In Search of Space
In Search of Space is the second studio album by the English space rock band Hawkwind, released on 8 October 1971 by United Artists Records.[1] Recorded primarily at Olympic Studios in London after initial sessions at AIR Studios were abandoned due to disruptions, the album features a raw, improvisational sound blending psychedelic rock with science fiction themes.[2] The record marked a pivotal moment for Hawkwind, establishing them as pioneers of the space rock genre through extended tracks like the 16-minute opener "You Shouldn't Do That" and "Master of the Universe," which incorporated spoken-word elements and cosmic imagery.[2] Contributions from writer Robert Calvert and author Michael Moorcock added narrative depth, including a 24-page booklet with an original sci-fi story by Calvert illustrated by Barney Bubbles, whose innovative sleeve design—featuring the enigmatic title X In Search of Space—reflected the band's countercultural ethos.[1][2] Upon release, In Search of Space peaked at No. 18 on the UK Albums Chart, spending 19 weeks in the top 100 and influencing subsequent space rock acts with its fusion of heavy riffs, synthesizers, and free-form jamming.[2] The album's personnel included core members Dave Brock on guitar and vocals, Nik Turner on saxophone and flute, and Lemmy Kilmister on bass, alongside guests like Dik Mik on synthesizer, capturing Hawkwind's live energy during a period of frequent police encounters due to their hippie appearance.[2]Background and concept
Lineup changes
Following the release of Hawkwind's debut album on 14 August 1970, bassist John A. Harrison departed the band shortly thereafter.[3] He was replaced by Thomas Crimble, formerly of Skin Alley, who joined around July 1970 and contributed to early live shows, including a residency at London's Roundhouse.[4] Crimble's tenure lasted until early 1971, when he left to help organize the Glastonbury Free Festival.[5] Guitarist Huw Lloyd-Langton exited after Hawkwind's performance outside the gates of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival in August, prompted by a negative LSD experience that led to personal challenges.[6] This departure reduced the guitar lineup, with Dave Brock assuming primary guitar duties alongside his vocals. Keyboardist Del Dettmar, previously the band's road manager, joined in May 1971 to bolster the electronic elements.[7] Crimble's exit paved the way for Dave Anderson, formerly of Amon Düül II, to join as bassist in mid-1971.[8] The lineup for recording stabilized with Brock on guitar and vocals, Nik Turner on saxophone, flute, and vocals, Dettmar on keyboards and synthesizer, Dik Mik on synthesizer and effects, Anderson on bass, and Terry Ollis on drums; Anderson departed shortly after the sessions.[4] This configuration was tested through live performances in 1971, including early shows at the Roundhouse and a set at the Glastonbury Festival in June, where Crimble briefly substituted on guitar due to illness affecting Brock and Anderson.[9]Thematic development
Robert Calvert played a pivotal role in conceptualizing In Search of Space as a "space opera," infusing the album with themes of cosmic exploration, alienation, and psychedelic journeys that captured the era's fascination with outer space. As the band's poet and writer, Calvert provided the narrative framework, drawing on his pre-existing science fiction writings to shape a cohesive story of interstellar adventure and human disconnection in the void. His contributions transformed Hawkwind's raw, improvisational energy into a structured yet expansive tale, emphasizing the psychological toll of space travel alongside triumphant discovery.[8] The album's themes were heavily influenced by 1960s science fiction literature, including works by authors like Arthur C. Clarke and publications such as New Worlds, which explored futuristic societies and existential questions amid technological advancement. These literary roots intertwined with the real-world excitement of the space race era, particularly the Apollo missions, evoking a sense of wonder and peril in humanity's push beyond Earth. Hawkwind's evolving style, initially rooted in live improvisations during their early performances, shifted toward this structured storytelling, allowing the band to channel their psychedelic rock foundations into a more narrative-driven experience that mirrored the disjointed, dreamlike quality of space exploration.