Spontaneous and impromptu moments come together to form Spacin’s sophomore release Total Freedom, available via Philly indie label Richie Records. Pieced together over a multitude of recording sessions spanning about two years, the band’s carefree attitude leads us on another sonic adventure through the minds of Jason Killinger (Birds of Maya) and his collaborators.
On the album’s opening track, “Over Uneasy,” you are introduced to a heavy dose of good ole rock ‘n’ roll, with interlocking guitars playing off each other and the bounce of the drumbeat helping to rev things up. After laments about “a life of debt or a life of crime” or to even show up to work at all, the first taste of Total Freedom runs joyously into a frenetic jam, before the hypnotic guitar riffs disintegrate into “Kensington Real,” a dissonant instrumental, which is meant to represent the sounds of Killinger’s neighborhood, where most of the album was recorded in his basement. Breaking out of the chaos comes slacker rock anthem “Human Condition.” It feels so good despite claims of feeling “so bad.”
The group’s first single from the release, “Titchy,” gives you a glimpse into a husband and wife’s private, intimate moment. (Get that mind out of the gutter.) The über lo-fi track revolves around a riff that Killinger had been working on, and he is simply backed by his wife/drummer, Eva Killinger, on the skins, laying down pro-motorik beats, during their lone session without the rest of the gang. “Stopping Man” comes in heavy with a dirty tribal-funk feel and exorcism vocals, before bringing an abrupt end to the A-side of the record.
On the flip side, you’ll find guitarist Paul Sukeena (ex-Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band) plucking away in a stream of consciousness manner, seemingly unaware of himself being recorded. It’s a rather serene moment on the album, before being torn to shreds by the rocker “U.S. Ruse,” a freewheelin’ anthem inspired by and with a verse borrowed from the MC5’s “The American Ruse.” Jason Killinger’s usual laidback drawl surprisingly attacks with urgency. It’s a head-bobbing, cathartic discharge of emotion that howls with ferocity – definitely one of the standout moments on Total Freedom. Appropriately closing things out is the record’s title track, which continues the necessary release of tension that is found throughout the LP.
While Spacin’s debut Deep Thuds will always remain in heavy rotation on my record player, Total Freedom once again should place Spacin’ on the lips of vinyl collectors as an essential part of any garage-psych collection. The lo-fi recordings revel in being very in the moment, providing the feeling of sunshine on your skin and wind blowing through your hair – escapism at its finest. – Q.D. Tran