SATIRICON

Hawkwind's original 'Space Ritual' concept was the defining moment in Spacerock history, immortalized on a classic double album that remains as the pinnacle of the genre. This modern performance of classic Spacerock by the band Space Ritual could almost be considered it's audio-visual equivalent, the DVD that Hawkwind never made. From an introductory countdown through to Nik's solo sax rendition of the 'Inspector Clouseau Theme' over end credits, the band take us on a spectacular journey unequalled in modern times.

At the core of Space Ritual is a bunch of ex-Hawkwind members who have, at one time or another, fallen out with the mother band but who like playing together. They all appear to be having a blast and perhaps as a result put in sterling performances. Nik Turner is a familiar frontman, eccentric as always; Anderson prowls the back of the stage on bedrock bass; Terry Ollis is a blur of flailing arms and sweat; Sam Ollis helps his dad on the bigger numbers, but otherwise provides ineffective scratching on decks; Greves does an excellent job as 'sound manipulator' in place of Del Dettmar who couldn't make the gig; Slattery is probably not the absolute best guitarist in the world but he is perfect for this setting; and Windmill's vocal contribution adds a new dimension to the sound. Good musicians one and all, but together they are simply awesome - as all good bands should be, Space Ritual is better than the sum of its parts.

The sound is universally excellent - punchy, detailed and well mixed with just a hint of an earth buzz a couple of times but nothing serious. The only slight criticism I might venture would be that Crimble's backing vocals are sometimes near inaudible, but I am really scraping the barrel here. The visuals too are stunning - well recorded by a multi-camera outfit, and the editors have done an excellent job to mould the various elements into a hugely entertaining DVD. Live action is accompanied by filmed psychedlic sequences, most of which are being shown on the big screen at the back of the stage behind the performers. These are sometimes superimposed over the live action, only occasionally replacing it.

The cameras never really pan out to see the whole stage, but it would appear to be quite small and compact, as is the audience. The central section, backed by the big screen, is reserved for a pair of female dancers who inevitably form a focal point. While Angel is photogenic and inventive, Debespace is less mobile or imaginative yet has attributes that some viewers will appreciate. Generally, the girls do a good job and are a definite benefit to the production.

Negatives? Minor nit-picking only: some of Debespace's dancing is an acquired taste; there is virtually no audience ambience until near the end; once or twice Nik's timing is a little out; and in the final verse of 'Master Of The Universe' Nik rather loses the plot. Generally, the performances range from stunningly-brilliant ['Brainstorm'] to merely very-good ['Jazzy Jam'] with most falling near the upper end of the range. Of course, it isn't a re-creation of the old 'Space Ritual', but the sound these guys make, and the way they conduct themselves, is modelled on those heady days of the early 1970s and nobody has done it this good for 30 years and more.

Highlights? 'Brainstorm', probably the ultimate piledriver Spacerock riff ever written, is as near to Spacerock perfection as anything is ever likely to get these days. A slow psych lead-in builds anticipation until the riff lets go and we're off into an almost perfect mind-numbing wall-of-sound complete with Slattery's wah-wah guitar and a crazed sax solo from Nik. When it ends, you just want to play it again, and again .... 'Master Of The Universe' is the other classic riff, and this too is a stunningly powerful rendition, despite Nik's dodgy last verse, complete with suitably potty vocals and superb solos from Slattery and Turner.

But it isn't all power riffing. 'Cosmic Chant', one of the few new compositions, is a superbly hypnotic 'tribal chant' with pounding drums, a wash of sound textures and repeated vocal phrases from all three singers that together create a hugely atmospheric opening to the show. Old favourites 'D. Rider' and 'Children Of The Sun' are further examples of songs where sheer power is sacrificed for subtlety and variation, this time in the form of flute. Each of these could equally be considered masterpieces.

All things considered this DVD ought to be a piece of Spacerock history, a masterpiece that really does recreate the vibe of those far-off days while at the same time sounding fresh. Of course it has a flaw or two, but none detract from a viewers enjoyment of a magnificent film. It is such a joy seeing these chaps once more playing the music they were born to play, and doing it really well. Hugely recommended!

This is a band you've gotta see live. One of the best live acts around. Their line-up has changed a bit since this excellent DVD but Nik Turner, Mick Slattery, Thomas Crimble, not forgetting the incredible Miss Angel are still there. This DVD is a very fair reflection of their live capabilities - they do give excellent value for money and put heart and soul into their live set. Cosmic Chant is probably the DVDs only weakness - tends to go on too long and too repetitive but as for the remaining two hours - hang on tight, enjoy the journey, turn up the volumes, in fact plug it into your speakers - sheer energy, passion, great musicianship from Nik and Mick in particular and that great dare I say it Hawkwindesque wall of space effects and sounds.

Both Hawkwind and Space Ritual are constantly touring, which is incredible for both pioneers of the early 70s space rock sound - what a treat it is to be able to see both bands still playing forty years later.