The Hawklords project is one of the most important realities in the history of Space Rock music and beyond, with 11 albums to its credit and catchy live performances of absolute calibre. The new album “Relativity” to be released on October 25, 2024 contains 10 tracks ranging from 2 to over 7 minutes in length, in which several guests participate. The opener “Ai” is a short 2-minute track with atmospheric sounds and effects and vocals that accompany us into the album’s listening, creating electronic Sci-Fi atmospheres. We immediately get into the swing of things with “Odyssey” with its solid and elaborate rhythm section, accelerated on which the band develops melodies enriched by electronics and well-constructed guitar riffs. The vocals are enveloping and dynamic, alternating with the instrumental sections in the second half of the song. An energetic start and markedly classic Space Rock, as one would expect from a band like this. “Speed of Light” comes perfectly from the band as Space-Country, managing to blend both styles so far apart, yet so close in this track. Dead’ Fred Reeves and Paul Sampson participates in the song on piano and organ, an added value for the development of the theme of the piece, whose choral vocal parts enriched by the effects are engaging, as is the whole structure. The instrumental section in the second part is interesting, where the mixture of the two genres is even more pronounced. The title-track “Relativity” returns to the band’s more classic sounds, an energetic space rock with a tight rhythm and a dynamic, engaging vocal interpretation. Cleverly, the band brings the sounds of the past into a fresh and modern context, thanks to the use of effects modulated with technique and quality. A killer deep, driving bassline gives body to the sound, while spacey melodies guide us on this journey with fine solo inserts in the second half of the track. The band continues to explore new sounds and mix different genres and styles, offering in “Rock Star” a blend of Space and Glam Rock. A song that could easily be a hit parade single, engaging and easy on the audience but at the same time elaborate and with excellent guitar-keyboard and drum-bass works. The vocal adds a Glam and retro touch to the sound, a real swagger track, with the chorus repeating ‘Space is good for your soul, Space Rock, Rock and Roll.’ “Machine” is the longest track on the album, exceeding seven minutes in length, characterised by sounds steeped in electronic sounds and effects. The lyrics develop themes related to the consequences of the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence and its effects on humanity. A Space Rock ride that interweaves dynamic vocal parts and intense instrumental phrasing that enhance the band’s compositional and performing technique. The use of effects and electronics in this track is functional to the theme developed, a real added value to the elaborate and quality sound. Another energetic Space Rock track, “New Time Zone On The Moon,” deals with the theme of gravity and its effects on time, itself. A fine blend of classic sounds, offered with a fresh, modern twist, with a solid rhythm section and vocal parts that are always very engaging, especially in the refrains that stick in the mind. The band continues to offer a gritty and dynamic sound with “Kinematic Eye,” with a somewhat darker atmosphere than its predecessors. With an accelerated rhythm section and a driving bassline, the vocals are penetrating, attempting to examine those instances of creation that are otherwise inexplicable by all other means. In the instrumental sections that alternate with the sung stanzas, the band incorporates more Heavy and Rock elements to their sound with valuable guitar inserts, sharp and sharp as a blade. Gloomy atmospheres and Gothic sounds permeate “The Raven,” a markedly Experimental and electronic track. The spoken vocal in the second half resonates like a premonition, uneasy and somber. Linking to the previous one, “Floating in Space,” concludes the album’s tracklist, surpassing the 6 min duration. The track opens with a deep, hypnotic bass line to which electronic effects and modulations are added. After an introductory part, drumming enters and the track evolves, developing an elaborate sound with an extended instrumental section. The vocal interventions are minimal and leave more space for the music to develop, showcasing all the band’s technique. Enriched by the layering and modulation of sounds and solo interventions, it leaves us with good feelings and a desire to listen again and again to this good album. This 11th album, confirms how Hawklords are an institution in the Space Rock genre, offering 10 tracks of absolute value. The blend of classic and modern sounds is well srived, offering a fresh and modern, atract futuristic listen. The themes developed are very interesting both in the lyrics and in the music, always dynamic and with excellent instrumental phrasing. A recommended listen to all lovers of Space Rock sounds, managing to find the perfect union point between tradition and innovation, as only a band of another level would be able to do.
Tracklist
01. Ai (2:04)
02. Odyssey (4:48)
03. Speed of Light (3:55)
04. Relativity (5:44)
05. Rock Star (3:59)
06. Machine (7:27)
07. New Time Zone On The Moon (4:19)
08. Kinematic Eye (4:54)
09: The Raven (3:31)
10: Floating in Space (6:21)
Lineup
Jerry Richards / Guitars, [Bass on “Speed of Light” and “Floating in Space“] Vocals, SFX and Foley
Dave Pearce / Drums
Mr Dibs / Bass, Vocals, Audio Generators
Featuring Special Guests:
‘Dead’ Fred Reeves / Piano on “Speed of Light“
Paul Sampson / Organ, Strings and Stab-Piano on “Speed of Light” and Flute, String Machine and Saxophone on “Floating in Space” and arpeggiator on “Rock Star“