DOREMI FASOL LATIDO

Doremi Fasol Latido (1972) is a slight improvement on the previous Hawkwind album (In Search Of Space). It doesn't represent a major evolution of the band's sound and there's no intricate musicianship on offer, but there is a unique tension between Hawkwind's space- themed visionary tableau and their minimalist, earthbound soundworld. On these early albums Brock et al seem to turn simplicity of melodic expression into an art form but, invigorated by a new taut rhythm section, the lengthy chant-laden jams are performed with a bit more urgency on this album. Brainstorm is a good example with Lemmy and Simon King providing a forceful, if basic, rhythm that underpins the electronics potpourri. Even the ubiquitous folk-ballad Space Is Deep benefits from the addition of a melodic bass line and resolute drums that infuse the song with some much-needed energy.

As I said above, don't expect any virtuoso performances but the band's playing has developed on Doremi. Dave Brock's heavily treated guitarwork at the beginning of Lord Of Light sounds like the snarling of Morbius's monster from the id. The guitar otherwise provides an effects- laden bedrock for Lemmy's bass, which infuses the song with much of its melodic interest. The hypnotic Time We Left This World Today wanders a bit in the middle, but is nonetheless a highlight with squawking sax and wah wah guitar. Del Dettmar's One Change is an interesting little interlude that might have been developed beyond its 50 seconds. There are a couple of less than memorable acoustic pieces (Lemmy's bluesy The Watcher, and Down Through The Night) to round things off. Overall though, Doremi is not a chore to listen to and I'm always happy to press the repeat button. 3 stars for this one.