venue King Tuts.Cyborg Girl is trip- hop, loop samples, and soothing experimental electronica. . A certain element of Massive Attack, meets St Etienne, maybe even late 1990s Dubstar. Sol 0 is a 4 track EP of real variance. From EP opener BLUE FLOWERS to the gorgeous gaelic folk of BROTHER MARS, experimentation reigns within this band. Loops & samples soar through the space age ESCAPE V4.1 & the closer track ‘SO IT GOES’ is 6 minutes of everything L-Space offer. If musical nuances, experimental soundscapes, dreamy synths and ethereal vocals are your jam, then L-Shape are your band. We love it."
- Drunk On Music
"The about sixteen minutes four track release drifts across the room leaving spectral traces in its wake. Each of the pieces on Sol Ø offer different textures, sometimes flowing with piano, other-times a thread of sound led by synthesis and electric guitar." - Emerging Indie Bands
"Blue Flowers is a beautiful bouquet of beat driven soul from Scottish pop dreamers L-space. Equal amounts of funk and fortitude that is richly textured and emotionally available. How amazing would it be if this collective could be asked to score the next Bond theme?" - Diamond Deposits
"The songs are somewhere between acoustic and ambient and are concerned with space, time and technology. Our favourite is “Blue Flowers” that sums up their sound in just one song; ambient pop, lost guitars, trip hop beats, dreamy vocals and a sad piano melody." - Indie Pop Ups
"Brother Mars [is] a tender, wide-eyed song depicting wha it would be like emotionally to live on Mars. The vocal melodies and harmonies mesh wonderfully with the lyrics to create a real sense of wonder." - Independent Clauses
"Blue Flowers...is a chill R&B-inspired piano-led lounge jam, and one of Sol 0’s tracks with the most pop crossover potential. The group are cross-spectrum creatives, lifting their name from the late Terry Pratchett’s work, and taking inspiration from Man in The High Castle author Philip K. Dick, while modelling their music on Mogwai and Sigur Rós. We’re also reminded of Air, Flunk, and some of Moby’s more acoustic moments when we hear their work." - You've Got Great Taste
"Sit, snuggle, slow down, breathe, try to get away from the chaos of everyday life, if all this sounds difficult or almost impossible to you, then I suggest a little great help. Try to abstain from chaotic daytime listening to the thought-provoking and custom-made to keep your mind relaxed, debut from the L-space Scots. "Sol 0" is the name of preciousness, released just over 15 days, the album is literally a medicine for the soul, like a silent film only being driven by a sweet and sweet soundtrack suggesting bucolic images, lush landscapes, and The wind blowing in the face. Almost trip hop, or almost dreampop, it does not matter here trying to define what L-space is, just close your eyes, breathe and purify yourself. Please silence...." - The Blog That Celebrates Itself (translated from Portuguese)
Propaganda
"Propaganda is all around us. Sometimes obvious “Enemies of the people” stuff, sometimes less so around nationalist emotional notions of freedom or taking control. L-space, from Scotland, seem to share a similar ground to that occupied by PSB or Fuck Buttons. The intersection between electronics and guitar noise wig out. The tune Propaganda offers fifties/sixties US public broadcasts and chilled electronics until nihilistic washes of noise come to shake you from your consumerist torpor. Rise up." - Acid Ted
Cyborg Girl
"This piece of atmospheric dream pop caught out attention this week. Cyborg Girl is by Scottish group L-space and is a beautifully-crafted track that combines immersive electronic sounds with ethereal vocals. The band comprises Lily Higham, Gordon Johnstone, Dickson Telfer and Maggie Tam. The quartet record most of the music themselves and do all of their own art, videos and graphic design. To further explore the mesmerising sonic world that they create, check out their new EP Sol 0." - Sync.
Fill Your Heads With Static
"On Fill Your Heads With Static, Scottish band L-space do a great line in a guitar and synth-driven electro-pop. It’s very much on the indie end of that scale, putting me in mind of Scottish compatriots Mogwai and Arab Strap, or maybe Moby ambiently rocking out. The band says the song is about a cyborg girl visiting a small Scottish town to start a revolution. I like the sound of that!" - Electronic North
Carry Armour
"Video games were never really me. So, seeing that this track – Carry Armour – was inspired by them only gives a sinking feeling. But despite L-space saying “A fast, noisy synthy dance track inspired by the videos games we loved growing up, in particular Final Fantasy VII.” this is wonderful. It’s almost drum and bass in its use of fast/slow beats all topped off with any manner of epic and awkward synths. Leftfield excellence." - Acid Ted
Live at Banshee Labyrinth - 10.05.17
"I’d describe L-space as “keyboard and vocals band does Bladerunner meets Journey of the Sorcerer,” meaning I rather liked them (listen and make up your own mind). The lead singer/songwriter is a Philip K Dick fan, and she’s very much into the more thoughtful side of SF. This came across both in the music — there was a song about being uploaded into a spaceship and traveling the stars — and in the mind-blowing background graphics." - Black Gate
Live at Sneaky Pete's - 08.03.17
"These guys are pretty awesome! Think if Doctor Who and Red Dwarf got together and made a band, this would be it. Soft vocals, layered together with guitar, bass and synth and occasional viola. Each song has a story, which I find impressive. It’s all about space and travel and it’s pretty damn cool. They speak about travelling to Mars and ask who would go (about 3 hands go up). They talk about what astronauts have to do in order to be able to go into space. They’re very knowledgeable about space which is very impressive. It’s a bit out there, but really interesting and I’d definitely go and see them again!
If I had to choose a favourite song from their set I’d have to say the song “Brother Mars”. It was incredibly beautiful with the lead singers soft, quiet voice, no-one is talking, everyone is watching with awe. However, they also do a cover of Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” where they bring in the viola and it’s so slow and peaceful and very moving." - Captain Skydiver