Spafford
3S Artspace
Portsmouth, NH

Spafford Brings "Cat Shop" & Serious Dance Vibes to 3S Artspace

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BennyD, Contributor
 

Portsmouth was treated to an absolute clinic in improvisational dance music last night as Arizona’s own Spafford rolled into the intimate confines of 3S Artspace. I was joined at the show by my Ben Jammin' Jam Band Hour co-host, Troy Bass, and we can both safely report that the four-piece didn't just play a setlist—they weaved a continuous, high-energy tapestry that kept the room moving from the first note to the final encore.
 

Armed with a stellar sound production mix and the fresh, infectious material from their new album Cat Shop, the band brought serious dance vibes to the Seacoast right from the jump. Spafford has always been celebrated for their patient, exploratory jamming, but last night felt distinctively locked-in. The prolonged jams seamlessly coalesced elements of heavy funk, pulsing electronic dance music (EDM) textures, and those unmistakable, peak-heavy classic Spafford grooves. The band members looked loose, incredibly locked in with one another, and genuinely seemed to be having a blast exploring the sonic space that 3S Artspace uniquely provides.
 

The Setlist Highlights

The performance was top-notch across the board, but a few moments truly defined the night for us:

• "Darkness Singularity": A masterclass in tension and release. The band took this piece into deep, dark improvisational territory before soaring back into the light, leaving the crowd completely breathless.

• "The Remedy": A definitive crowd-pleaser that delivered exactly what the doctor ordered. The groove was thick, filthy, and featured some blistering, soulful fretwork that reminded everyone why this band commands such a loyal following on the touring circuit.

• "Peaches" by The Presidents of the United States of America. The 90s alt-rock nod absolutely delighted the room, sparking a venue-wide singalong and an injection of pure, nostalgic fun.

• New Cat Shop Selections: Hearing the new studio material translate to the stage is always a treat, and both "Night After Night" and "Double Time" proved they are built for the live arena. "Double Time" lived up to its name, pushing a frantic, driving tempo that turned the venue into a full-blown dance party.
   

The Verdict

Overall, last night's show was a resounding triumph. The crowd energy was stellar—wall-to-wall smiles, non-stop dancing, and a community vibe that matched the band's top-tier stage presence. Troy and I had a blast catching up with folks in the crowd, and everyone was collectively dialed into the same groove. Spafford proved once again that whether they are playing a massive festival field or an intimate art space in New Hampshire, they know exactly how to read a room, push musical boundaries, and throw a legendary party.
 

If this tour is hitting a city near you, do not sleep on it. The Cat Shop era is officially underway, and the vibes are immaculate.
 

Did you catch the Portsmouth show? What was your favorite jam of the night? Let us know on our socials and stay tuned to Soundwaves for more show reviews and your daily dose of all things music!