Space rock pioneers Hawkwind return with a new studio album, hot on the heels of their recent Live At The Albert Hall (3CD boxset), released by Cherry Red Records in December 2024. The band appear to be on a productive and creative streak at the moment releasing an album a year since 2016, only missing out in 2022, and this latest release is their 36th studio album. Plus they have maintained a stable line-up since 2023 of Dave Brock, Richard Chadwick, Magnus Martin, Doug MacKinnon and Tim “Thighpaulsandra” Lewis, who have so far produced three albums together.
This new album expands and develops the dystopian themes along with humanity’s place in the universe to very good effect. There Is No Space For Us comprises of eight tracks and is available in various formats, and nice to see two bonus tracks for vinyl fans 🙂 . Unfortunately I do not have access in my download to these tracks so I cannot comment on them, however the information I have from Cherry Red states these tracks are live rehearsal recordings.
Things kick off with There Is Still Danger There, an atmospheric pulsating start from the synths before Dave Brock begins his almost lecture like spoken word. The pace then picks up and propels forward into what Hawkwind do best; hypnotic, pulsating, with catchy rhythms along with Dave’s trademark delivery. They follow that up with the track Space Continues (Lifeforms), again it has a synth drenched opening creating an eerie atmosphere, and with what sounds like the introduction of some brass ups the interest ante. It is interesting that they can try something different whilst remaining faithful to their ethos. At times it appears to have some touches of Tangerine Dream and/or Ozric Tentacles about it, whilst remaining distinctly Hawkwind.
The Co-Pilot shifts into an acoustic presentation, with the drums offering a Santana like feel, all supported by subtle, but essential, synths flowing around, filling out the sound. These three tracks demonstrate Hawkwind’s creativity by introducing some interesting variety whilst maintaining their signature sound, something which will please the diehard fans and newcomers alike. Across the album the song timings come in between the five to just over nine minute mark, the exception being the title track, There Is No Space For Us, which at just over three and a half minutes is another acoustic driven song, but despite its acoustic start quickly veers into pure Hawkwind territory.
There Is No Space For Us seamlessly segues into The Outer Region Of The Universe, which once again has a slow atmospheric intro followed by whispered vocals. The pace gradually picks up featuring swirling synths with a hypnotic bass line and a gentle, but insistent, percussive drum pattern. Tim Lewis’ contribution on synths, filling out the sound with effects and atmospheric runs, is reminiscent of Dik Mik’s playing in the seventies. Now this maybe somewhat controversial to die hard fans, but for me Tim’s playing is a bit more polished, whether that is due to improved technology or skill level I could not say, but Tim is now an integral part of the Hawkwind machine.
The album closes with the mostly instrumental, slightly reflective and melancholic A Long Way From Home. A beautifully track with wonderfully constructed sonic textures from the instruments, embedded wordless vocals and later on by a lovely melodic piano. The track concludes with the line “I am a very long way from home”…
The Hawkwind story has been a long and tumultuous one, so it is good to see stability arriving in Dave’s senior years and it is this maybe that is helping to contribute to their current creative streak. Long may it continue! There Is No Space For Us is an excellent release and could be up there with their finest albums (again personal thoughts from me). As mentioned there is much here to please long time fans and newcomers alike, and with a choice of formats from Vinyl, CD and Digital – what’s not to like, go give it a listen, you know you want too.
TRACK LISTING
01. There Is Still Danger There (5:34)
02. Space Continues (Lifeforms) (8:17)
03. Co-Pilot (8:22)
04. Changes (9:14)
05. There Is No Space For Us (3:40)
06. The Outer Region Of The Universe (7:56)
07. Neutron Star (4:57)
08. A Long Way From Home (5:08)
Total Time – 53:09
Vinyl Only (extra tracks)
09. Practical Ability (14:29)
10. Second Chance (5:27)
Total Time – 73:05
MUSICIANS
Dave Brock – Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Synthesizers
Richard Chadwick – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Magnus Martin – Guitar, Keybaords, Synthesizers, Vocals
Doug MacKinnon – Bass
Tim “Thighpaulsandra” Lewis – Keyboards, Synthesizers
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Cherry Red Records
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 18th April 2025
LINKS
Hawkwind – Website | Facebook | Info at Cherry Red Records | X | Instagram
