Hawkwind’s 1971 album In Search of Space stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of space rock, cementing the band’s status as pioneers of the genre. Now, this iconic record is given a fitting tribute with a deluxe 3-disc limited edition box set that offers fans a chance to experience the album like never before. Featuring the original 1971 mix, newly remastered from the original master tapes, this set also includes stunning new stereo and 5.1 surround sound remixes by Stephen W Tayler, crafted from the original multi-track tapes.

The box set boasts two CDs that encompass the remastered album, along with new stereo mixes of session out-takes like ‘Hog Farm’ and ‘Kiss of the Velvet Whip’, as well as fresh mixes of the legendary singles ‘Silver Machine’ and ‘Seven by Seven’. A Blu-ray disc completes the package, offering high-resolution 5.1 surround sound and stereo mixes, alongside the 1972 promotional video for ‘Silver Machine’.

Additionally, this edition is enriched by a lavish 68-page illustrated book that features a new essay and a reproduction of the rare Hawkwind Log Book, making it a definitive collection for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike that should rekindle appreciation for an album that, in April 2006, made No. 83 in Classic Rock‘s “The 100 Greatest British Rock Albums”.

Standing as a landmark in the genre of space rock, solidifying the band’s reputation for creating a cosmic, psychedelic soundscape that transports listeners to otherworldly realms, this sophomore effort is a sonic voyage, blending the hypnotic repetition of Krautrock with the raw energy of rock, laced with trippy, experimental flourishes that would define Hawkwind’s style.

Epic tracks, riff-driven anthems, pulsating basslines, driving rhythms, trance-like atmospheres, sporadic bursts of saxophone and synthesizer, ethereal echo-laden vocals, abstract and ambient soundscapes, In Search of Space is not just an album; it’s a cosmic exploration. The music, combined with the album’s elaborate, fold-out cover art and accompanying booklet, invites listeners on a journey through space and time. It’s a seminal work in the annals of psychedelic rock, showcasing Hawkwind at their most adventurous and creative, and it remains a crucial listening experience. In Search of Space invites listeners to immerse themselves fully in its soundscape, with each track contributing to its hypnotic grooves and mesmeric atmosphere.

The new stereo mixes by Stephen W Tayler on discs two and three offer a fresh, high-fidelity reinterpretation of the original 1971 recordings. Tayler’s work not only preserves the integrity of Hawkwind’s groundbreaking sound but also enhances, bringing out previously buried details and adding depth to the mix. The inclusion of these sound mixes allows listeners to experience the album in a completely immersive way, bringing new life to the original recordings and making it a must-have for audiophiles and dedicated Hawkwind fans alike.

• Review by JG
• Available from 30 August 2024
• Full details are on the Cherry Red website here