Skeggs - 'Spaceman'
Alternative Aussie duo Skegss will make your sci-fi alien dreams come true with their new single, “Spaceman.”
With their curiosity piqued about what lies beyond our planet in outer space, Benny Reed and Jonny Lani of Skegss found the infamous 2020 lockdown to provide the perfect opportunity to get songwriting. Speaking about the song, Reed said, “It’s funny how far we are from outer space, sleeping is hard sometimes but thinking about outer space is harder. (Good As Gold Group, 2024)” We’re grateful they used their thinking power to come up with this hit, giving us the endearing story about alien pal Ruku Chismun (Translation: Ricky Cheesemoon.). Despite their obvious differences, Reed and Lani befriend the extraterrestrial, finding him to be a great addition to their friend group, as shown in their creative music video.
The song is alive and electric, amped up by the power of this otherworldly tale and the excitement of newfound friendship. The beating bassline carries along all the other instruments, supporting their musical structure.
Quickly turning from a more slow-paced beginning – yet still enticing – the pace soon picks up. Instruments go full-throttle with heavy-duty compression and overpowering distortion, electrical circuits all wired and ready to go up another level. This song has a special grit to it, as characterised by Reed’s rough, raw vocal texture. I hear elements of The Black Keys, Cold War Kids, and Nirvana in “Spaceman,” Skegss taking inspiration from ‘90s grunge and ‘00s alternative rock groups but with a modern twist.
At the end, the song turns into a soaring finale before drifting away; Ruku Chismun’s spaceship arrives as the group sends him off.
Skegss’ lyricism is imbued with humour and wit – I notice this in the accompanying music video, too. They have a unique sound and also a unique perspective on life, as perceived in “Spaceman.” I like how Reed throws around the phrase “I am so far from space, man,” trying to make the same words have different meanings through variations of tone.
Something in this song symbolically points to feeling displaced and ‘alien.’ A longing, of sorts, of wanting to see other worlds or simply feeling as if one is from another universe. There’s a joy but also a nostalgia and a bittersweetness, more so toward the end of the single as Skegss say goodbye to their ET pal.
Reed and Lani’s next musical adventure is sure to be worth checking out, so make sure to stay updated with Skegss on the relevant socials.
Words by Sydney Kaster
