SPACE BACON EXCURSIONS | PHILLY | 2021
Words by Zachary Andrew Franck
Photos by Billy Murray
Space Bacon and lespecial took over Ardmore Music Hall in the heart of Philadelphia’s Main Line this past Friday, November 12th. The co-billing excited a lot of fans that have watched both bands evolve over the years. Although the Ardmore isn’t in the city of Philadelphia, it is one of the most well-designed mid-sized venues in the area. Not only does the venue have quality stage production, their staff is professional and welcoming to both artists and patrons. Coming off their two-night Denver run, Space Bacon was prepared to carry the momentum to a packed out AMH.
Bacon hit the stage first. At 8pm, the room was already filled out – a testament to the growth of their dedicated fanbase. It was a great feeling to see so many familiar faces on the dancefloor. The last show they played pre-pandemic was at Milkboy in Philly, so it was only right that they returned before 2021 comes to a close. The band delivered the full spectrum of Bacon with a single set. The opening sandwich of Ice Planet > Ghost House > Ice Planet treated the audience to a combo platter of untz, dub, and funky rock n’ roll – order up!
Sticky Fingers was thoughtfully placed in the center of the set. It was the oldest Bacon song that got played and showcased their ability to sit and groove in a classic jam pocket. Although they lean heavy into live electronica, they’re a rock band at their core and this song is a prime example of it. Keyboardist Chris Gironda had to sneak in a little Beverly Hills Cop Theme behind guitarist Jack Willard’s riffs. Their melodic chemistry is the secret sauce to filling the space that bassist Kevin LeGall and drummer Sam Crespo provide a base for. When they’re interweaving notes and textures that are cerebral and soulful, it’s going to be a good night. This jam showed their layered patience and most importantly, their ability to sit back and have fun through improvisational soundscapes.
Since there were a lot of lespecial fans in the building, it was important for Bacon to show off their heavier side as well - Flamethrower > Sarcophagus > Flamethrower hit the bullseye. As a band, they’ve always been inspired by metal and cinematic elements. When it comes to incorporating them on top of four-on-the-floor, they’ve carved out a lane for themselves. The darkness took over the Ardmore Music Hall as the crowd began to transform into ravenous savages (their final-form took place during lespecial’s ‘Tonberry’ at the end of night). The jam into Sarcophagus was vicious, borderline violent even – a prime example of tension and release that provoked the archaic senses of our mammal minds. By the time they reached the peak of Flamethrower, it was a thrashing auditory assault that brought on heart palpitations and faint shrieks from the shadows. At that point, it was every man (or woman) for themselves.
When the set ended, the crowd let out a pop similar to the explosion of 4 ½ sticks of dynamite in a Western ravine. A penetrative energy shot toward the stage and was reflected on the faces of the four gentlemen on stage. After much toxic uncertainty polluted the air of the live music world, Space Bacon is ending 2021 with the precision and power of McGregor in his prime. We’ve checked off Denver, we’ve checked off Philly – we march forth toward the City of Broad Shoulders, Chicago.
Until next time,
Zachary Andrew Franck
