CHAOS DELIGHTAlan DaveyPsychedelic/Space Rock3.17 | 5 ratings |
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Tom Ozric
Prog Reviewer |
Let's meet Alan Davey, the (little) man behind the BIG sound in HAWKWIND (from the mid-80's
on, off, on, off....). He plays one mean Rickenbacker bass, also he possesses great
knowledge on synths and sequencing etc. Ever since Alan heard Lemmy's bass solo in the
song 'Time We Left This World Today' (from Hawkwind's DoReMi album of 1972) he was
blown out and destined to rumble the cosmos with his hyper-active chunky bass-lines. And
I'm glad he did.
'Chaos Delight' is a totally D.I.Y. album from Alan, released on Black Widow records in 2000.
The style of composition doesn't change much from that of the Hawks, but being a one-man
effort gives the songs a more personal vibe. Kicking off in true Space-Rock fashion, the
thumping 'Sci-Fi-Delic' could easily be Hawkwind ; a basic riff full of churning rhythm guitars,
dizzying synths and his rumbling Ricky bass. The drums are programmed and are the
weakest facet of this work. 'Vulcan Ritual' is an ambient, electronic excursion featuring some
sampled quotes and a pulsating synth arrangement which reminds of atmospheres from
ELOY's early 80's albums. 'Interceptor 1' returns to the driving and heavy space music of the
first track, but this one sounds somewhat 'poppier'. The near-7min 'Holosuite Program' is an
intensely mesmerising synth piece formed around repeating electronics with random lead-
synth lines. All the while, the sounds of jingling bells and hand drums are present. Incredibly
trance-inducing, and if I had to pick a similar track by the mothership, it would have to
be 'Going to Hawaii' (off the Electric Tepee album).
Side 2 of the record starts with 'Theme From U.F.O.', a throwback tribute to some 50's/60's
Space show. The opening and end section's main riff is really retro and psych sounding,
bookending an astonishing mid-section with amazing Bass, keys and cool lead-
guitaring. 'Eagle Alfa' and 'Assimilation' are again hard rock tunes lost in space. Album
closer 'S.I.D.' approaches near the 7-min mark again, and is a lighter, repetitious groove which
never fails to satisfy, although doesn't dazzle either. Some nice Bass motifs can be heard in
this one.
Chaos Delight is a very good album that allowed Davey to get some of his own ideas off his
chest, done in his way, with no outside interferences and an enjoyable off-shoot of Hawkwind-
styled Sci-Fi music to boot. 3.5 stars.
Tom Ozric |
3/5 |
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