My first time seeing Spiritualized, albeit brief, was at 2024’s edition of FOCUS Wales in Wrexham: only managing to catch the end of an eyecatching set, a post-Christmas date in Cardiff had me excited for a full dose of their otherworldly sound. Formed in the early 90s by Jason Pierce – aka J Spaceman, the name coming from his pre-Spiritualized group Spacemen 3 – their 1992 debut album Lazer Guided Melodies is paid heed this evening, as is 2022’s Everything Was Beautiful, and plenty in between.
Walking into a packed Tramshed on the last Saturday of the year, we’re welcomed by the dazzling light reflections of a mood-setting centre-stage disco ball. With no support for the night, all eyes are on Spiritualized, and there are cheers as the band take the stage in monochromatic outfits. An opening rendition of Silent Night adds a festive touch and flows into their first song proper, a lively, rocking Hey Jane. A starry backdrop joins the glittery disco ball to create a space-inspired, almost romantic atmosphere.

She Kissed Me brings further psychedelic 60s energy, dreamy distorted guitars and backing singers contributing powerful harmonies. With plenty of instrumental layers to their live set, Spiritualized take everyone present on a journey through space and time. Many of the songs are given magical extended codas, the better for us to get into the groove.
A Perfect Miracle brings a calm pause and has us swaying melancholically; Always Together With You is suitably nostalgic and, at the set’s halfway point, The Morning After The Road’s repetitive, hypnotic rock riffs fade out to near-silence. You could have heard a pin drop until Pierce and co dive straight back into the dynamic, bouncy chorus.

To finish, we’re treated first to Sail On Through, another slow, romantic number: backing singers clicking their fingers along to the rhythm, soft cymbals, magical chimes and a spacey guitar sound almost akin to a string section. And So Long You Pretty Things wraps up a supernatural set, ending with a crowd singalong. Spiritualized never ceased to amaze tonight, their sound both timeless and influential over 30 years down the line.
Spiritualized, Tramshed, Cardiff, Sat 28 Dec
words and photos CEIRIOS BEBB