Bown, Andy: Out There

A collaboration between multi-instrumentalist and long time Status Quo keyboard player Andy Bown and science fiction author Russell Hoban, Out There began life as a throw away comment when Hoban suggested that he and Bown should write a song together as the friends shared a bottle of wine. Rather than dismiss the idea, Bown jumped at the chance and quickly what could have been a couple of mates knocking up some tunes in their down time became the beginnings of a ‘deep space love-story’ that they believed could be shaped into a musical.

As with most ideas of this ilk, finding people of influence to back the project proved a futile exercise and, with eight songs in the bag, both moved back into their respective day jobs. Sadly, Hoban passed away in 2011 at the age of 86 but with 2025 being his centenary, suggestions as to how to celebrate what would have been the author’s one hundredth year led to an email from a mutual friend landing in Bown’s inbox asking about those long forgotten demos.

Surprised by how good these recordings were, Bown set about completing them alongside Status Quo (and Asia, Uriah Heep and more) producer Mike Paxman. With Terry Pastor (Bowie, Arcade Fire etc) adding some idiosyncratic cover art, the project was given a visual sheen that in many ways sums up the music inside - classy, nodding to the 70s and possessing a touch of knowing humour. I will admit that I know little of Hoban’s work, but the lyrics here have a flowing quality that (even as a non-lyric guy) draw you into a story of love and quest, while leaving a trace of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy wit, if without the inert quirkiness the latter possessed. Good though the lyrics are, for me it’s Bown who really shines here, his compositions combining excellently with the themes and ideas explored. Add in a production that sounds ‘spacey’, without falling into space-rock and while not an instant fix, Out There really clicks into place a few listens down the line.

Initially I found this album, which falls under the 29 minute mark, to be a little light and throwaway, but after having ventured into its deep, dark galaxies numerous times, nothing could be further from the truth. Aided by John ‘Rhino’ Edwards of Quo on bass, between them Bown and Paxman handle all of the guitars, keys, drums and a little harmonica, with Bown also quite ably taking on some of the more storytelling vocals in a loosely David Gilmour like way. However, getting Judie Tzuke onboard to join him on “City Of Love� was inspired and I’d suggest it’s the central piece of the whole album, with the renowned singer offering a simply beautiful vocal that captures the heart.

Elsewhere Caroline Attard adds some vocal colour to the click and pop of “Flick And Fade� and intentionally (ahem) ‘out there’ “Flicker Freako�. Interestingly, some of the more considered, smoother rock lands somewhere between acoustic strumming Pink Floyd (Bown was part of their (and Roger Waters’) circle on stage and in the studio for a time) and the more broad shouldered outlook of Glyn Bailey. With all of this arriving with the clear, but not overtly, theatrical intention of the original project, this pleasingly varied set of songs still possess a real cohesion.

Out There is an excellent tribute to a hugely respected and much missed author, but more than that it’s also an engaging, ambitious and interesting album in its own right.

Track Listing
1. Out There
2. Flick And Fade
3. Boondocks 3
4. Flicker Freako
5. There’s A Black Hole Called Regret
6. Frogs And Owls
7. City Of Love
8. Deep Space Freighter

Added: February 18th 2026
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Andy Bown Online
Hits: 109
Language: english

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