Carry On Constantly
Prog|Issue 139
Despite a steady flow of classic live releases, Hawkwind have always kept looking forwards and, with the release of their 35th studio album, they're now more aware than ever that The Future Never Waits. Mainman Dave Brock discusses the organic process that led to the creation of their topsy turvy concept album.
Julian Marszałek
Carry On Constantly

Dave Brock is in a good mood. Actually, scrub that: Dave Brock is in a very good mood. Unlike our previous encounter (see Prog 124) with Hawkwind’s founder and sole constant member that found him bemoaning what passed for his 80th birthday, Brock is back where he belongs and who he belongs with. And he loves every minute of it.

“We’re all here in the studio,” he says with no small amount of enthusiasm.

And who can begrudge him that? With Hawkwind’s previous two albums being recorded remotely via the less-than-exciting method of file sharing thanks to the global event that brought everything to a grinding halt – that’ll be 2020’s Carnivorous (released under the banner of Hawkwind Light Orchestra) and Somnia the following year – their latest and 35th studio album, The Future Never Waits, finds the band of Magnus Martin (guitars/vocals/ keys), drummer Richard Chadwick, bassist Doug MacKinnon and multiinstrumentalist Tim ‘Thighpaulsandra’ Lewis reunited to stand toe-to-toe in the creative environs of Dave Brock’s home studio on the grounds of his Devonshire farm.

“For this album, we’ve actually all been together,” Brock enthuses. “Being in a room together means we can make a song quite easily. We can come up with a riff, and from that riff we can get an idea and then someone else gets an idea and then it comes together.”

This story is from the Issue 139 edition of Prog.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 139 edition of Prog.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PROGView All
Apollo Has Fallen
Prog

Apollo Has Fallen

In the aftermath of Sons Of Apollo, band alumni Derek Sherinian and Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal have regrouped for new sonic adventures in Whom Gods Destroy. Now the ice has finally melted, the new line-up are ready to take over the world with the ambitious Insanium. Prog caught up with Sherinian to find out more.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 150
S*A*S*
Prog

S*A*S*

In 2022, 3's Robert Berry, Saga's Ian Crichton and Saxon drummer Nigel Glockler released their debut as Six By Six. But have the prog supergroup been able to recapture that magic on the highly anticipated follow-up, Beyond Shadowland? Prog caught up with Berry to discuss the challenges, inspirational artwork and orchestral arrangements that lie behind their \"difficult\" second album.

time-read
8 mins  |
Issue 150
Far From Normal
Prog

Far From Normal

Is Nick Beggs an alien? Is he even a prog musician? And can you train a dog with a didgeridoo? All these questions and more will be answered as Prog peeks under the hood of Trifecta's The New Normal, an album that reunites Beggs with fellow virtuosos Adam Holzman and Craig Blundell. Just don't ask what his wife thinks of it.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 150
Shifting Gear
Prog

Shifting Gear

In the two years since Resident Human, Wheel have undergone internal changes that very nearly destroyed them. But fortunately the Finnish-Anglo band have bounced back with the more experimental Charismatic Leaders. Singer and guitarist James Lascelles reveals the challenges behind creating their third studio album, how Meshuggah's \"best amp\" helped them, and why they just can't shake off those Tool comparisons.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 150
Lone Star
Prog

Lone Star

On The Tangent’s 14th album, To Follow Polaris, Andy Tillison has embarked on a “one-off” solo adventure that tackles self-doubt and finds him going on a quest for The Truth. Prog catches up with the multi-instrumentalist as he ponders whether we’re better off without the internet and finds out why he still remains optimistic in a world full of turmoil.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 150
Where Words Are Not (Always) Needed
Prog

Where Words Are Not (Always) Needed

[Mostly] without lyrics to underscore their song's meanings, post-rock trio Sleepmakeswaves have learnt to find the beauty in the \"translational chasm\" that exists between artist and listener. They've poured themselves into their fifth album, It's Here, But I Have No Names For It, and now they're excited for their fans to find themselves, and not its creators, reflected in its music. Prog caught up with the band to find out more.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 150
A Traveller Of Time And Space
Prog

A Traveller Of Time And Space

The good rocketship Hawkwind have launched their 36th studio album into the progosphere! On Stories From Time And Space, the group have lost none of their sense of injustice about the world. Bandleader Dave Brock reveals the drive behind their new music, why he's continuing to fight for an alternative society and responds to recent concerns about his health.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 150
Soul Trader
Prog

Soul Trader

It's been a long time coming, but Oliver Wakeman is back with a new solo album. With contributions from Nightwish's Troy Donockley, vocalist Hayley Griffiths, and Pendragon drummer Scott Higham, Anam Cara is a celtic-flavoured melting pot of delight. The keyboardist discusses the good stories and wonderful musicians that make up a record he hopes will capture the listener's imagination.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 150
"Like having a brick wall coming at you!"
Prog

"Like having a brick wall coming at you!"

In 1974, King Crimson released one of their most underrated, at the time, albums. Red, created by the powerhouse trio Robert Fripp, John Wetton and Bill Bruford, didn't even reach the UK Top 40 and yet it's now regarded by many as a key work - not only in Crimson's back catalogue but also as a foundation stone in what would later become known as progressive metal. On its 50th anniversary, Crimson's alumni discuss the allure of an album that's reduced some adults to tears.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Issue 150
The Beat Goes On
Prog

The Beat Goes On

There's a new King Crimson side-project in town, and this one focuses solely on the 80s incarnation of the group. BEAT finds Adrian Belew and Tony Levin reconnecting for a very special North American tour this autumn with guitar god Steve Vai and Tool drummer Danny Carey. Prog catches up with Levin and Belew to find out more.

time-read
8 mins  |
Issue 150