Hawkwind Blood of the Earth
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
Progressive? Weird? Weirdly progressive? Progressively weird? No matter how you look at it, mega-veteran group Hawkwind continues to serve up their unique and groundbreaking progressive music in their latest studio release, Blood Of The Earth.
Formed more than 40 years ago by vocalist/guitarist Dave Brock, Hawkwind began making progressive rock long before there was such a genre. Bordering on the psychedelic, Hawkwind’s music was influenced by (and also an influence to) many of the giants of the late 1960s and ’70s. Evolving with the music scene, they’ve added bits and pieces of almost every style of rock from electronica to orchestral metal but have continued to somehow remain a unique musical force. Despite numerous lineup changes their overall musical themes have remained consistent over the years – sci-fi/fantasy-tinged “space rock”perhaps best exemplified by their close association with veteran sword and sorcery writer Michael Moorcock (and his epic “Elric” series).
Many well known names have passed through Hawkwind including Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead) and Ginger Baker (Cream). In the middle ’80s they performed an epic “concept” show called “Chronicle Of The Black Sword” inspired by Michael Moorcock’s epic “Elric Of Melnibone” saga. They continue to be an active force, playing numerous live festivals and supporting many charitable causes ranging from Greenpeace to the Free Tibet Campaign. And now in 2010 we have their latest CD, Blood Of The Earth.
Blood Of The Earth is an interesting journey through space and time. The heavy keyboards and electronic passages of the almost all instrumental opening track “Seahawks” and the eco-friendly partially spoken-word “Blood Of The Earth” are recurring motifs throughout the album. There are many long and sweeping instrumental interludes throughout the album, mostly keyboards but occasionally guitars. “Wraith” is a sci-fi themed almost punk rock song with some great guitars and drums and more than a hint of old Zep/Sabbath influence during the break. “Green Machine” is a wonderful ambient keyboard and guitar track that contrasts greatly with both “Wraith” and the following more aggressive and moody “Inner Visions.”
“Sweet Obsession” is the most widely accessible song, a nice upbeat and energetic rock song – probably the only one that might have some major radio appeal. “Comfey Chair” lives up to its name – calm, quiet and relaxing with nicely layered vocals and mellow melody. The mythology-inspired “Prometheus” lays down a great bluesy rock groove, while “You’d Better Believe It” features some great guitar work and solid vocals. “Sentinel” opens with some very spacey keyboards and settles nicely into a slow rock groove with the best guitar work on the album – this one seems inspired by Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. “Starshine” wraps the album – a seven-minute plus “new age” instrumental.
The album’s engineering is decent, but seems to emphasize the keys and occasionally leaves the drums a bit muddy and washed out. This roughness actually adds a bit of warmth to the overall feel of the album, making it not a problem at all. The vocals are all clear but mixed relatively low, and the bass, guitars and drums are nicely balanced.
After all these decades, Hawkwind can still surprise. Their music is old school, yet still fresh – managing to meld modern influences with their classic style. They truly seem to epitomize the “progress” part of progressive rock. None of the tracks are really sing along songs or radio-friendly in that sense, but the music is solid and well structured. If you are a fan of the genre or want to see just how well a 40-year-old band can play then pick up this album and get ready for launch.
Genre: Progressive Rock
Band:
Dave Brock (vocals, guitar, keyboards – 1969–present)
Richard Chadwick (drums, vocals – 1988–present)
Mr. Dibs (vocals, bass – 2007–present)
Niall Hone (guitar, keyboards – 2008–present)
Tim Blake (keyboards, vocals – 1979–80; 2000–02; 2007–present)
Track Listing:
1. Seahawks
2. Blood Of The Earth
3. Wraith
4. Green Machine
5. Inner Visions
6. Sweet Obsession
7. Comfey Chair
8. Prometheus
9. You’d Better Believe It
10. Sentinel
11. Starshine
Label: Rock Classics
Website: http://www.hawkwind.com/
Hardrock Haven rating: 7.5/10