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Album Details

• Artist: Hawkwind
• Album: Levitation
• Label: Bronze
• Year of Release: 1980
• ME Rating: Indie Classic
• Reviewed by: gwhill on 2013-03-05

This album, from 1980 is certainly considered to be one of the more classic of Hawkwind`s albums, and is a strong example of what space rock is about. Picking a definitive Hawkwind album would be very difficult, however, as their sound has continued to evolve over the years. The lineup on this album is Dave Brock, Harvey Bainbridge, Huw Lloyd-Langton, Tim Blake and Ginger Baker (of Cream fame).

This energetic space rock piece that serves as the title (and first) track features a rather hypnotic and invigorating rhythmic melody line and some very interesting keyboard work. It is a fitting tune to start the album. “Motorway City” is another track which is driven primarily by the rhythm section, this one more in a progressive rock sort of vein. Beginning with some space sound effects and voices, a mesmerizing keyboard drone leads off “Psychosis,” which serves as an intro to the next track.

Featuring a quirky arrangement, “World of Tiers” is a moving number that really has a tendency to energize a person. It is an additional brief non-vocal composition. Psychedelic space keys begin “Prelude,” another concise instrumental mood piece. “Who's Gonna Win the War” is a solid song featuring a haunting verse and catchy chorus based on military rhythm patterns.

On “Space Chase” a nicely odd keyboard intro leads into a track dominated by a solidly driving rhythmic melody and some energetic instrumental soloing. “The Fifth Second of Forever” is a rather unique cut.  An evocative guitar intro leads into jet screeching, which in turn leads into the main segment of the song. This main section is a nice progressive and enchanting piece of music, while still being quite catchy. The song drops back into the guitar section that made up the intro as it leads into the next cut.

Another nicely rhythmic number, “Dust of Time” features some intriguing guitar work and a quirky instrumental break before dropping into a more laid back section. This sedate section is a complete change of pace which gradually builds back towards the main impetus of the song. “Dust of Time” is a considerably powerful number and a competent conclusion to the album.

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