"In Search of Space" is the second studio album by the influential British band Hawkwind, released in 1971. The album reflects the band's evolving sound, characterized by a fusion of space rock, psychedelic rock, and electronic elements. It reached No. 18 on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying Hawkwind's place in the early 1970s rock scene.
The recording of In Search of Space came after a tumultuous period for the band, marked by lineup changes. John A. Harrison left just after the debut album, and was replaced by Thomas Crimble, who was then replaced by Dave Anderson from Amon Düül II for this album. The band's electronics player, Dik Mik Davies, also departed temporarily, leading to the enlistment of Del Dettmar, the band's live sound engineer. Huw Lloyd-Langton's exit followed a bad LSD experience at the Isle of Wight Festival, further impacting the band's dynamics during the recording.
The album features a blend of extended jams and shorter tracks, showcasing the band’s experimental approach:
"You Shouldn't Do That": An extended piece that had been part of the live set. Crimble, the original bassist, claimed a co-writer's credit for the central bass line, which became a staple of their performances.
"You Know You're Only Dreaming": This track features a riff inspired by the Steve Miller Band's "Jackson-Kent Blues." It also found its way into various live performances throughout Hawkwind's career.
"Master of the Universe": Co-written by Brock and Turner, this track carries a space-themed lyrical quality and has become a live favorite. The song gained renewed recognition when used in a 2012 Ford B-Max advertisement.
"We Took the Wrong Step Years Ago": An introspective twelve-string guitar piece lamenting societal directions, it includes a jam section that showcases the band’s improvisational skills. A new acoustic version was later released on The Road to Utopia (2018).
"Adjust Me": A purely improvisational track that highlights the band's experimental ethos.
"Children of the Sun": This song begins with acoustic guitar and transitions into a heavier sound, mixing genres effectively.
The album also features a bonus track, "Seven by Seven," which served as the B-side to the hit "Silver Machine." Its lyrics explore mystical themes and the "seven rays."
### Recording Process
Initially, the band attempted to record at George Martin's AIR Studios but encountered difficulties, including a disruptive atmosphere that led to a move to Olympic Studios. With George Chkiantz at the helm, the band was able to finalize the recording in a more conducive environment. The sessions at Olympic resulted in a raw and dynamic sound that would become a hallmark of Hawkwind's music.
In Search of Space is regarded as a significant contribution to the space rock genre and remains a favorite among Hawkwind fans. Its innovative blend of rock and electronic sounds influenced subsequent generations of musicians and helped define the band's identity. The album’s mix of lyrical exploration, improvisation, and extended instrumental passages exemplifies Hawkwind's unique style and sets the stage for their future work in the progressive and psychedelic rock scenes.
