Hawkwind – In Search of Space Deluxe Edition Box Set Review
One of the Best 5.1 Mixes I have Ever Heard!
This 1971 space rock masterpiece has received a stunning new 2024 remix by Stephen W Tayler, known for his brilliant work with artists like Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel. His remaster brings a fresh vitality to the album, particularly in the immersive 5.1 surround sound mix. If you’re a fan of Hawkwind’s intricate soundscapes, you’ll be blown away.
The original In Search of Space album, which reached #18 on the UK charts in 1971, features some of the band’s most iconic work. The lineup includes Dave Brock on guitar, Nik Turner on saxophone, and Dik Mik on electronics, with production by George Chkiantz. Highlights include classics like “Master of the Universe,” a live favorite to this day.
This deluxe box set comes with two CDs and a Blu-ray, showcasing Tayler’s remixes and outtakes. Notably, it includes the 5.1 mix that breathes new life into tracks like “You Shouldn’t Do That,” where swirling synths and spatial sound design fully capture Hawkwind’s spacey essence. The booklet includes detailed essays, rare photos, and memorabilia from the era, along with a recreation of the original insert.
Despite its smaller size compared to other box sets, this edition is well worth the investment for any serious Hawkwind fan. The 5.1 mix is particularly spectacular, elevating the album to a cinematic experience that feels true to the band’s pioneering space rock vision. Whether you’re hearing this album for the first time or rediscovering it, In Search of Space has never sounded so good. Highly recommended!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
