"Space Cadet 56" is the perfect blend of storytelling and music for indie-rock lovers.

James Tottle from Bath, UK, is an exceptional author and musician. Well versed in areas of storytelling, visual art, and fantastic tunes, Tottle's work reflects not only his passion towards musical narrative but also personal experience with mental health recovery and inner resilience. He has great range at songwriting which is why we find a lot of variety across his creations. From vibrant, catchy tunes to pop-rock coded tunes, to emotional ones.

With a talent for storytelling running so deep, clearly he's the lyricist, producer, and provides lead vocals to Space Cadet 56.

But what exactly is this Space Cadet 56?

It's a sci-fi project spanning across an illustrated novel, a music album, and animated visuals. But no matter the visual, the focus is clearly the storytelling. The narrative follows 'Patient 56', an unknown man suffering total amnesia. Now this Patient 56 may hold the key to solving the mystery of a dead astronaut and a failed mission to Mars.

The first song for this project was "Space Cadet One" written in 1996. And now, Tottle has made over 30 original songs related to the Space Cadet 56 universe. Geoff Clark, and Andy Suttie have also collaborated with Tottle for this project.

Space Cadet 56 isn't just a soundtrack, the music isn't in the supporting role here, it is part of the story. It is alive and breathing in the narrative, reflecting the characters, emotions, and atmosphere of this very fascinating fictional world.

The album has total 24 tracks all different in genre, rhythm, and vibes. It starts with "Blonde & Gifted". The song begins with an angelic choir-like tune, there's the distinct sound of the organ. The track gradually picks up pace, adding drums to the mix.

Then there's "Cut Me Some Slack V2", soft music, raw lyricism, and piano chords keeping it calm and steady throughout. "Guiding Light from Outer Space" got me bobbing my head immediately after.

"I Want You V3" too starts off gentle. With softer piano chords, and beautifully natural vocals, it gives off a classic indie song vibes. This is the kind of song you know belongs in a RomCom. Next in line is "Infinity" which shares a similar vibe. "Inside Yourself V2" on the other hand feels deeper, almost haunted.

"Lets Blast Out Of Here" drifts away from this soothing music and picks up the electric guitar! Those guitar notes are truly the highlight of this track. It's enjoyable, upbeat, something one would enjoy on an easy car ride. "Shine a Light" matches this fun energy too and adds twists like you wouldn't expect making it more funky in its own way. This one changes beats more than the internet changes trends.

The title track, "Space Cadet 1 V2", almost sounds like those old timey poetry rhymes that take a musical form. And I have no clue what's the instrument in the very beginning that makes vague frog noises, but it definitely tickled something in my brain!

"While You Were Sleeping", however, is my personal favorite. Indie to it's core, this song feels sweet, and yet doesn't feel flattened. The murmured whisper of "sweet dreams" is the beginning had me smiling like a mushy idiot. The whistling along the music that starts at the 2:35 mark just added that extra textured magic to this song.

Please do give this album a hear. It would be especially magnetic to people obsessed with stories and storytelling. Or if indie-folk, indie-rock is your preferred vibe!

Dive into the tunes here:

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