Article Contributed by Cameron Shepherd
Published on 2026-06-05
Spafford: Cat Shop
Something exciting is happening within Spafford right now, and Cat Shop captures it perfectly.
As the first studio album from the current lineup featuring Brian Moss, Nick Tkachyk, Cory Schechtman, and Shon Gordon, Cat Shop feels like a creative breakthrough. While Spafford has built its reputation through years of exploratory improvisation and marathon live jams, this record shows a band learning how to harness that same energy inside the studio without losing what makes them special.
The result is an album that feels cohesive from front to back while constantly changing shape. Every track feels unmistakably Spafford, yet each song explores a different corner of the band's sound. Tropical grooves, synth-heavy explorations, darker emotional moments, explosive rock passages, and dance-worthy rhythms all coexist here, creating an album that feels adventurous without ever feeling scattered.
The journey begins with "Night After Night," and honestly, I can't imagine a better way to open this record.
The track bursts to life with a tropical groove and infectious energy that immediately pulls you in. It's one of those songs that feels tailor-made for summer. The melodies are catchy, the lyrics stick with you after a single listen, and the entire thing carries a warmth that feels welcoming whether you're a longtime fan or someone hearing Spafford for the very first time.
What I love most about "Night After Night" is how perfectly it encapsulates everything jam bands have to offer. There are hooks you'll be singing back at a show, grooves that make standing still nearly impossible, and a jam at the end that leaves your imagination running wild. Fans may already know this song from the road, but hearing it captured in the studio only reinforces why it has become such a standout.
One of the most exciting aspects of Cat Shop is the influence of keyboardist Cory Schechtman. Tracks like "High Beams" and "Neutrino" showcase that growth beautifully. The addition of saxophone textures, horns, and adventurous synth work expands the band's sonic palette while still feeling completely natural. Rather than changing Spafford's identity, these additions simply make the world of Cat Shop feel even bigger.
Midway through the album, the mood shifts with "Pursuit of Madness" and "Darkness Singularity," creating one of the most compelling stretches of the record. "Pursuit of Madness" leans into darker emotional territory, with the harmonium shared between Schechtman and Moss helping build an atmosphere that feels haunting and immersive. It serves as a turning point, pulling listeners away from the brighter side of the album and into something more mysterious.
That energy carries directly into "Darkness Singularity," a track bursting with momentum and excitement. There is almost a video-game-like quality to the song as it races forward before exploding into a jam that feels larger than life. It is playful, intense, and one of the moments that best showcases the band's ability to balance songwriting with the adventurous spirit that has always defined Spafford.
Later in the record, "Back In L.A." arrives with a punk-rock punch that immediately grabs your attention. Already familiar to fans through live performances, the studio version captures the song's urgency while preserving the raw energy that made it a standout in rotation.
More than anything, Cat Shop feels like a snapshot of a band fully embracing a new chapter. The creativity is flowing, the chemistry is undeniable, and the songs feel equally at home in the studio as they do on stage. For longtime fans, the album offers a fresh perspective on familiar favorites, while newcomers may find it one of the most inviting entry points into Spafford's catalog yet.
Either way, one thing is clear: this band is having fun, taking chances, and continuing to expand what Spafford can be. With summer tour just getting underway, Cat Shop feels less like the end of a creative process and more like the beginning. Be sure to catch these songs live, I have a feeling they'll be spinning in heavy rotation throughout the summer.
Cat Shop Tracklist
Night After Night
Motel 6
High Beams
Double Time
Neutrino
Pursuit of Madness
Darkness Singularity
Shelter In Place
Back In L.A.
Gold Glittered Hat
Sweet
Upcoming Tour Dates
JUNE
16 – Davenport, IA – Redstone Room @ Common Chord
17 – Hobart, IN – The Hobart Art Theater
18 – Paw Paw, MI – Warner Vineyards
19 – Peoria, IL – Friendly Valley Tavern
20 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI
21 – Columbus, OH – Woodlands Tavern
23 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
24 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works
25 – Belle Vernon, PA – Vinoski Winery
26 – Blain, PA – Blain Picnic Grounds
27 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater
JULY
8 – Portsmouth, NH
9 – Maynard, MA
10 – Essex, VT
12 – Patchogue, NY – 89 North Music Venue
24 – New York, NY – The Cutting Room (Phish After-Party)
25 – New York, NY – The Cutting Room (Phish After-Party)
26 – Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Lanes
