LEVITATION

4.5 stars. I'm a huge fan of the HAWKWIND period from "In Search Of Space" to "Warrior On The Edge Of Time". "Levitation" is an album i've known about for years, I just haven't been able to find it until it was just recently re-issued.This has to be the most accessible yet heaviest HAWKWIND album out there. What a blast ! My only concern is that I might tire of it too quickly, hence the 4.5 stars instead of 5 stars. We'll see. Of note Robert Calvert is gone, while Tim Blake (GONG) and Ginger Baker (CREAM, BLIND FAITH) have jumped on board.

"Levitation" is just too catchy and I really mean that. It's uptempo and I like the sound of the guitar, especially during the prolonged instrumental section. "Motor Way City" is such a feel good track for me. It opens with pleasing guitar followed by vocals. I like the guitar solo before 3 1/2 minutes as they jam to the end. "Psychosis" features lots of powerful atmosphere as spoken words arrive. It turns spacey late with electronics. "World Of Tiers" has this spacey intro which is replaced quickly by a great sounding soundscape. The drumming and bass are outstanding here as the guitar plays over top. It settles down before kicking back in. "Prelude" is a short intro with spacey winds and electronics.

"Who's Gonna Win The War" has a darker sound to it as vocals join in. Nice guitar before a minute and later 2 1/2 minutes in. A powerful message here. "Space Chase" opens with electronics which are joined quickly by an uptempo instrumental assault. "The 5th Second Of Forever (From The Film)" features acoustic guitar and spacey sounds early. It kicks in after a minute as vocals join in.This is so good ! It ends as it began. "Dust Of Time" opens with guitar that again sounds incredible. Vocals join in. It settles before 2 1/2 minutes then builds.That great sounding guitar from earlier is back 5 minutes in joined by vocals.

This will sit proudly with my other favourite HAWKWIND albums. A must !