Space Ritual – Otherworld

Details : 2007, Esoteric, CD

Once again www.peacedogman.com, specifically a forum chat subject of space rock, lead me to finally give this album some significant attention. Released last year and appearing on a number of year ending best of lists it’s notable not only for finding ex-Hawkwind members Nik Turner, Dave Anderson, Del Dettmar and Terry Ollis recording together again but also for it containing some excellent music that draws influence from the very Hawkwind album that gives the band it’s name.

Some reviews I’ve read have actually gone as far as terming this “more Hawkwind than Hawkwind themselves” although for me it falls short of that band’s best mainly due to a lack of real hard riffing moments that mark many early Hawkwind albums. Instead there is a mix of ambient rock, classy saxophone leads courtesy of Turner and some impressive imagery conjured up by the mixture of off-worldly soundscapes, classic sci-fi sound effects and extremely descriptive lyrics.

Atmospheric throughout its a particularly strong opening with “The Return” drifting across the speakers before giving way to the excellent, dreamy title track “Otherworld“. Lyrically superb if unconventional (“Art with his smile like a frozen fish” for example) it’s a fine piece that meanders through the verses to a memorable chorus that lives on in the mind long after the album has finished.

There is a notable presence in the shape of lyrics courtesy of Michael Moorcock on a number of tracks. “The Black Corridor” with its legend of “Space is infinite, it is dark. Space is neutral, it is cold” clearly stands out amidst a swath of keyboard effects and impressive guitar work. “Ritual Of the Ravaged Earth“, “Arrival In Utopia” and “Notes From A Cold Planet” mark the other must hear songs for Moorcock officiandos.

The epic “Sonic Savages” provides compelling reason to progress at least to the middle of the disc even if your not convinced by the strong opening to the album. A six minute plus epic combining Turner’s words with Anderson’s music I’d rank it one to download to sample the albums more offbeat offerings. “Bubbles” beats it as the albums highlight for me though. A fine piece of music that really seems to capture a sense of universal space, not just with it’s inter-stellar travel reference but by recalling The Eagles’ “Hitch Hiker’s Guide To The Galaxy” gracing piece “Journey Of The Sorcerer” too. Soaring, evocative music rising to near Floydian levels thanks to Nik Turner’s saxophone solos.

Overall the album is an interesting listen and will certainly appeal to Hawkwind fans of course but overall it’s closer I think to the more laid back Pink Floyd approach than classic Hawkwind. One or two tracks that built up to the hard rocking intensity of say “Silver Machine” or “Motorhead” and we could have been looking at a classic. Worth checking out though without a doubt.

Highlight : Bubbles

Score : 3/5

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“Sonic Savages” performed live. Taken from the DVD “Satiricon”.

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BL

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