Tales in Space

I've decided what I like the most about Tales In Space is that they are fun. The couple of songs I've heard in the past have been fun. The duo is made up of Luke Bert and Pieman. Admit it. That's not only fun, it's funny. Let's say Pieman again. Pieman! Their new track 'All Messed Up' is more fun than a clown on fire. I, like most sane people/horror film fans, hate clowns... so that's really fun. When Luke and Pieman (it gets better each time you say it) were picking out a band name, it must have been annoying that 'fun' was taken by a band that is mostly lacking in what their title is selling, but Tales In Space as a name is all kinds of fun too. I'm going to stop saying fun now.


'All Messed Up' has killer guitar grooves that were made to start those feet tapping along as Tales In Space reel you in and there's some surprisingly smooth vocals amongst all the electronic goodness. "What do you mean by, 'surprisingly', señor?" Did you think you'd be describing some dudes named Bert and Pieman as having smooth-ish vocal tones today? No. No you did not. What I found really interesting about 'All Messed Up' is the story in the song. The first time you listen to the track you'll bop around to the music. Then you'll pay attention to the lyrics a bit more with each subsequent listen and the reality that the word picture being painted isn't all rainbows and unicorns.


There's a hugely welcome depth to 'All Messed Up' and that unexpected depth is becoming somewhat of a Tales In Space trademark and it's what will have you coming back for more. Just because the music makes you think, "WOOOOO," doesn't automatically class it as cookie-cutter pop. Luke Bert and Pieman? These guys are good. And a whole lot of fun.


P.s. FUN!


P.p.s PIEMAN!!! - It's My Kind Of Scene

The aforementioned crowd disperses quickly and does not reconvene for the start of Tales In Space’s set, which is their loss. The Sydneysiders start their set with an explosive thud courtesy, for the most part, of their Korg bass; however, there isn’t much change in the level of aural assault as they switch to a regular electric bass guitar. The really full sound works in their favour, as does their brand of indie pop/rock which, at times, carries faint echoes of Franz Ferdinand at their twitchy best, as evidenced on Holiday. Considering that they are playing to a less than full room, they put on an engaging set from start to, well, almost the finish. Their final song, Starwars, is somewhat of a letdown though, being a departure from the rest of their set in its relative tunelessness. The inclusion of the chorus lyrics/melody of Air’s Sexy Boy does little to remedy this less-than-inspiring number.

Interest is piqued while watching The Cairos set up when a black mannequin torso is placed in front of the drums. By the time they start their set, however, it appears to have been removed, which is a pity, as, with the benefit of hindsight, it proves to be one of the few interesting points of their show. The beginning of the band’s set is far more subdued than that of Tales In Space and appears to set the bar for the remainder of their time onstage. The quartet are impressively tight, with all members keeping pace with some quick chord changes. It’s just a pity that before long you realise that the same cannot be said for the vocals. Off notes and out-of-key harmonies are bountiful and prove to be more than distracting after a while. The Brisbanites are at their weakest with their slower moments although, thankfully, there are few of these. In terms of overall performance, The Cairos have been outdone by their East Coast tour mates, Tales In Space, which is great for Tales In Space, but not for the headline act. - The Music

Tales in Space
with Enola Fall
at Alhambra Lounge

Last night was the very first of the ‘Shades’ single launch tour for Tales in Space. Teaming up with Enola Fall and traipsing all the way down the east coast, the duo are bringing their super catchy electro rock to the stage and proving that their tunes are even more fun live than they are on the radio.

Brisbane’s Alhambra Lounge was still a bit bare when Enola Fall took to the stage but that didn’t seem to faze the band at all. Although I wasn’t familiar with their music prior to the show, the Tasmanian indie rockers delivered on energy and volume with a short but sweet set that had me tapping my toes. With punchy drums and guitar and intense but catchy vocals, the crowd definitely got into the four-piece’s distinctive tunes. That being said, there was plenty of variety within the set and the conversation between Enola Fall and the audience between songs made it even better. All in all, it was a solid set, perfect for getting the energy flowing on a chilly Thursday night.

