Musings from 20,000 feet

Canceled flights and detours via London do have some advantages. In this case the chance to listen to Hawklords Live 1978 released on the excellent Atom Henge label.

First off a trip back to 1978 and Bob Calvert in all his pomp. The 1978 Hawklords tour is special to me as it was the first time I saw the Hawks live. As the first bars of Automoton segued into 25 Years On, I found myself transported back to that night. Calvert on stage with bullet belt and flying helmet. The definitive urban guerilla delivering the ultimate sonic attack. High Rise and Deathtrap followed, the latter delivered with blistering intensity. Age of the Micro Man mellowed things out a bit then, Steve Swindells swirling synth playing and regae rifs counterpointing Calvert's vocals perfectly. No disrespect to messrs Brock and Wright, but no one delivers Spirit Of The Age quite like Bob and the version recorded here doesn't doesn't disapoint. The classic Urban Guerilla then showcases what Calvert brought to the band, make believe violence on a 100 watt stack and a song which will probably reside in my head yet again for the next 24 hours (I must remember not to sing it to myself going through security at Brussels Airport).

A dreamlike version of Sonic Attack then breaks into a cracking rendition of Psi Power, before proceedings are finally concluded with the classic Brainstorm punched out in inimitable style by Bob.

The auditorium lights come on, walking through a forest of plastic beer cups to the exit, ears ringing and a feeling of profound satisfaction. Roll forwards 31 years and a plane coming in to land. Welcome to the future.

Forget the anemic Live 79, this is the Hawks at their best. Highly recommended.