Dynamic trio from Los Angeles, Space Cadets on their Self-Titled release reinforces the genre-crossing image they managed to uphold in their debut 3-track EP fLAke. The prior EP was redolent of old school hip hop. Now on their sophomore attempt, the group, which consists of Zachary Wexelman (vocals, guitar), Dan Creed (bass, backing vocals) and John Cocco (drums), blends a multitude of pop, hip hop and R&B genres into their sound. The Self-Titled 4-track EP, which was released on Aug. 23rd 2016, was recorded with legendary singer and producer James Ingram. Ingram has worked with the likes of Blink-182, Tyler the Creator, The Transplants, Mike Posner and more. Space Cadets’ Self-Titled EP was also mastered with the help of Brian Lucey at the Opra Studios in North Hollywood.
The opener to the EP, “FFDF,” is a pop reel with lyrics that spill forth with a melodic surge of harmonies. The acoustic guitar helps in highlighting this pop feel. The track also dreamily enlists touches of reggae influences. This experimental upbeat variation acts as an inspirational forefront to the EP. “For A Little While,” again, has bluesy connotations that carries on with an intimate feel. The song has a romantic sound that, also, attempts to meld together some of the Space Cadet’s hip hop influences. It is a great song to relax to.
In “Fam,” we get more of the relaxing, beachy feel that fuses together an uplifting and spiritedly haunting moody tilt. Towards “Kissing,” the rich melody is straight up magnetic. The rapid, sure-fire interpretations from this R&B/pop/hip-hop cross-over group has a mesmerizing pull with a fast lyrical release and a great beat. You can really get the gist of the track’s apparent hip-hop influences.
Space Cadets in their Self-Titled EP are introducing their brand of cross-over music to new fans of R&B, pop, and hip-hop music. Their sound is interesting to listen to and resembles artists like John Mayer, Twenty One Pilots and A Tribe Called Quest. With so many different musical elements to work with, Space Cadets has honed a refined sense of interlocking melodic releases that is mixed to perfection in their EP, making Space Cadets a great listen.