[8] Central to the album's thematic unity is The Hawkwind Log, a 24-page booklet co-created by Calvert and graphic artist Barney Bubbles, presented as the fictional diary of an astronaut aboard the spacecraft Hawkwind. This log ties the songs into a broader narrative of interstellar travel, beginning with the ship's discovery on the Moon's Mare Librium on 8 July 1971, and chronicling fragmented entries of cosmic encounters, temporal anomalies, and crew introspection. It serves as a Burroughs-esque chronicle, blending logbook entries with philosophical musings to underscore themes of isolation and transcendence.[8][4] The development process for these themes originated during Hawkwind's 1970-1971 tours, where ideas were sketched amid the band's relentless live schedule, fostering a collaborative brainstorming environment involving core members like Dave Brock and Nik Turner. Calvert's writings, including drafts of the log and conceptual outlines, predated the full recording sessions at Olympic Studios in late 1971, providing a ready-made blueprint that guided the album's production and ensured thematic consistency. This pre-recording groundwork allowed the space opera vision to emerge organically from the band's touring experiences, solidifying In Search of Space as a landmark in space rock narrative.[8]Recording and production
Studio process
The recording of In Search of Space commenced in 1971 at AIR Studios in London, where the band initially assembled to lay down basic tracks. These sessions, however, were short-lived, lasting only about a week before being abandoned due to equipment setup problems and logistical disruptions.[2] The production then relocated to Olympic Studios in Barnes, London, for the primary recording phase in 1971.[10] Under the oversight of producer George Chkiantz, the core tracking emphasized a live-in-the-studio approach that captured the band's raw energy.[2][8] Much of the album emerged from improvisational jams, which were refined during these sessions into structured tracks; for instance, the extended piece "You Shouldn’t Do That" evolved organically from earlier live improvisations, guided by musical cues to maintain cohesion.[2][10] Technical hurdles persisted throughout, exacerbated by the band's limited budget, which necessitated unpolished, live-like takes to conserve time and resources.[2] Chkiantz employed basic multitrack techniques alongside Olympic's echo chambers to generate the album's signature psychedelic effects, enhancing spatial depth without extensive overdubs.[10][2]Technical contributions
The album's sonic identity was shaped by innovative electronic elements, particularly through the contributions of Del Dettmar and Dik Mik, who employed early synthesizers and generators to craft immersive space rock textures. Del Dettmar utilized the EMS VCS3 synthesizer to generate sweeping, wind-like soundscapes that enveloped the band's guitar riffs, bass lines, and drum grooves, adding a layer of cosmic ambiance.[11] Dik Mik complemented this with custom audio generators, producing futuristic electronic effects such as seagull-like noises derived from oscillators and tone generators, which enhanced the album's otherworldly atmosphere.[12][13] Producer George Chkiantz, working at Olympic Studios in Barnes, London, adopted a live-in-the-studio recording approach to capture the band's raw energy, limiting overdubs to preserve the improvisational feel of their performances—such as adding only vocal harmonies to select tracks—while emphasizing unpolished guitar and saxophone elements.[10][13] Chkiantz applied pioneering audio effects, including flanging and stereo phasing, to tracks like "Master of the Universe," creating swirling, immersive spatial depth through dynamic panning and reverb that simulated interstellar movement.[10] These techniques, drawn from his prior work with artists like Jimi Hendrix, prioritized organic improvisation over heavy editing, resulting in a hypnotic blend of rhythm-driven propulsion and ethereal electronics.[13] This early electronic experimentation on In Search of Space, primarily recorded in 1971 with main sessions at Olympic Studios, established foundational techniques for the space rock genre, influencing subsequent acts with its integration of noise generators and phased effects to evoke vast, psychedelic expanses.[10][13] The album's raw production highlighted the VCS3's role in proto-synth atmospheres, marking a shift from Hawkwind's debut toward more structured yet experimental sound design that prioritized auditory immersion.[11]Musical composition
Song structures
