Since Hawkwind's inception in the early '70s, no one has ever come close to rivaling the band for supremacy of space rock. Whether exploring their psychedelic phase, or heavy metal period, or garage sound, or making their recent excursion into techno turf, the members of Hawkwind have always been masters of the universe. Many consider this release the birthplace of space rock. At this point, the band includes Dave Brock, Bob Calvert, Nik Turner, Del Dettmar, DikMik, Lemmy and Simon King. Searing guitars duel on a battleground of screeching synthesizers, punctuated by solid drumming and wailing saxophone or crooning flute.
Vocals describe the appeal of deep space with a richness and clarity.
The mesh of this seeming cacophony is a lush auralscape that blends driving force and hypnotic layers. Each dynamic piece is bridged together by dreamy electronic passages, a standard trait today, but unheard of back in the early '70s. This album is truly one of the most impressive examples of space rock to be found, capable of holding its own against any modern recording for sheer power and sparkling luster. This 1977 release brilliantly crystallizes Hawkwind's powerful sound into the lineup of Dave Brock, Bob Calvert, Simon King, Simon House and Adrian Shaw. The introduction of violin to Hawkwind's space rock signature produces a tastily spacier edge.