Palace Springs
45 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
A swirling tapestry of cosmic soundscapes and frenetic rhythms, blending progressive rock with psychedelic undertones.
Top tracks — play these first
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Back in the Box Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its driving rhythm and expansive sonic layers, encapsulating the album's adventurous spirit.
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Damnation Alley — With its vivid imagery and layered instrumentals, this track reflects the band's signature blend of narrative depth and musical complexity.
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Acid Test — This song captures the essence of the band's psychedelic roots while showcasing intricate musicianship, making it a standout piece on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong instrumental work but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Back in the Box', establishing a consistent tempo that persists through the first half.
- Tracks feature extended instrumental sections, particularly in 'Void of Golden Light', where synthesizers and guitars create layered soundscapes.
- The final track, 'Damnation Alley', shifts to a slower pace, contrasting with earlier tracks and providing a sense of closure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- cosmic journey with dynamic peaks
- wave-like pacing encourages immersion
- lyrical commentary sparks reflection
- expansive soundscapes for exploration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Palace Springs showcases a blend of progressive and space rock, solidifying Hawkwind's legacy.
- Career context
- Released in 1991, Palace Springs marked a period of revival for Hawkwind after years of lineup changes and fluctuating commercial success. This album followed their 1988 release, The Xenon Codex, and signified their continued exploration of sci-fi themes within a more polished production aesthetic.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pink Floyd· Can· Monster Magnet
Tracklist
- 1 Back in the Box Start here 6:21
- 2 Treadmill 8:09
- 3 Lives of Great Men 3:26
- 4 Void of Golden Light 6:51
- 5 Time We Left 2:40
- 6 Heads 4:39
- 7 Acid Test 6:01
- 8 Damnation Alley 7:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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