Tales in Space started their set with a bang, and although the crowd hadn’t grown to be huge, everyone seemed to be digging the tunes. I think the duo’s sound is really interesting – the beguiling combination of different electronic samples and traditional guitars and drums creates quite a mesmerising sound that’s difficult to get out of your head. It might have just been me but I did sense that the band may have been a little nervous. Nevertheless, Tales in Space played a bunch of cracking material that I hadn’t heard before, some of which we’ll probably hear on the forthcoming debut album which will be released in July. Latest single ‘Shades’ has been getting heaps of airplay and rave reviews lately and it got the crowd especially excited, resulting in some pretty crazy dancing. They finished with a very cool rendition of Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky,’ which translated exceptionally well to Tales in Space distinctive guitar/drum/synth setup.

It was a promising show from a band starting to make a name for itself and with a heap more shows lined up in the next few weeks, I can see Tales in Space getting bigger and better with each performance. I’m intrigued, and I’m looking forward to hearing what Tales in Space does next. - The Dwarf

Tales in Space
Mercury White
at Esplanade Hotel, The


Waltzing through the confusion that is the Espy, we finally found the small room where Tales in Space were going to play.

When we entered, Mercury White was playing, an alternative rock band. They consist of Paul Cooper (vocals/keys/synth), Nathan Benbow (guitar), Kevin Spadaro (drums) and Tammy Brittaine (violin/guitar/vocals). I overall thought the musicianship on display was fairly excellent; both singers had great voices (especially when they sang together) and the songs were catchy. Cooper might as well call himself “fingers” because he was playing those keys with effortless speed. I think that better sound check would have made the songs stand out a little more, but overall they sounded nice.

I could tell the Tales in Space set officially started when a synth instrumental recording of ‘Eye of the Tiger’ began. The band is an indie/electronic two-piece consisting of Luke Bert on guitar/vocals/synth and Pieman on bass/vocals/synth. Thankfully there was a session drummer for the show.

As they were playing their first song, which was really catchy, the other thoughts that spring to mind were our well rehearsed and musically tight they sounded. Their songs had character and were memorable, thanks to some funky riffs and I was surprised to see a guitar solo or two. I must repeat they were memorable; I can still recite the keyboard solo. Guitarist Bert was especially energetic, he was all over the small place. I must admit I was a bit sceptical that since they use a lot of synths and effects that they were going to rely on gimmicks, but it’s not the case, it’s just the way they play.

Ending with a solid cover of Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ and Rage Against the Machine’s ‘Bulls on Parade’ riff, I felt it was worth my time to see these guys, despite catching public transport in the rain. I think you should too as they are quite the live act. - The Dwarf

Tales in Space
Mercury White
at Esplanade Hotel, The


Waltzing through the confusion that is the Espy, we finally found the small room where Tales in Space were going to play.

When we entered, Mercury White was playing, an alternative rock band. They consist of Paul Cooper (vocals/keys/synth), Nathan Benbow (guitar), Kevin Spadaro (drums) and Tammy Brittaine (violin/guitar/vocals). I overall thought the musicianship on display was fairly excellent; both singers had great voices (especially when they sang together) and the songs were catchy. Cooper might as well call himself “fingers” because he was playing those keys with effortless speed. I think that better sound check would have made the songs stand out a little more, but overall they sounded nice.

I could tell the Tales in Space set officially started when a synth instrumental recording of ‘Eye of the Tiger’ began. The band is an indie/electronic two-piece consisting of Luke Bert on guitar/vocals/synth and Pieman on bass/vocals/synth. Thankfully there was a session drummer for the show.

As they were playing their first song, which was really catchy, the other thoughts that spring to mind were our well rehearsed and musically tight they sounded. Their songs had character and were memorable, thanks to some funky riffs and I was surprised to see a guitar solo or two. I must repeat they were memorable; I can still recite the keyboard solo. Guitarist Bert was especially energetic, he was all over the small place. I must admit I was a bit sceptical that since they use a lot of synths and effects that they were going to rely on gimmicks, but it’s not the case, it’s just the way they play.

