•
Rating: Exploring their endless discography, one discovers that Hawkwind (although stylistically unmistakable) were perhaps a bit too generous with ideas over the years. Luckily for us, this self-titled debut belongs to the list of inspired works. A classy debut that, by introducing us to the lysergic enchanted hemisphere of Dave Brock and his companions, foreshadows the stylistic breakthrough of the subsequent “In Search Of Space” (1971).
Start spinning this CD in the player, and upon listening to “Hurry On Sundown,” the splendid opener of the album, one risks thinking they've got the wrong band. Actually, it is an isolated episode, against the background of which one might almost discern a country rock backdrop (!). We will probably never know to what extent Brock (who is said to be the band's mastermind) was forced to steer his inclinations, adulterating his sound with hard rock and the excessive use and abuse of loops. With the exception of “Hurry On Sundown” I was saying, “space rock” is already clearly distinguishable. However, the tones are not yet exaggerated: the band has not yet pursued a cliché. So, psychedelia also finds asylum here, primarily managed with taste. This happens in the experiment named “Be Yourself”: the interplay of sounds (skillfully intertwined with the crescendo of dynamics) and the refrains that act as a curtain on the fugue state into which the track descends, seem wisely rationed, like an acid of which one wants to prolong the effect as much as possible. At this point, the spectral notes of “Paranoia” emerge, divided into two chapters, both introducing us to “Seeing It As You Really Are.” In these latter two episodes, there is very little “played,” but the final result is anything but redundant. This characteristic, which the band will not take into account (with excessive self-indulgence) in some subsequent works. It closes with that driving hymn to exhilaration known as “Mirror Of Illusion.” Even among these notes, launched by the guitar solos, psychedelic digressions unfold. This time, however, they are almost sketched, our hallucinations dance in the outer space to which the band's sound has always alluded.
In conclusion, it must be said that the right ear with which to approach this disc would presuppose a certain background. Some melodies, however, are so compelling as to convince me otherwise. Recommended to anyone who likes good music.
Tracklist and Lyrics
07 Sonic Attack (03:40)
In case of Sonic Attack on your district,
follow these rules.....
If you are making love, it is imperative to bring all bodies to orgasm simultaneously
Do not waste time blocking your ears
Do not waste time seeking a soundproof shelter
Try to get as far away from the sonic source as possible, but do not panic.....
Use your wheels, it is what they are for
Small babies may be placed inside the special cocoons, which should be left if possible, in a shelter
Do not attempt to use your own limbs
If no wheels are available, metal, not organic, limbs should be employed whenever practical.....
Remember, in the case of Sonic Attack,
Survival does mean every man for himself
Statistically more people survive
if they think only of themselves
Do not attempt to rescue friends,
relatives, or loved ones.
You have only a few seconds to escape
Use those seconds sensibly or you will inevitably die
Do not panic
Think only of yourselves....
These are the first signs of Sonic Attack:
You will notice small objects, such as ornaments, oscillating.
You will notice a vibration in your diaphragm
You will hear a distant hissing in your ears
You will feel dizzy
You will feel the need to vomit
There will be bleeding from orifices
There will be an ache in the pelvic region
You may be subject to fits of hysterical shouting,
or even laughter
These are all sign of imminent Sonic destruction
Your only real protection is flight
If you are less than ten years old,
then remain in your shelter and use your cocoon
But remember: You can help no-one else,
No-one else,
No-one else......
12 Ejection (06:56)
There's only one course of action
Left for me to take
I've tried every switch selection
That might control this state
I think for my protection
I better make it straight
Into Ejection
Better tell Base
Ejection
That I think it's a case
For Ejection
Explode into Space
Ejection
Protect my Face
Ejection
The radar screen's projection
Tells me I'm too late
To make a course correction
I'm about to meet my fate
No time for reflection
I'd better make it straight
Into Ejection
Bust through the sky
Ejection
The air rushing by
Ejection
It's a case of goodbye
Ejection
I'm too fast to die
Ejection
When a ship meets with destruction
The Captain stays to drown
But no tin contraption
Is going to drag me down
My reference intersection
Tells me that I'm bound
For Ejection
Eight times my weight
Ejection
I've got to escape
Ejection
Only one move to make
Ejection
Abandon this crate
Ejection
Loading comments slowly
