When progressive rock enthusiasts think of space rock, the first name that comes to mind is
Pink Floyd. But for headbangers, the definitive space rock band has always been
Hawkwind (who, unlike
Pink Floyd, are quite relevant to heavy metal and hard rock).
Hawkwind have epitomized a more metallic, hard rocking view of space rock, and on
Planetfall, it is quite clear that
Litmus identify with the metal/hard rock side of space rock that
Hawkwind have been representing for many years.
Hawkwind are a major influence on this 2007 release, which is not to say that this British band is a carbon copy of '70s-era
Hawkwind -- not at all. The influences on this 76-minute CD range from
Hawkwind to
Monster Magnet to punk to
Pink Floyd (it is possible to be influenced by
Pink Floyd's melodic sense even if a band rocks considerably harder).
Planetfall is certainly mindful of the trip-out music of the '60s and '70s, but there is enough of an alternative rock influence to make this album relevant to rock's post-
Nevermind landscape. In other words,
Planetfall is greatly influenced by baby-boomer bands but is far from oblivious to post-boomer bands of the '90s and 2000s -- and this disc achieves not only an appealing balance of influences from different eras, but also an appealing balance of musicality and intensity.
Planetfall rocks aggressively, but never in a way that is punishing or terribly harsh. In fact, melody is never a mere afterthought for
Litmus; it is an integral part of what the British space rockers do on this excellent CD. ~ Alex Henderson