The album's song structures exemplify Hawkwind's pioneering space rock aesthetic, blending extended improvisational jams with more structured pieces to evoke cosmic exploration and psychedelic introspection. The tracks primarily feature collaborations between Dave Brock and Nik Turner, incorporating heavy riffs, synthesizers, saxophone, and flute, with influences from psychedelic rock and early electronic music.[2][14] The opener "You Shouldn't Do That" (15:41) is an extended jam centered on Brock's driving guitar riff, featuring Nik Turner's soaring saxophone solos and repetitive motifs that build tension, fading into ambient sections. This structure fuses hard rock propulsion with psychedelic electronics, drawing from Pink Floyd's experimental soundscapes and mirroring the band's live improvisational ethos.[15][3] "You Know You're Only Dreaming" (6:35) follows with a dreamy, mid-tempo piece driven by swirling synths and Turner's flute, creating a hypnotic atmosphere with lyrics exploring altered states of consciousness. Brock's guitar and Lemmy's bass provide a steady rhythm, enhancing the track's ethereal quality.[14][16] On side B, "Master of the Universe" (6:17) adopts a heavy riff-driven anthem format, opening with a menacing bass line from Lemmy and escalating into a riff-heavy chorus with distorted climaxes. It emphasizes Brock and Turner's collaborative songwriting, with synthesizer layers from Del Dettmar and Dik Mik adding electronic psychedelia. Lyrically, it explores themes of cosmic mastery, blending science fiction poetry with improvisational energy.[1][17][2] "We Took the Wrong Step Years Ago" (4:48) is a brooding, atmospheric track with spoken-word elements from Robert Calvert over a sparse arrangement of guitar, bass, and subtle electronics, reflecting on regret and dystopian futures in a slow-building structure.[14][18] "Adjust Me" (5:44) features a funky bass groove and Turner's flute, evolving into a jam with psychedelic effects and group vocals, addressing themes of adaptation and conformity in a rhythmic, exploratory format.[14][19] The closing "Children of the Sun" (3:52) is a concise, riff-based rocker with anthemic choruses, flute accents, and lyrics evoking ancient mysteries and cosmic heritage, providing an energetic resolution to the album's journey.[14][20] Overall, these structures reflect Hawkwind's fusion of hard rock, psychedelia, and electronics, with Brock and Turner's collaborations forming the core, augmented by Calvert's narrative flair to weave improvisation into thematic cohesion.[2]Track listing
The original 1971 vinyl release of In Search of Space by Hawkwind, issued on United Artists Records (UAS 29202 in the UK), features six tracks divided across two sides, with a total running time of approximately 44:39.[21] The album was structured to evoke a space exploration narrative, aligning with the band's psychedelic and science fiction themes.[14]| Side | No. | Title | Writer(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | "You Shouldn't Do That" | Dave Brock, Nik Turner | 15:41 |
| A | 2 | "You Know You're Only Dreaming" | Dave Brock | 6:35 |
| B | 3 | "Master of the Universe" | Dave Brock, Nik Turner | 6:17 |
| B | 4 | "We Took the Wrong Step Years Ago" | Dave Brock | 4:48 |
| B | 5 | "Adjust Me" | Dave Brock, Nik Turner | 5:44 |
| B | 6 | "Children of the Sun" | Dave Brock, Nik Turner | 3:52 |
Artwork and presentation
Sleeve design
The sleeve design for Hawkwind's In Search of Space was created by graphic artist Barney Bubbles, marking a pivotal early collaboration in his longstanding association with the band.[8] Bubbles crafted an innovative die-cut gatefold sleeve using heavy card stock, which unfolds into a hawk-like shape with outstretched wings, symbolizing the album's exploratory themes.[3] The interlocking die-cut elements on the front create an open-top wallet for the vinyl disc and provide a three-dimensional effect when manipulated, enhancing the interactive and immersive quality of the packaging.[1] The cover imagery consists of abstract psychedelic graphics dominated by metallic silver and black tones, evoking the vastness of space travel through circuit-like patterns that suggest a futuristic astronaut helmet.[24] These visuals draw influence from 1960s counterculture posters, reflecting Bubbles' background in underground publications like Friends magazine, where he honed his bold, experimental style.[25] The printing features full-color reproduction on the exterior panels for vibrant impact, contrasted with black-and-white half-tone interiors that maintain a raw, printed aesthetic.[1] Bubbles' work on the sleeve stemmed from iterative sketches developed throughout 1971 in close consultation with the band, particularly aligning with Robert Calvert's conceptual "log" narrative to unify the album's visual and thematic elements.[26] This collaboration extended briefly to integrate the sleeve's structure with the accompanying booklet, forming a total artistic package that blurred the lines between album art and performance ephemera.[27]Booklet contents
