EMF & Spacehog

Andres Galvez
Jul 1
3 min read

Updated: Jul 2

The Observatory Orange County

June 26th, 2025

Review by Andres Galvez

EMF and Spacehog performed at The Observatory Orange County as part of their North America Tour. They had several shows in Southern California, with this Orange County show on June 26th and LA show on June 27th being their last in the region. The show was opened by Ecce Shnak, who gave a very eccentric and cool opening.

EMF playing live at The Observatory Orange County — Ecce Shnak delivering an energetic performance as they open for EMF and Spacehog at The Observatory Orange County.

EMF

EMF came onto stage with killer energy! James Adkin (lead singer) did a great job of hyping everyone up and keeping the audience engaged throughout their set. He started with Classic throwbacks such as "The Day the Music Died" and "I Believe".

EMF Lead Vocalist James Atkins singing with arms wrapped around Bass player Stevey March

Into the set, James Adkin reflected on their journey through California. He shared with the audience his joy from the experience of traveling through California and the picturesque scenery they had traveled through. This has inspired them to write several new songs on their journey. They then performed their new song "Reach for the Lasers" as he asked everyone to raise their hands up and reach for the ceiling.

EMF, James Atkins, performing live at The Observatory Orange County

EMF then invited the opening artist, Ecce Shnak (Bella Komodromos & David Roush), on stage to help perform their new song "LGBT". This song was inspired by a childhood friend who hid his sexuality his entire life. this song was a tribute to openness and inclusion. They closed out their partnered set with a song from their first album, "Children".

EMF performing "LGBT" with opening act Ecce Shnak

To close the show, EMF played their most iconic songs, starting with a medley of "Pump Up the Jam" and "Blue Monday". Finally, they got the crowd going wild and singing along with their 90s' hit "Unbelievable".

EMF lead singer James Adkin performing live at The Observatory

Set List

The Day the Music Died
I Believe
Lies
Put Your Hands in the Air
They're Here
Reach For the Lasers (Medley)
Children
Unbelievable
LGBTQ+ (w/ Ecce Shnak)
Inside

Spacehog

Spacehog headlined the show at The Observatory Orange County. The start to the show was eventful, to say the least. From their Quirky outfits and drama (and there was a lot of drama!) to the music. Coming onto stage, the entire band was dressed in futurist space attire is how I would describe it. It reminded me of something that would be worn by the Jetsons. It was very fitting given their name and song titles.

The show had a rough start. Starting with "Crack City" Antony Langdon struggled with tuning his guitar. By the time the song was over, he was still struggling to get it turned and made his concerns known to his brother, Royston Langdon. At this point, they were both noticeably upset, yelling at each other and swearing. The tension was felt by everyone, including the audience. at one point, the audience yelled "Drum Solo!" in an effort to break the tension. Finally, Antony had enough and forcibly pushed his brother, knocking him to the floor. The tension quickly faded, Royston got up, and the show continued as if nothing had happened. I guess it's just what brothers do.

Royston Langdon laid out on the floor after being pushed by Anthony Langdon — Royston Langdon laid out on the floor after being pushed by Antony Langdon

Throughout their set, they played music from their 19995 debut album such as "Space is the Place", "Spacehog", and a few others. The remainder of the show was fantastic! with hits that take you back in time.

Spacehog Anthony and Royston Landon performing side by side — Spacehog Antony and Royston Landon performing side by side

Lastly, they sang their hit song "In The Meantime". This song is instantly recognizable by the rhythmic tone of a European phone tone. The audience loved it and sang along through the whole song.