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Transcendent vibes touch down

With a band name like Spaceport Union, it’s not hard to imagine cosmic images of being transported to star-studded astral dimensions.

With a band name like Spaceport Union, it’s not hard to imagine cosmic images of being transported to star-studded astral dimensions.

“We’re sort of like Pink Floyd, a bit like Kate Bush, a little bit like Metric and very much like Radiohead — the soundscape thing with the pop and rock feel,” says award-winning lead singer Caroline Spence. Rounding out the band is guitarist/keyboardist Adam Basterfield, drummer Taylor Charles and bassist Mike Ross.

The Victoria-based progressive art rock band is on an 18-day inaugural tour of B.C. and Alberta. Along their cosmic voyage they’ll be touching down at The Taphouse tomorrow night with special guest Brian Toogood. “We have an organic feel. We’re really open to being creative and letting it flow.”

The four-piece band was actually born from the award-winning Crimson Star, a B.C.-based progressive folk-rock band. Spence and Basterfield were both dynamic forces in the band. “But I wasn’t happy with it and as a songwriter I was blocked. You can get so busy in the business side, it becomes hard to balance the artistic side.”

She attended a song-writing retreat on a Vancouver Island acreage that set her creative juices flowing once more. “It was so inspiring to get back to the soul of music.”

Spence started writing different styles of music and began jamming with Basterfield, a musician with perfect pitch. “Adam is a vocalist, he writes songs, he’s a strong band leader, he’s got the musical chops and he directs where the music goes.”

They advertised for a drummer and Charles stepped up. “He has a funk and jazz style and brings strong support by being able to do different styles.”

Once Ross joined, their atmospheric sound was complete. “Mike has a lush voice that adds a lot, especially with harmony. He has a cool, indie style.”

While some bands tour to promote a new album, Spaceport Union is travelling across the two provinces to record a live CD in bits and pieces at different stops including The Taphouse. And they hope to have it available in the fall.

“We’re really focused on live performance. We want to get out and meet people. We want to hone and polish our show.”

All of their material is original except for an homage to the Allan Parsons Project and another to Kraftwerk.

Of Toogood, Spence says, “Brian is one of the sweetest guys I know. I met him at the song-writing retreat along with Lester Quitzau and Mae Moore. His music was so moving and beautiful.”

For more information visit www.spaceportunion.com.

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