The booklet accompanying the original 1971 LP release of In Search of Space is a 24-page insert titled The Hawkwind Log, co-created by poet Robert Calvert and designer Barney Bubbles. This fictional spaceship log chronicles the disjointed adventures of the spacecraft Hawkwind and its crew on a cosmic journey to save Earth, blending science fiction narrative with philosophical and mythological explorations of time and space travel. Calvert's writings form the core, presenting the log as entries from an interstellar voyage that culminates in the ship crash-landing on Earth, flattening into a two-dimensional form represented by the vinyl record itself.[28][29] The contents feature Calvert's prose in a mix of handwritten-style script and printed text, interspersed with Bubbles' intricate illustrations, astral diagrams, and photographic elements that evoke a sense of otherworldly documentation. These include symbolic drawings of cosmic phenomena, crew annotations, and visual motifs tying into the album's psychedelic themes, such as warped geometries and ethereal landscapes, without directly reproducing song lyrics. The log also incorporates supplementary materials like band photographs and brief liner notes crediting contributors, enhancing its role as an immersive artifact that extends the album's sonic narrative into a tangible, literary experience. Bubbles handled the typography and overall layout, giving the booklet a handmade, journal-like aesthetic despite its professional production.[1][30] Designed to deepen listener engagement with Hawkwind's space rock mythology, the Hawkwind Log serves as a conceptual bridge between the music and the band's evolving lore, predating more elaborate live productions like Space Ritual. Written by Calvert in 1971 prior to his full integration into the group as a performer, it reflects his interest in speculative fiction and helped establish the album's reputation for innovative packaging that prioritized narrative immersion over mere disc enclosure. Later reissues, such as the 2024 deluxe edition, have reproduced and expanded upon this original booklet, underscoring its enduring influence on the band's visual and thematic identity.[8][31]Commercial performance
Chart success
In Search of Space entered the UK Albums Chart on 6 November 1971, where it peaked at number 18 and remained for a total of 19 weeks.[32] The album's chart trajectory benefited from Hawkwind's extensive promotional efforts, including a 32-date UK tour from September to November 1971 that helped build momentum for the release.[8] The subsequent success of the single "Silver Machine"—recorded during the album's sessions and released on 9 June 1972—further propelled In Search of Space back onto the UK Albums Chart in 1972, with the track itself peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. This crossover hit, which captured the band's space rock essence, extended the album's visibility and commercial lifespan in the UK market.[2] Internationally, the album experienced minor chart performance in Germany and the Netherlands but did not enter the US Billboard 200.[33] In September 2024, following a deluxe reissue, the album re-entered the UK Albums Chart.[32]Sales certifications
The award reflects cumulative sales bolstered by reissues in the 1980s and 1990s, amid revivals of interest in the band's space rock catalog.[4] No platinum status or other major international certifications, such as from the RIAA in the United States, have been issued for the album.[34]Reception and legacy
