Mass Movement Magazine

Harvestman, U.S. Christmas & Minsk – Hawkwind Triad CD (Neurot Recordings)
Rather unexpected this one was, as I wasn’t aware of it at all. I guess that’s what happens when you retire from music websites due to the constant boredom of stupid conversations, endless trolling and a thousand and one bands releasing their every fart. Anyway, arguable stoner rock luminaries Minsk and U.S. Christmas are joined by Steve Von Till’s Harvestman (obviously also of Neurosis) for this straight run through of a selection of Hawkwind classics. I say classics as I assume they are, I’m only closely familiar with a handful of them. What I can say is that this release is very worthwhile and that fact that it’s so listenable is testament to the quality of songwriting and individuality of style that Hawkwind nigh on invented. Thankfully there are no avant-garde, acoustic or electro reworkings of the Hawkwind template, outside of the more gruff vocalising of the artists involved, this is pretty close to the original soundscapes. Perhaps a more expert ear will find differences but the feel and experience is neither diluted nor compromised. A fitting and interesting tribute indeed, I’d be curious to know what seasoned Hawkwind heads think. Maybe Floyd next? Chest Rockwell