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I have been the biggest Hawkwind fan for eons and eons but I don't think they have put out a great album since Electric Tepee back in 1992. I have found all of their albums since then uneven at best and very disappointing at the worst. So, it is with much joy in my heart for me to say that I like this new Hawkwind album quite a bit...it is easily my favorite album since Electric Tepee, even though I don't think it's quite as strong as that album. Much of this is due to the input of the three new and/or returning members, keyboardist Tim Blake (making his first appearance on a Hawkwind studio album since Levitation), vocalist/bassist Mr. Dibs and lead guitarist Niall Hone (also doubling on bass). They have seemed to given long serving drummer Richard Chadwick a much needed kick in the rump, inspiring him to do his best drumming in a many an album. The first two songs aren't that memorable, especially the second one, the title track, but the album picks up with track 3, Wraith, the first of five songs that Dave Brock does not have a hand in writing. Tim Blake and Mr. Dibs also sing and I like their singing voices, though I had to get used to them at first. Highlights of this surprisingly entertaining album include the beautiful and melodic instrumental 'Green Machine', the middle Eastern flavored hard rocker 'Inner Visions', the band's energetic and fun re-make of the Dave Brock solo tune 'Sweet Obsession', 'Prometheus' and the slow and moody 'Sentinel', this last song featuring some nice vocal harmonies! There are times on this that I feel founding member Dave Brock is the one person holding this band back from being great...I wonder how the album would have sounded without him. I still like his singing voice, however and he does contribute one very good song, 'Comfy Chair', that lyrically almost sounds like a lullaby. Back on the downside, the re-make of 'You'd Better Believe It' is unnecessary and doesn't even hold a candle to the original version from Hall Of The Mountain Grill. Overall, quite a good album. Recommended!Read full review
This is definately one of the best recordings from Hawkwind. I have been dissappointed in some throught the 80's and 90's but not this one. This along with Warriors On The Edge of Time are among my favorites.
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