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release in October 1971, In Search of Space received positive attention in the UK music press for its innovative space rock sound and raw energy. Melody Maker's Richard Williams commended the album for reminding listeners of overlooked domestic talent in the genre, stating, "In the rush to applaud the Amon Düüls and the Cans from across the water, we’ve all tended to forget the prophets in our own backyard."[2] The review highlighted the band's instrumental prowess and hypnotic rhythms, positioning Hawkwind as key figures in the evolving British psychedelic scene. In the United States, the album garnered mixed but notable coverage in 1972. Rolling Stone's Lester Bangs praised its immersive qualities, describing it as "music for the astral apocalypse," while appreciating the electronic elements and extended jams that evoked cosmic exploration, though he acknowledged its potential inaccessibility to mainstream audiences.[2] Similarly, Creem's Greg Shaw emphasized the album's thematic depth and packaging, likening the experience to a "run to the teenage stars" and noting the accompanying Hawkwind Log booklet's mystical star cluster imagery as enhancing the interstellar narrative.[35] Other contemporary outlets offered enthusiastic responses focused on the album's visceral impact. Phonograph Record's Jeff Walker expressed a rare physical reaction to the music, recalling how it evoked the intensity of past psychedelic records like Paul Butterfield's East-West, and lauded its ability to transport listeners through raw, pulsating compositions.[36] Publications like NME and Sounds noted the extended improvisational tracks, with some critiquing their length but overall viewing the album as a bold advancement in space rock experimentation. Collectively, these reviews established In Search of Space as a landmark in cosmic rock, blending electronics, heavy riffs, and psychedelic improvisation.Modern evaluations and influence
In modern reassessments, In Search of Space has been recognized as a cornerstone of space rock, with retrospective rankings underscoring its enduring importance. In 2006, Classic Rock magazine included the album in its list of the 100 Greatest British Rock Albums, highlighting its innovative role in the genre's development.[37] AllMusic's review by Bruce Eder describes it as "essential space rock," awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars for its pioneering blend of psychedelic improvisation and sci-fi themes that laid the groundwork for the style.[14] The album's influence extends to subsequent artists who built upon Hawkwind's experimental soundscapes. Similarly, electronic duo The Orb has openly acknowledged Hawkwind's impact, with In Search of Space contributing to the ambient and cosmic aesthetics in their work.[38] This legacy also manifests in the broader adoption of sci-fi themes in prog rock.[39] Culturally, In Search of Space has been revisited in media exploring the UK psychedelic scene and Hawkwind's countercultural roots. The 2010 documentary Lemmy features discussions of the band's early innovations, including this album's role in shaping the psych and space rock movements.[40] Recent coverage emphasizes the album's timeless appeal, particularly through reissues that highlight its production effects. A 2021 uDiscover Music article celebrates its rediscovery as a "stratospheric classic," noting how its motorik grooves and experimental edge continue to resonate in contemporary psychedelic listening.[4] Reviews of the 2024 deluxe remaster by Esoteric Recordings praise the restored audio for revealing the "timeless effects" of tracks like "Master of the Universe," affirming its status as an undervalued gem in Hawkwind's catalog.[41] Further acclaim for the September 2024 deluxe edition, including 5.1 surround mixes and bonus material, has highlighted its enhanced clarity and renewed appreciation for the album's raw energy as of 2024.[42][43]Credits
Performing personnel
The performing personnel on In Search of Space featured Hawkwind's evolving lineup following the departure of guitarist Huw Lloyd-Langton after their debut album and bassist Thomas Crimble, with the addition of electronic musician Del Dettmar to replace the injured Dik Mik, to enhance the space rock sound.[8]- Dave Brock: guitars, vocals, 12-string guitar.[44]
- Nik Turner: saxophone, flute, vocals.[44]
- Del Dettmar: Mellotron, EMS VCS3 synthesizer.[44]
- Dik Mik: audio generator.[44]
- Dave Anderson: bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar.[44]
- Terry Ollis: drums, percussion.[44]
Production staff
