From Gods to Time Machines: Episode Three – Day Trip to Narnia
Cats in Space – Day Trip to Narnia (2019)
Interview with Greg Hart & Stevie Bacon
Also available on all major podcast platforms
Welcome to Episode Three of my special six-part series celebrating ten years of Cats in Space. Once again, I’m joined by Greg Hart and Stevie Bacon, founding members of the band, and in this instalment, we’re delving into their ambitious 2019 concept album, Day Trip to Narnia.
From the moment you see the cover art, you know this is a Cats in Space album – bold, colourful, and full of character. But this record wasn’t just another chapter in the band’s story – it was one of their most elaborate and challenging projects to date, both musically and behind the scenes.
From “Kitchen Sink Drama” to Johnny Rocket
The seeds of Day Trip to Narnia were sown while the band were still touring Scarecrow. Two early tracks, “Twilight” and “Yesterday’s News,” sparked the idea for a linked story – initially a nostalgic “kitchen sink drama” set in the 1950s. But one inspired conversation later, and the central character “Johnny Rocket” was born – a boy with dreams of becoming a spaceman, teased at school, and woven into a whimsical yet bittersweet narrative.
What began as a couple of linked songs evolved into a 27-minute rock musical at the heart of the album, with nods to ELO, Cheap Trick, The Monkees, and classic 70s pop. As Greg puts it, “When you give it that kind of discipline, you can go off on tangents – and we certainly did!”
Thunder in the Night – the Accidental Hit
One such tangent was “Thunder in the Night,” a disco-flavoured, Leo Sayer-meets-ELO romp written in 15 minutes with the self-imposed rule that “if it’s cheesy, it’s in.” Complete with a lyric throne for the best line (“Do I have to beg to get you and your leg warmers out of here?”), it became an instant live favourite – even winning over hardened rock festival crowds.
Ambition Meets Reality
Recorded largely at Mick Wilson’s home studio, Narnia was a huge undertaking. Seven months in, cabin fever set in, and the costs were mounting. Without the safety net of a major label, the band decided to pre-sell the album and create an elaborate collector’s “Narnia Box” – complete with hand-finished details, inserts, and exclusives. The gamble paid off, selling out almost immediately and proving the fierce loyalty of their fanbase.
As Stevie puts it:
“We realised our fans weren’t just buying music – they were buying into a whole world. We wanted them to feel the same excitement we had for bands when we were kids.”
The End of an Era
Narnia would also be the last album to feature vocalist Paul Manzi. His amicable departure in 2019 closed the first era of Cats in Space, but not before the album had cemented itself as a fan favourite and one of the most distinctive entries in their catalogue.
Looking Back
For Stevie, it stands apart from the rest of their work – a fully realised concept piece. Greg admits it may have strayed furthest from the “Cats” trajectory, but both agree it remains one of their proudest achievements. It’s playful, ambitious, and bursting with the musical diversity that has defined the band.
As for a single track to introduce a newcomer? Stevie picks “Narnia” for its stomping, Slade-like power. Greg leans towards “Yesterday’s News” – one of his top three Cats songs ever.
One thing’s certain – Day Trip to Narnia captured the band’s imagination, their fans’ hearts, and Astrocat’s ongoing loyalty (he still goes on tour in Greg’s bag).
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Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
