Shawn Stedman’s solo project, Meat in Space, just dropped a killer debut EP called “Tangerine,” and it’s like a time machine back to the golden age of garage rock. Released on December 7, 2024, this collection of tracks is a gritty, no-frills ride that’ll remind you why you fell in love with rock in the first place. Stedman, hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, is a one-man wrecking crew on this project. He’s not just the brains behind the songs – he’s playing all the instruments and even handling the mixing.
If you’re into the raw energy of Ty Segall, the angst of Nirvana, or the weird and wonderful world of King Gizzard, you’re gonna dig what Meat in Space is cooking up. “Tangerine” feels like the offspring of all these influences, wrapped up in a fuzzy, lo-fi blanket. The EP is a darn salute to the power of analogue recording, with all tracks laid down on tape using an Ampex ATR-102 reel-to-reel and a Tascam 388 8-track, giving it that warm, fuzzy sound that digital just can’t replicate.
The title track, “Tangerine,” kicks off the EP with a bang, immediately immersing listeners in a world of scuzzy guitars and frenetic energy. It’s like stepping into a wild ’90s house party, complete with all the smoke and mayhem you’d expect. Stedman’s vocals are on fire, cutting through the noise with a jittery excitement that feels both urgent and freeing. The song’s got this killer garage rock groove, but it’s not just about the sound – there’s a real message here about pushing through tough times, using citrus as a stand-in for breaking out of a funk. It’s the kind of track that reminds us that even when things seem bleak, there’s always a bit of light peeking through.
Now, if you thought “Tangerine” was intense, wait ’til you hear “Chromium Dioxide.” This one turns things up to more than eleven, diving headfirst into some seriously heavy musical ammunition. The guitars are so fuzzy and thick, you might worry about blowing out your speakers. Stedman’s got a knack for sharp transitions that keep the song moving at a breakneck pace – it’s dizzying in the best way possible. This track captures the raw, chaotic spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, leaving you gasping for air and hungry for more. If you’re looking for a kick to the gut, “Chromium Dioxide” delivers in spades.
Next up, we’ve got “Ruby Tourmaline,” which takes a refreshing turn. It peels back some of the heavy layers to reveal a jangly, psychedelic heart. Here, Stedman blends Beatles-esque melodies with the minimalist approach of early 2000s indie rock. The contrast between the previous tracks and this one displays Stedman’s wide range as an artist, proving that he’s not just about heavy riffs and distortion; he can also create moments of beauty.
The EP takes a quick detour with “Hyperion Ham,” a glitchy little number that works as a cool sonic experiment. It’s all warped and fuzzy, kind of like cleansing your musical palate before the grand finale. And what a finale it is! “Call the Coroner” just goes all out. It’s this massive wall of noise and distortion. Stedman’s vocals howl from beneath a storm of white noise, screaming through all the chaos. It’s intense, and urgent, and feels like letting out a primal scream after a rough day. When it’s over, you feel pumped and want to hit replay.
Meat in Space is revving up for some serious promo action, complete with a music video and distribution through Amoeba Records. It’s looking like “Tangerine” is about to make some noise in the rock scene. Stedman’s commitment to old-school analogue production and his do-it-yourself attitude shine through the entire EP, making it a big deal not just for him, but for garage rock fans everywhere.
In this sad world where so much music feels over-produced and fake, “Tangerine” is like a shot of adrenaline. It’s a solid reminder of why rock music still matters – it’s all about raw emotion and unbridled energy. Shawn Stedman has created an EP that’s literally a gut-punch of an experience that dares you to embrace the chaos and find your own kind of freedom in it. So raise it up to 11, let the fuzz wash over you, and get ready to lose yourself in the wild ride that is Meat in Space.