Song Spotlight: “In the Meantime” by Spacehog

BY NICK McCOY

To me, there is nothing more sad and disappointing in music than the idea of a one-hit-wonder. Just the thought of a band having a lot of talent and heart behind them only to become known for one song, and then fade into relative obscurity is just tragic to me. Now while some bands arguably don’t have a lot to offer outside of their one hit, others have great tracks hidden behind that one massive single that gave them their big break. One of these examples is the band, Spacehog. 

If you grew up in the 90s, then it is very unlikely that you haven’t heard Spacehog’s massive single “In the Meantime” playing on the radio. From its catchy bass line, killer guitar riff and anthemic chorus, it’s hard to deny the energy and appeal of the band’s number-one hit, and why it became so popular. 

To me, there is nothing more sad and disappointing in music than the idea of a one-hit-wonder. Just the thought of a band having a lot of talent and heart behind them only to become known for one song, and then fade into relative obscurity is just tragic to me. Now while some bands arguably don’t have a lot to offer outside of their one hit, others have great tracks hidden behind that one massive single that gave them their big break. One of these examples is the band, Spacehog. 

If you grew up in the 90s, then it is very unlikely that you haven’t heard Spacehog’s massive single “In the Meantime” playing on the radio. From its catchy bass line, killer guitar riff and anthemic chorus, it’s hard to deny the energy and appeal of the band’s number-one hit, and why it became so popular. 

However, “In the Meantime” is really the only song that the band is known for, and that is a shame. Even so, Spacehog left behind an incredible song of the 90s and in my opinion, one of the best alternative rock songs ever. 

An English rock band formed in New York City in 1994, Spacehog was active from its formation to 2002, and then again from 2008 to 2014. They consisted of lead vocalist/bassist Royston Langdon, his brother Antony on rhythm guitar, Richard Steel on lead guitar, and Johnny Cragg. In addition, Timo Ellis would play keyboards for the band, among other instruments. The band brought their own spin on alternative rock heavily inspired by British glam acts such as David Bowie and T. Rex, starting with their 1995 debut album, titled Resident Alien.

The album did decently well, selling over 500,000 copies and earning a gold certification. However, while it would contain some excellent alt-rock songs, such as “Starside,” “Space is the Place,” “Shipwrecked,” and “The Last Dictator,” there was only one song that resonated with listeners around the world, and would end up becoming the song the best is most known for: The first track and their debut single, “In the Meantime.”

Written by Roystan Landgon and produced by Bryce Goggin, “In The Meantime” would chart high on Mainstream and UK rock charts. It also reached No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as No. 29 on the UK singles chart. The song also features samples from the song “Telephone and Rubber Band”, by avant-pop act Penguin Cafe Orchestra. The song received massive radio and video airplay and propelled the band to superstardom. 

From its production, the instrumentation, down to the looks of the band members, the song absolutely screams ‘90s. You can also clearly see and hear the influence of the likes of David Bowie, especially when it comes to Langdan’s vocals and mannerisms in the music video. 

The song starts with a simple four-note intro, with Landgan’s bassline beginning shortly after. As the rhythm section joins in with the opening guitar part, Timo Ellis’ swelling keyboard enters. Then, all the band members join together and kick into overdrive, Langdon’s joyous chant at the forefront. The band dials it back again during the verse, where Langdon’s unique vocals and fun bassline take center stage. 

Before long, the band lets loose once again for the powerful, instantly recognizable chorus. Following the second verse and another passionate chorus, the song enters its bridge, featuring Landgon’s fast-paced vocals and the band’s undeniable synergy. Soon, following the short guitar solo from Steel, the band kicks into another chorus. The song closes out with some riffage from both Anthony Langdon and Richard Steel and a piano outro from Ellis. 

The entire song has a rather optimistic and happy feel to it, which may cause some to think it has some dark undertones behind its lyrics. However, this actually isn’t the case. With “In The Meantime,” what you hear is what you get. Royston Langdon himself has described the song as “some kind of metaphor of a worldly or inner-worldly search for the end of isolation, and the acceptance of one’s self.” 

So, basically, “In The Meantime” is an optimistic 90s alt-rock track about finding inner peace, and finding happiness with others around you. While many other rock acts of this time were going for much darker and depressing subject matter, Spacehog went the opposite route. With its guitar riffs, infectious rhythm, the soaring vocals of Langdons and the lyrics of both the verse and chorus (with lines such as “When all the stars will smile for me,” “When all is well and well for all, and forever after” in the verse, and “We love the all, the all of you,” and “Where lands are green and skies are blue” in the chorus) Spacehog gives us a very joyful, feel-good track. 

While it is a shame that the band didn’t have more hits, “In The Meantime” is an excellent track to have your career built after, a great relic of 90s alternative rock and one of the best alt-rock songs of the 1990s.