Cats in Space – Episode One: The Birth of a Band and the Making of ‘Too Many Gods’
In this very special six-part series celebrating the 10th anniversary of one of the UK’s most distinctive and joyous rock bands, I sat down with Cats in Space founders Steevi Bacon and Greg Hart to revisit their studio albums—starting right at the beginning with 2015’s Too Many Gods.
In this first episode, we explore the band’s origin story in vivid detail. From Greg’s days in Moritz and a serendipitous reunion with producer Ian Caple at Yellowfish Studios, to early demos that hinted at a very different musical future, it’s a fascinating look at the creative sparks that lit the fuse.
As Greg recalls, the song “Remember Yesterday” became a defining moment—where vision, sound, and feeling all aligned perfectly for the first time. That track, along with “Flying Too Close to the Sun” and “King Maker” (which later evolved into The Greatest Story Never Told), marked the point where the idea of Cats in Space moved from possibility to inevitability.
Steevi talks about the pivotal moment when Paul Manzi re-recorded vocals for the title track “Too Many Gods”—transforming the project from ‘80s-style rock into something richer, more melodic, and full of character. “It just blew me away,” says Steevi. “We’ve got something here.”
We discuss the band’s unconventional name—Cats in Space—which arose during a heartfelt phone call between Steevi and Greg following the loss of their beloved cats. What started as a joke became a lasting tribute and the band’s identity, with the cat-pod space helmet imagery quickly taking shape as part of their bold visual branding.
And of course, we dive into the debut album itself—from the intricately layered vocals to the disciplined yet theatrical approach to instrumentation. Tracks like “Mr. Heartache,” “Unfinished Symphony,” and “Last Man Standing” showcased the band’s wide-ranging influences—from Queen, 10cc, and ELO to Boston and beyond—while also establishing something completely their own.
There’s laughter, nostalgia, honesty, and real affection here—not only for the music but for the journey these two musicians have shared. And as Steevi rightly notes, Too Many Gods still sounds fresh a decade later.
If you’re new to the Cats, or if you’re a die-hard fan looking to rediscover how it all began, this episode is essential viewing.
ORDER THE CATS IN SPACE ‘CHAPTER ONE’ BOX SET HERE
VISIT THE CATS IN SPACE WEBSITE
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
