The Hawklords go completely round the bend and off into the heavens
5 Stars
Audio CD (paid link)
This is the Hawklords’ 10th album in ten years.
It’s a masterpiece of its kind.
Hawklords have always been a spinoff, younger version of the mothership Hawkwind. But with the release of this album, the space rock apprentices, Hawklords have usurped the mothership.
Time is a concept album scratching at the surface of, well, Time really.
Recorded under lockdown conditions, which at least allowed these Krazy Katz (sic) to concentrate on matters in hand. This they have done with inspiring passion. The band themselves describe this very fine collection of music as, “Observations of life, seen through the prism of Time.” You have to be pretty out there in the first place to understand that anyway.
The album continues to go like a rocket up the British charts and hopefully will bring them the recognition they deserve and break them out into the mainstream.
On this album we have former Hawkwinder and ex-member of the Hawklords, Space Trooper Adrian Shaw popping up playing bass on the aptly titled, ‘Take Off Your Mask.’ Plus, lacing the album nicely, playing freaky saxophone and flute is Chris ‘Beebe’ Aldridge. All adding to the spaced-out sounds.
Although a concept album, each song can be listened to as a separate item, but the album is far better listened to in full. Put your headphones on and drift off out there.
In part, the band rock on some songs. ‘To The New Age’ is filthy, driven along on a thundering bass line, whilst others wallow in space with great effect.
The album opens up with the band flat out engaging ‘Warp 11.’ The rhythm section grabs you by the scruff of the neck, forcing you to pay attention. The bass playing of Jerry Richards is far more dominant (loud) and dexterous than his predecessor had been on previous adventures, giving the band the necessary bottom end required for this sort of thing. Mr. Dibs has a lot to come up with, but one feels that he is more than up for the job.
For more insights into Prog Rock, click here
Leading the mission is Jerry Richards on wacky guitar and vocals, the Hawklords’ resident alien. During the recording of this album during lock down Hawklords’ bass player Tom Ashurst was missing, presumed in isolation, avoiding the aliens. In fact, he jumped ship without telling anybody and had become a member of Here and Now. So the end result was that, apart from the track ‘Take off Your Mask,’ Jerry Richards was covering for the bass playing himself. He did an amazing job, the throbbing bass notes on ‘Speed of Sound’ is exhilarating.
Drummer Dave Pearce comes into his own, thrashing away on the rockers, adding a deft touch on the drifting space riffs. Fred (Dead Fred) Reeves excels himself, driving from the keyboard seat, rocking out on the up-tempo numbers and taking you into the heavens on the more galactic passages. Even surprising the world on closing piece, ‘Turn You On’ (Dead Fred Hard Dance Remix), a song that would fit in wonderfully well at our beloved leading Pattaya nightclub, Insomnia.
The Hawklords did not have far to look for a new bass man, Mr. Dibs was the only man for the job and he has gladly excepted the role, coming in on not only bass guitar but also sharing lead vocals with Jerry Richards.
As the guitar crushes through on opening song, ‘Speed of Sound,’ to hear Mr. Richards going through the count up of “Mach Speeds” is a pure adrenaline rush. The guitar solo at the end is wack.
So, plenty of rockers, and alternately, almost every other track is very spacey, never quite letting you settle. ‘Lighthouse at the Edge of the World’ and ‘Obscura’ are going to blow a few minds when taken out on flights across the galaxy.
Time is a sci-fi fantasy down the rabbit hole full of surprises and instantly beams you aboard.
After the recording of the album, Dead Fred decided that touring again, especially the long tours, was really a bit much. So he has stepped aside to allow Chris Purdon in on Oscillators and Audio Generators.
This line up gelled straight away and has already been out on the road. This band roars. The Hawklord Hoards are now waiting with uncontrollable impatience for a new album and new tour.
Click here for insights into Classic Rock
The package is completed by stunning artwork from British graphic designer Martin Cook.
The Hawklords are
Jerry Richards – Guitar and Vocals
Mr. Dibs. Bass Guitar and Vocals
Dave Pearce- Drums
Chris Purdon – Oscillators and Audio Generators
Song Titles
Lighthouse at the Edge of the World
Take Off Your Mask
Turn You On
Kites
To the New Age, Empire of Sand
Turn You On (Dead Fred Hard Dance Remix)
Flight logs compiled by Mott the Dog, Brian Tawn and Hells Bells.
Photos by Brian Tawn
Remember to visit and subscribe to Mott’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1003417143122919/
