X IN SEARCH OF SPACE

In Search of Space is the second album from space rockers Hawkwind. I like their debut very much. It´s a very enjoyable album which has both normal song structures and spaced out jamming. It´s been one of the more positive surprises for me this last year. In Search of Space shifts the weight towards more spaced out jams while there are only a few normally structured rock songs left.

The music is generally psychadelic jamming with lots of repetition and spacey sounds. The first song called You Shouldn't Do That is a great example of that style while We Took The Wrong Step Years Ago and Children Of The Sun are the most normally structured songs on In Search of Space. Those three songs are also among my favorites here while the remaining three songs also are very good. There is not a dull moment on this album. Krautrock lovers should definitely be able to enjoy In Search of Space too as there are lots of similarities between Hawkwind´s style and for instance a band like Can.

The musicianship is very good. Besides bandleader David Brock´s limited but pleasantly distinct vocals and his psychadelic guitar delivery I will also note the strange spacy sounds which is think is made by synth. Those sounds add a lot to the atmosphere of the music. Some people think it´s too much, but I find it enjoyable. Nik Turner´s sax playing has to be noted as well, as it plays a big part in Hawkwind´s music.

The production is very good. Very powerful mix.

In Search of Space is a very good album and I think Hawkwind´s identity is heard more clearly on this album compared to the debut. I still like the debut a bit more though. In Search of Space is the kind of album I have to be in a certain mood to appreciate as it can seem a bit repetitive at times and even though this is part of it´s charm it´s also a it´s biggest flaw. I´ll rate In Search of Space 3 big stars and will be looking forward to listening to the next album from Hawkwind. SPAAAACY.