The third CD by Spacehead continues the summary of the band's career in music since the debut album for Hawkwind's EBS label and can be seen as the next part in the continuing changing line-up saga that is Spacehead. A collection of all-new tracks from sessions, rehearsal and live work by the band, it ranges from electronic to driving space-rock. Now read what the world's media have said about the album: Many, many moons ago in a far off galaxy, I received a copy of "In Space We Trust '95-'98" from Spacehead and now the follow-up pops in throught he PO Box. Fans of Hawkwind need to read no further - just send your money off for this collection of alternative mixes and outtakes of the space-rock heroes. For those of yuo not convinced, the likes of 'Monolith Continuum' might just sway your opinion. Synth s making strange waves of sound circling the very fabric of the sound as guitars, bass and drums create a mantra of sound that is half-mumbled over the top,giving the whole sound an other-worldly feel. Or perhaps you went to the sample-laden 'Aliens' or even perhaps the beat- and DJ-friendly final track 'Sacred Planets', a track that you could find your local DJ dropping into a set if he had any kind of taste. Spacehead are perfect for anyone who wanta to take that intergalactic journey and boldly listen to something different.
"Switched out, tuned out tuned inspace-rock from some inner city unti somewhere on the edge of time. Spacehead are very very Hawkwind indeed, Hawkwind with a slightly punky Mournblade/Underground Zero/Tubulah Dog DIY vibe. Classic festi space-punk earfood, a Krel offshoot who now seem to have Gong's Graham Clark on board their throbbing, forward moving spaceship. The second track here is called 'Brockstomp'. I think that gives you a big enough clue. If you're into the Hawkwind/Gong oscillating space-rock, fest-jam, wind, synth sound, then Spacehead do it extremely well."
"Spacehead houdt zich normaal gesproken bezig met het maken van - hoe kan het ook anders - space-rock zoals Hawkwind die midden jaren zeventig maakte. Op zig niet onaardig, maar ook niet meer dan dat en verre van orifineel. Sterker nog, gezien de korte bijgeleverde info gaat men er zelfs prat op een hawkwind kloon te zijn. Voor dit platje is eerder werk van het gezelschap op de schop genamen. Bij de meeste nummers is daarvan niet zoveel te merken (toegegeven , ik ken de originele stukken niet): het blijft de vertrouwde uitgespannen space-rock. Bij de twee laatste stukken heeft dit evenwel geleid tot werkjes die eerder het stempel dance verdienen dan iets anders, een beetje zoals dat ook te horen is op Marillion's 'Tales From The Engine Room'.'Explode Into Space is echter vooral een poging om Hawkwind te zijn, en daarmee alleen voor adepten interessant".
"Apacerockers Spacehead have released a new collection of material, this time from '98 to 2000 (the previous mlbum, "In Space We Trust" was '96-'98).Now, pay attention, this band are the nearest thing to Dave Brock's space heroes as it gets and actually better than some Hawk years! The band was formed by ex-rel man Mr Dibs, in 1994 and they supported Hawkwind on theor '97 tour. The subtitle for this album is "Inhalations" and it's very Hawkish orientated. With ten tracks floating around in your head, you know you have that Spacehead experience of swirling, graphic soundscapes in your brain, with submerged guitar work providing the stimuli. Superb performances of "Brock Stomp" and "The Monolith Continuum" makes this a major "must-have" for spaceheads everywhere".
"Sub-titled "Inhalations 1998-2000", this is another collection of previously unreleased Spacehead out-takes and alternative mixes, chronologically following on from 1998's "In Space We Trust". Spacehead began life in 1994 as a solo project for ex_krel member and Hawkwind associate Mr Dibs. Interest in his first cassette release inspired him to put together a band and during the period covered by these recordings, he was supported on some numbers by drummer Paulk Boers and occasional keyboard players. Hopefully, this should keep Spacehead fans happy while waiting for "Escape Velocity", the long-overdue follow-up to their 1996 studio debut, "Of Stars And Time".
Think Hawkwind and you will be there with this the third album from Spacehead which is subtitled 'Inhalations 1998 - 2000'. Apparently these guys did tour with Mr Brock and co in 1997, and I am sure that in a live environment they would come across very well indeed - as long as they had a half decent soundman. Unfortunately, it appears that the soundman went for a very extended tea break when the band were in the studio and consequently the volume levels are far too low on the disc but turn it up and it is still like listening to music with the speakers covered in cotton wool. Now, it may be that this is a deliberate ploy on their part, but if that is the case then it failed. It certainly sounds as if these guys know what they are doing within the genre, and these are proper songs as opposed to jam workouts, with lyrics and everything! But the sonic quality is far too poor to make this of interest except to diehard fans of the genre which is a real shame as what I can hear sounds promising.
More to follow............
WILL MUNN in RHYTHM & BOOZE MAG, UK - another triumph!
SEAN WORRALL of ORGAN magazine, UK, liking it of course!
ROBERTO LAMBOOY of iO PAGES magazine, Netheralnds, saying.......errrrrrr........something, at least!
MODERN DANCE ISSUE 43, UK
Spacehead are heavily influenced by '70's Hawkwind with the odd bit of classic Gong thrown in for good measure. When firing on all cylinders, they create some thunderous space-rock, soaring off into the outer cosmos (in search of those Warriors At The Edge Of Time, no doubt). Although firmly entrenched in the spirit of seventies space-rock, there are a few contemporary touches. The dub-like "Repair Your ID" hints at the Ozric Tentacles and the vocal samples of an American newsreader on "Space Race" (a solo number from Martyn Needham of Dr Hasbeen, another Hawkwind clone), gives it a contemporary feel. Howeve the final track, "Sacred Planets", is an absolutely dreadfultechno-like dance numbe which really lets the album down.
I'm sure exisiting Spacehead enthusiasts will want to add this to their collection and is likely to be of interest to fans of Hawkwind too, but personally I found it a bit too similar to Hawkwind. They are much better when they progres beyond being simply copyist, like on the excellent "Osiris (The Awakening)". Unfortunately, many pieces suffer from a rather poor recording quality, making it hard to appreciate their ful sonic impact. With any luck this won't be a problem on "Escape Velocity".
DAVE GRIFFITH writing for AUDION issue 48 and getting it pretty close - although the last track, while out of place, does certainly not "let the album down"!!!!
KEV ROWLAND for FEEDBACK, UK - issue 87. Contact feedbackfanzine@hotmail.com
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