UFOASIS

Not being very familiar with this group's history, outside being Gong-related because of Steffi Sharpstring's participation in both groups. Although the only recollection I had was of H&N's debut album, heard twice at a friend's house a lifetime ago, I had good expectations to this group. This album is all I could find at the library except an old VHS tape.

As a matter of fact, in terms of affinity I would link them more towards Steve Hillage's mid and late 70's albums (Green and Motivation Radio) than to the mothership itself. But likening this group to Steve H. and Gong alone would be a mistake. They are much more energetic (hard rocking) and Cassidy's drumming can sometimes make you think of Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The songs are rather concise and not really evolving through complex rhythm patterns or chord progressions and the siongwriting is straightforward. But there are some undeniable musical qualities to this music that the proghead cannot help but be lending a closer ear. From the lengthy and calm Tellysong to the almost hard rock tracks of Living Room War (Hawkwind-ish) and Love Thing to the Arabian-sounding instrumental title track (where Planet Gong is now quite close hence the UFO name), from the fiery Fire In The Sky to the spacey-dancey (almost disco beat) Secrets II, all songs are of a good calibre and make for a fairly even album with the title track clearly being the highlight with Nude Temple Dream.

Although Steffi's strong fellowship to Hillage and Tim Blake is generally a token of quality, some of the guitar solos and synth layers and ambiances are sometimes a little too close for comfort, this album is a relative enjoyment casual proghead searching for "space rock" and should (maybe) be an essential album for H&N unconditional fans.