Now 35 albums into their career, the pioneers of space rock Hawkwind have thrilled fans for over 50 years, and they are back with their latest collection of psychedelia, titled The Future Never Waits. Joining founder & mainstay Dave Brock (vocals, guitar, keyboards) are Magnus Martin (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Thighpaulsandra (keyboards, synths, woodwinds), Doug MacKinnon (bass), and Richard Chadwick (drums, vocals).
Ten new tracks are featured on The Future Never Waits, which arguably could be their strongest set of new music in years. There are a wealth of futuristic sounding, synthesizer heavy space rock pieces here, some even instrumental, like the haunting Mellotron & synth saturated title track, the eerie "Rama (The prophecy)", and the luscious cascading synths of "USB1". Over on "The End", those familiar punky riffs and Brock's still strong vocals scatter among blipping and bleeping synths as if it was 1978 all over again, and the amazing "They're So Easily Distracted", the albums longest piece at just under 11-minutes, features some sexy sax and more of those fluttering synths for a jazzier take on space rock. "I'm Learning to Live Today" is another high energy rocker, the riffs insistent, and some nice guitar solos as well. In fact, there are more guitar solos on this album than any Hawkwind album in recent memory, and that's not actually a bad thing. "The Beginning" starts off as another futuristic journey into deep space, before it morphs halfway through with acoustic guitars and some wonderful Beatles styled vocal harmonies. Very cool stuff.
Though there is always plenty to like on any of the more recent Hawkwind output, I'd say that The Future Never Waits is their strongest album start to finish than anything else in many years. With excellent use of synthesizers throughout, lots of guitar solos, and a nice mix of more rocking material and the spacey stuff, this one is a real keeper. Long may Dave Brock & Hawkwind continue to roam the galaxy!
Track Listing
1.
The Future Never Waits 10:15
2.
The End 04:10
3.
Aldous Huxley 04:37
4.
They Are So Easily Distracted 10:25
5.
Rama (The Prophecy) 08:29
6.
USB1 03:56
7.
Outside Of Time 07:37
8.
I'm Learning To Live Today 08:05
9.
The Beginning 08:21
10.
Trapped In This Modern Age 02:59
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