HAWKLORDS: 25 YEARS ON

This new incarnation of Hawkwind, HAWKLORDS (also known as SONIC ASSASSINS) came about when the 'Mothership' ceased to exist for a little while during late '77 through '78, for whatever tumultuous reasons that often surrounded the band - contractual, personal, you name it, they've been through it !! Anyway, this album '25 Years On' seems to be centred around mainstay Dave Brock and the eccentric Robert Calvert, along with original drummer Simon King appearing on some tracks and a newer drummer, Martin Griffin on others. Violinist Simon House appears on 2 songs, Steve Swindells mans the keyboards/synths, and, the debut appearance of a highly creative and imaginative force in Harvey Bainbridge, at this stage handling the Bass guitar. Later, Harvey would switch to playing the synths/keys. Housed in a bizarre but rather bland cover-art, the album has some fantastic songs, and some which I find weaker - the production is really full and 'tidy' - quite lush sounding to my ears. This really shows off on the amazing piece 'Free-Fall', a song with lyrics about jumping off a skyscraper (or is it skydiving??), sung dramatically by Calvert. Bookended with some tasty synth-work and entrancing Bass, the main section features an excellent, heavy Bass-riff, and lots of atmosphere. Another great track is 'Flying Doctor', built around a heavy semi-tone riff (most popular with Brock) and Calvert puts on an 'Aussie' accent - and since I live in Australia, I can relate to the song perfectly. A very amusing song, and most enjoyable. We also have a brief experimental electronic piece with 'Automoton', the album opener 'PSI Power' is a well composed tune and surprisingly accessible , but elsewhere the album slumps into the mundane, with little to excite all but the most diehard Hawkfan. The few awesome tracks are worth owning the album for - 2.7 stars