Back in 2022 I reviewed an album made by Nik Turner & The Trance Dimensionals. It was titled Synchronicity (see review). An excellent space rock album which was a farewell album of a musical legend. Unfortunately he passed away in the evening of November 10th, 2022 at the age of 82. For those who don't know Mr. Turner, I can tell you that he was from 1969-1976 a major creative force in Hawkwind. His costumes, improvised saxophone and flute playing became an iconic representation of the band. And now I have in my hands Space Angels. An album released in 2024 by The Trance Dimensionals featuring Nik Turner. Without listening I already knew that this release would bring me a lot of musical enjoyment. Because albums which involve Nik are always quality albums. And this release is no exception to the rule as it turned out! I guess it is not so strange that on Synchronicity and Space Angels almost the same musicians are active and that both albums have musical references with the earlier mentioned Hawkwind. However, before we come to the music, first some history facts. You will have to know that The Trance Dimensionals band was formed by English musician Steve Hillman in 2016. Steve had been making electronic sounds with his audio generator since the early 1970's, when as a teenager he was influenced by Tangerine Dream, Hawkwind and Gong. He also released albums in a variety of genres ranging from electronic, synth rock, progressive rock, jazz and orchestral soundtrack music. In the 1980's, as a keyboard player and guitarist, he was part of the then underground electronic music scene in the UK and in the 1990's he was signed to the progressive rock music label Cyclops Records who released four albums of his prog and space rock instrumental music. In 2016 Steve met Nik and they discussed working on an album together. First the earlier mentioned Synchronicity. And now Space Angels. This is the second album of the Trance Dimensionals, but sadly Nik passed away during the making of this album. But the recordings of him on vocals, sax and flute are still there to enjoy on this new album. You also can hear contributions of drummer Dai Rees, bassist Dave Anderson (Hawkwind, Amon Duul II), female singer Angel Flame (The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown) and Mr. Dibs (Spacehead, Krel) on vocals (Higher And Higher). And of course, Mr. Hillman himself on guitars and keyboards. Plus, some extra guests on bass. The space psych rock dimension that Hillman draws inspiration from, evolving the concept beyond all limits. Hawkwind is of course an inspiration but also the sound of early Roxy Music is notable. Most of all because of the saxophone parts. Hawkwind comes to the surface thanks to the guitar riffs and narrative vocal parts. But also, the Mellotron parts in the vein of the late Simon House. There is not much more to tell because the songs are all of a rather good level and must for all Hawkwind fans in general. All in all, a very acceptable album on which you can hear a mix of space rock, hard rock, vintage rock, heavy rock, prog rock. I guess there are no limits or boundaries. Guitars, Mellotrons and saxophones are up front next to the dramatic vocal lines and melodies. Space Angels is must have for die-hard Hawkwind fans without any doubt. Finally, I'll have to tell you that the digipak of this album comes with a 16 page booklet filled with artwork, lyrics and more. The vinyl LP comes with a collector fold-out fully illustrated poster. Bringing you right from the start into the space mood! *** Henri Strik (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