The production of Hawkwind's In Search of Space was overseen by George Chkiantz in collaboration with the band, who received full co-production credit for the album recorded primarily at Olympic Studios in Barnes, London.[8][4] Chkiantz also served as the primary recording engineer, bringing his experience from prior work with artists like Jimi Hendrix and the Small Faces to shape the album's raw, expansive sound.[10][44] Engineering assistance was provided by Phil Chapman, Rod Thear, and Rufus Cartwright at Olympic Studios, supporting the technical execution during the sessions.[44] Art direction for the album's innovative sleeve and accompanying booklet was handled by Barney Bubbles, whose conceptual design incorporated psychedelic and futuristic elements to complement the record's space-themed narrative.[25][1] Additionally, Robert Calvert contributed the liner notes, presented as a "log book" that outlined the album's conceptual framework, blending science fiction prose with astrological and philosophical insights; no executive producers are credited in the original release documentation.[46][8]Release details
Original release
In Search of Space was first issued by United Artists Records in the United Kingdom on 8 October 1971, bearing the catalog number UAG 29202.[1] The original edition appeared as a stereo vinyl LP housed in a gatefold sleeve with a distinctive interlocking zig-zag gimmix cover designed by Barney Bubbles, accompanied by a 24-page illustrated "Hawkwind Log" booklet printed on off-white newspaper-quality paper.[1] Early UK pressings featured matrix variants such as UAG 29202 A-1U / B-1U etched in the runout grooves.[21] The album reached Australia in 1971 and the United States in 1972, released under catalog number UAS-5567 in the US with a similar triptych gatefold sleeve, some copies including the Hawkwind Log booklet.[47][48][49] No lead single preceded the launch, though the track "Master of the Universe" garnered radio airplay supporting the band's emerging space rock profile.[13] The release aligned with Hawkwind's intensifying live circuit, emphasizing their psychedelic and cosmic themes.[42]Reissues and variants
The album has seen numerous reissues across various formats since its original 1971 release, including remastered CDs, expanded editions with bonus tracks, vinyl repressings, and deluxe sets featuring surround sound mixes. Early international variants include the 1972 Japanese pressing on Liberty Records, issued as a gatefold LP with catalog number LLP-80663.[50] In 1987, Liberty Records released the first CD edition in the UK under catalog number CDP 7 46638 2, presented in a standard jewel case with a 24-page booklet reproducing the original artwork.[44] A significant remaster followed in 1996 by EMI United Kingdom (catalog 7243 8 52348 2 2), which included the core album tracks alongside bonus material such as the live single edit of "Born to Go," "Silver Machine," and "Seven by Seven."[51] This edition was digitally remastered at Abbey Road Studios and packaged with a reproduction of the original "Hawkwind Log" booklet.[51] The 2001 EMI reissue (catalog 535 9532) offered another remastered version with expanded content, incorporating additional bonus tracks beyond the standard tracklist.[1] A deluxe edition arrived in 2007 from EMI (catalog 0946 3 89492 2 2), featuring further remastering and bonus tracks in a limited-run package.[1] Vinyl reissues gained momentum in the 2010s, with Rock Classics issuing a limited-edition double LP in 2011 (limited to 1,000 copies on white vinyl, catalog RCV011LP), remastered for audiophile playback.[52] Digital availability expanded around 2015, when Parlophone released the album for streaming on platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, utilizing the 1996 remaster.[53]| Year | Label/Imprint | Format | Key Features | Catalog Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Liberty Records | LP (Gatefold) | Japanese pressing; promo variant available | LLP-80663 | Discogs |
| 1987 | Liberty | CD | First CD edition; 24-page booklet | CDP 7 46638 2 | Discogs |
| 1996 | EMI United Kingdom | CD (Remastered) | Bonus tracks: "Born to Go" (live), "Silver Machine," "Seven by Seven"; Abbey Road remaster | 7243 8 52348 2 2 | Discogs |
| 2001 | EMI | CD (Remastered, Expanded) | Additional bonus tracks | 535 9532 | Discogs |
| 2007 | EMI | CD (Deluxe, Remastered) | Bonus tracks; limited edition | 0946 3 89492 2 2 | Discogs |
| 2011 | Back On Black (Rock Classics series) | 2xLP (Limited Edition, White Vinyl) | Remastered; limited copies | RCV011LP | Discogs |
| 2015 | Parlophone | Digital (Streaming) | Available on Spotify, Apple Music; based on 1996 remaster | N/A | Apple Music |
| 2024 | Atomhenge (Cherry Red/Esoteric Recordings) | 2CD/Blu-ray (Deluxe Limited Edition) | New remaster from original tapes; stereo and 5.1 surround mixes by Stephen W. Tayler; unreleased demos ("Hog Farm," "Kiss of the Velvet Whip"); bonuses including "Silver Machine" and "Seven by Seven"; 68-page booklet, poster | ATOMCD3105 | Cherry Red |