WARRIOR ON THE EDGE OF TIME

Arguably Hawkwind's best album, 1975's 'Warrior On The Edge Of Time' saw the intergalactic mushroom-munchers return with a cleaner, more focused sound, toning down the psychedelic proto-metal of 'Space Ritual' and 'In Search Of Space' in favour of a more expansive sound that featured elements of krautrock and symphonic prog. By this time the 'classic' Hawkwind line-up was pretty much still in place, with long-term leader Dave Brock(vocals, synth, guitar) augmented by soon-to-be Motorhead-founder Lemmy(bass), former High Tide member Simon House(violin, mellotron), Nik Turner(sax, flute, vocals), Simon King(drums) and cult sci-fi writer Michael Moorcock(vocals), and despite the changing musical tide(punk was just a year away) Hawkwind were very much performing at the peak of their impressive powers. 'Warrior On The Edge Of Time', with it's iconic, neon-coloured sleeve, would prove a milestone album, marking the divide between the reverb-drenched, fuzz-toned acid-rock of their early-seventies heyday and the almost post-punk aesthetic of their later material. As a result the production is much slicker, featuring crisp, Neu!-style motorik-grooved drumming on the pounding 'Opa-Loka' and gleaming synths on the supremely-psychedelic 'The Golden Void'. However, fans of the group's original sound will not be disappointed; the trademark mystical lyrics, squawking saxophones, tripped-out sound-effects and general space-theme are all prevalent, providing a fascinating, if somewhat brief look at Hawkwind caught in the stylistic crossroads. Bassist Lemmy would later reveal his dislike of the album, but 'Warrior On The Edge Of Time' features some excellent moments from the from the man, with his cleaned-up bass providing a rock-solid rhythm - again not unlike krautrockers Neu! - that underpins everything on this energetic album with a genuine intensity. Filled with great moments, from the swirling psych-prog of opener 'Assault & Battery', which starts proceedings with a sparkling dose of old school Hawkwind meshed with their new, more vibrant sonic design, to the lysergic, electric future-rock of 'Dying Seas', 'Warrior On The Edge Of Time' is a bravura blend of sounds and styles. STEFAN TURNER, LONDON, 2010