DISTANT HORIZONS

While you never know what to expect from Hawkwind, you certainly get authentic Hawkwind. Brock & Co. never stand still, always exploring the boundaries of their special brand of space-rock. That is why the band could be divided into segments of sound. The first half of the 70's are one thing and the other half something else. The 80's are a completely different ball game, as are the 90's. This is a band which, whether you like it or not, express and challenge their fan base in a most impressive and entertaining way.

Now, I have never truly fathomed their 70's, going mor for the 80's. This was the decade where Hawkwind expanded way beyond the messy first half of the 70's and abandoning their new wave leanings of the later part. I do believe Levitation to be one of the greatest and most inspired albums ever made and adore Xenon codex. The 90's, however, I have barely touched. Until now.

Distant horizons seems to divide the fans of Hawkwind. Some think it's great and many seems not. I am however pleasantly surprised. There are sort of fillers, or should I say tracks I do not really take a liking to. Phetamine street, for instance. And then there are tracks like Alchemy or Clouded vision. Simply great and captivating. While Alchemy is more of a metal song, Clouded vision is a sort of space folk meets ambient. Quite irresistable, really.

All in all I have to say that Distant horizons is Hawkwind as they are in general. Their albums seems to be a mixed bag with something for everyone. I find that only Levitation is superb throughout, the remaining albums tend to be great and less great. Still, Distant horizons seems less urgent than some other albums in their canon. Yet it is a treat to discover. While it is not the album to start with I recommend you give it a listen or two. There are plenty of that special Hawkwind magic on Distant horizons and it deserves some recognition.

A solid three stars.