Ending with a solid cover of Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ and Rage Against the Machine’s ‘Bulls on Parade’ riff, I felt it was worth my time to see these guys, despite catching public transport in the rain. I think you should too as they are quite the live act. - The Dwarf

Really digging this bright ditty at the moment. These lads can bust out a remix when necessary as well. Watch this space.
Alex Dyson, triple j 5/5

First time I heard this, I thought it was OK. But the more I've heard it, the more it's got under my skin. This does exactly what you want a great pop song to do.
Dom Alessio, triple j 4/5

This is polished to perfection. What else can I say? Just listen to the tune and you'll like it.
Dave Ruby Howe, triple j 5/5
- Triple J

Really digging this bright ditty at the moment. These lads can bust out a remix when necessary as well. Watch this space.
Alex Dyson, triple j 5/5

First time I heard this, I thought it was OK. But the more I've heard it, the more it's got under my skin. This does exactly what you want a great pop song to do.
Dom Alessio, triple j 4/5

This is polished to perfection. What else can I say? Just listen to the tune and you'll like it.
Dave Ruby Howe, triple j 5/5
- Triple J

Sydney trio Tales in Space have been bubbling away for a while now, and their catchy blend of self-dubbed electro-dynamo-pomo-disco rock is about to spill over with the release of ‘Shades’ – the first single off their looming debut LP.

‘Shades’ is enigmatic – it’s got a hearty guitar-and-drum foundation layered with just enough electronic twists and turns to keep that distinct Tales in Space sound that they’ve been building up for the past four years. It’s warm, poppy, and not too video-game sounding, which is music to my ears on a Friday morning. While there’s no word yet on when this LP hits the ether, you can bet that in the meantime I’ll be standing here with bated breath and open arms. Not literally, of course. That’d be fucking tiring. - One Trick Pony

Now I must be honest, the thought of Sydney’s Tales In Space covering Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” didn’t do a great deal in the way of whetting my musical appetite. I think it’s safe to say that most people are severely, almost dangerously, ready to move on; me included.

But wow. After merely one listen of this version, I’m not so ready to recklessly let go. Whilst being a slight departure from the latest offerings that these juggernauts have dished out, their self-proclaimed “post-rock-electronica” sound is still distinctively evident. This is an upbeat, boppy take on a song that is laced with sombre undertones, and is definitely more fun to listen to then the original.

The highlight is without a doubt the chorus; a vibrant and dance infused frenzy of layered, harmonised melodies accompanied by thick fazed synths and driving beats. An added delicacy is the subtlety in which the key changes in the final stanza of the track, which is such a minor tweak that brings so much more to the overall make-up of their version.

You really come to appreciate this cover (once you get passed the immediate images of Channel 9 promo’s in your mind), and we’re lucky that it has come to us via one of Sydney’s best emerging bands in Tales In Space. - Major Raiser

We’ve all heard Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” more times than we want to this year, but Sydney electro pop act Tales in Space have put a new spin on the hit with this cover. On one hand, you’ve got to wonder why a band is tackling a song that’s already made such an impact in 2011. However, perhaps that’s where the challenge lay.

This take is missing the emotional grit of the original, but it does bring out the tune’s great melody. If you were looking for a version you could groove to, this is it. It’s already making waves in the dance scene after being featured on the latest Ministry of Sound Uncovered disc. - Sounds Of OZ

We’ve all heard Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” more times than we want to this year, but Sydney electro pop act Tales in Space have put a new spin on the hit with this cover. On one hand, you’ve got to wonder why a band is tackling a song that’s already made such an impact in 2011. However, perhaps that’s where the challenge lay.

This take is missing the emotional grit of the original, but it does bring out the tune’s great melody. If you were looking for a version you could groove to, this is it. It’s already making waves in the dance scene after being featured on the latest Ministry of Sound Uncovered disc. - Sounds Of OZ

A self-described “explosive collage of electro-dynamo-pomo-disco rock”, i.e. they sound like Midnight Juggernauts (and who the hell doesn’t these days?). Set In Stone has a big, fat singalong chorus in its corner at least; one of those cool but nonetheless upbeat rallying cries for today’s disco youth. Good radio single. - Beat

“Paper Plane” is an insatiably boppy pop tune from the Sydney three-piece Tales in Space and the first single taken from their forthcoming album. It's the latest of the trio’s radio-friendly electro-pop releases, and achieves just what it sets out to do.

An effectively simple drum beat is fused with a bouncing synth melody reminiscent of dance-inducing duo Tim & Jean (or indie sweethearts Fol Chen and their 2009 single “Cable TV”).

One thing this track isn’t is a lyrical masterpiece. Fun asides like "hey, look at my jeans!" and the central hook of "throw me out like a paper plane" probably won’t be enshrined in musical history. But that’s entirely the point. “Paper Plane” is simply a fun, happy, lively song that encapsulates the joys of a spring infatuation.

“Paper Plane” isn’t anything you haven’t heard before. But when listening, you’ll struggle to feel anything but carefree and full of energy. - The AU Review