Hawkwind enthusiasts should pay particular attention while reading this review. Why, you might ask? The review of the eponymous album by Astral Hawk Machine discussed here will explain why. So, the advice is definitely to read on. Astral Hawk Machine is a psychedelic space rock project and collaboration featuring three veteran musicians from three different countries: Jay Tausig (USA, ex-Chrome, etc.), Bridget Wishart (UK, ex-Hawkwind, Spirits Burning, etc.) and Santtu Laakso (Finland, ex-Dark Sun, Astral Magic, etc.). The group was formed in 2022 and released their self-titled debut album on January 19, 2026, via Black Widow Records. This album can be seen as a continuation of Chromium Hawk Machine - Anunaki, a 2xCD by Jay Tausig, the late Nik Turner and Helios Creed that was released on Black Widow in 2018. Jay is also working on the third chapter of this saga at the moment. On this album Jay jammed the backing tracks with drums, bass, guitars and synthesizers, Santtu added synthesizers and keyboards, and Bridget wrote the lyrics and sang and played EWI. After some more co-production a very cool one-hour trip was achieved! The album can be described as a high-quality one-hour trip through experimental ambient and progressive rock landscapes. The music is characterized by trippy synthesizers, solid riffs, and a meticulously layered ensemble. It heavily utilizes guitars with extensive effects and electronic wind instruments (EWI). The album is without doubt a masterclass in progressive rock complexity, most of all Bridget Wishart's vocal versatility, which shifts from ominous curses to sacred prayers. The opening track on the album is certainly one of the highlights. It's the first single taken from the album and sets the musical standard. It is titled Wolf Moon and certainly has some musical references of Hawkwind's big hit Silver Machine that was originally released as a single on 9 June 1972, reaching number three on the UK singles chart. The single was re-issued in 1976, again in 1978 reaching number 34 on the UK singles charts, and once again in 1983 reaching number 67 on the UK singles charts. I don't think this will happen with this single but similarity is present. As for the other tracks on the album, it is very clear that the musicians listened closely to the music of their idol. Everything—yes, really everything—just sounds like Hawkwind. If you didn't know that these were different musicians, you would think you were listening to, for example, Dave Brock, Nik Turner, Dik Mik, and Del Dettmar. This is, of course, a huge compliment to the current musicians who brought this musical product to fruition. Fans of the aforementioned band will therefore be absolutely delighted after listening to this amazing space rock album. I won't describe the tracks one by one because the entire album sounds like a Hawkwind album, and that essentially says enough for connoisseurs. Listening to this album means enjoying music that is, of course, a great Hawkwind tribute. The album was primarily released as a limited edition CD of 300 copies and as a digital download. So those who want a hard copy should act fast before it is sold out and it becomes a collector's item. For those who manage to get their hands on a copy, an amazing space trip awaits. I am ready for it. Are you? *** Henri Strik (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
