Space Shows Its Potential

The members of the quirky Liverpool pop band Space had more on their minds than the “Female of the Species,” their loungy, vibes-drenched British hit tune, during their L.A. debut on Tuesday at the El Rey Theatre. They displayed boundless energy and an intriguing variety of musical ideas, but the brevity of the 50-minute set didn’t allow them much room to establish a clear identity.

The band spun adeptly, if a bit breathlessly, through the various styles found on its debut album, “Spiders,” charging from ska (“Neighbourhood”) to punk-funk (“Drop Dead”) to techno (“Growler”). The cinematic quality of the often dark vignettes was more subdued in concert, but singer-bassist Tommy Scott charismatically delivered the lyrics’ piquant blend of pop culture and politics. In spite of his annoying tendency to gaze up and point at the stage lights, the elfin singer’s theatrical antics were fairly charming, and fans were delighted by his frequently reaching out to shake their hands.

While Scott provided an alluring focal point, and guitarist Jamie Murphy delivered blasts of crunchy rock riffs, keyboardist Franny Griffiths defined Space’s musical personality. His ebullient synthesizer licks were by turns creepy and comic, underscoring each tune’s mood. At its best, Space recalled the synth-laced guitar-pop of Elastica on such tunes as “Lovechild of the Queen,” with its rollicking rhythm and sardonic wit. The brief set may have left listeners wanting more, but it also emphasized the group’s potential rather than its weaknesses.