SONIC SAVAGES

To date this 3 track EP remains the solitary studio output of new material from Space Ritual, which is a great shame because there is enough here to suggest they are more than capable of coming up with the goods on a full length album. The key to good Spacerock is The Riff - these guys are the masters and don't let us down. Title track 'Sonic Savages' is a superb heavyweight mid-pacer firmly rooted in the mid-'70s Hawkwind sound, yet with a modern slant eerily reminiscent of Eloy's 'The Answer' [from Ocean2]. There is such a lot going on in this track: all around are subtleties embedded in the mix, yet it is the riff that ensnares you so that you never want it to stop. Great song!

The weird and spooky 'Ritual Of The Savage Earth' is an inventive modern take on the old 'Sonic Attack' formula, with spoken lyrics over a spacey synth-based soundscape. The percussive 'Jazzy Jam' is slower and heavier than its live equivalent, another spoken word vocal that evokes a languid, 'big sky' emotion. Overall, the overriding feel is of full and busy arrangements, with plenty of invention and stronger keyboard presence than exhibited by the live band.

Almost an essential purchase for all lovers of classic Spacerock, though not easy to find. This is the right stuff alright!