CD Details

ASTOUNDING SOUNDS, AMAZING MUSIC

HAWKWIND
1976 , UK , EAN CODE 5013929630529 - EURO 13.00

Label: ESOTERIC RECORDINGS/ATOMHENGE

ALBUM REVIEW
After their progressive-space mid-70s' albums, namely "Hall of the Mountain Grill" or "Warrior on the edge of time", 1976 "Astounding sounds, amazing music" shows probably the most radical change of style in the Hawkwind's career: already without Lemmy Kilmister on board, Dave Brock & co. were heading for a modern sound, where the synths were used in other sense, and where the space epos of the band acquired a different tone. The opening, 6-minute "Reefer madness" predates the 'new wave' sound, which would be fashionable 2 or 3 years later, and as it's segued into the long and vaguely tropical "Steppenwolf", the listener may note quickly that substantial change of musical direction, compared to the prog-psych Hawkwind of the past. The sumptuous instrumental "City of lagoons" brings symphonic synths, and certain, subtle electronic element, which is repeated in other tunes, like "The aubergine that ate Rangoon" (enhanced by the always psychedelic Nik Turner's sax), or the proggy and contemplative "Chronoglide skyway", that closes the album. "Kadu flyer", with its synths, modern approach and unclassifiable style, featured the vocals of a Nik Turner who would follow the Lemmy's steps, and quit the band after this LP, while the straightforward rock may be found in "Kerb crawler", a tune that reminds of the most excessive Rolling Stones '70. The poet Robert Calvert is here, too, also on vocals, while the new bassist, Paul Rudolph (ex-Pink Fairies), adds a more polished sound than the punkish Kilmister; in short, this is an ok. album by Hawkwind, in an epoch of changes and new trends (and new record company), respectable, even enjoyable at times, though inferior to their former discs. (death_metal_doll - Rate Your Music)