The Difference Between Psychedelic and Space Rock

What’s the difference between psychedelic and space rock? We explore the sonic and trippy origins of these two genres and how they’ve evolved over the years.

What is Psychedelic Rock?

Psychedelic rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the mid-1960s. It is characterized by a distorted, trippy sound that was influenced by psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin. Psychedelic rock often contains elements of pop, experimental, and avant-garde music. Space rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the 1970s. It is characterized by a celestial, swirling sound and themes of space exploration.

Defining Psychedelic Rock

Psychedelic rock is a style of rock music that was developed in the 1960s. This type of music is characterized by its use of electronic effects, such as echo and feedback, as well as its unusual, often hallucinogenic lyrics. Psychedelic rock reached the height of its popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when many bands began to experiment with mind-altering drugs.

Space rock is a subgenre of psychedelic rock that was developed in the 1970s. This type of music typically features lengthy, meandering jams and a more laid-back approach than traditional psychedelic rock. Space rock bands often make use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments to create a spatial soundscape.

The History of Psychedelic Rock

Psychedelic rock is a music genre that emerged in the 1960s. It is characterized by distorted guitars, drumming, and lyrics with drug-related or psychedelic themes. Psychedelic rock reached its peak in popularity in the late 1960s with bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. However, the genre soon fell out of favor in the 1970s due to its association with drug culture.

Psychedelic rock has been making a comeback in recent years, with bands such as Tame Impala and MGMT releasing successful albums that have brought the genre to a new audience. While psychedelic rock has its roots in the 1960s, it has also been influenced by later genres such as punk rock and electronic music.

What is Space Rock?

Space Rock is a sub-genre of Rock music that developed in the 1970s. It typically features lengthy, complex compositions and incorporates elements of Prog Rock, Psychedelic Rock, and Hard Rock.

Defining Space Rock

Space rock is a type of music that emerged in the 1970s, characterized by a heavy use of electronic effects and synthesizers,often creating an ethereal or dream-like sound. The genre was initially developed by bands such as Pink Floyd and Hawkwind, and was later popularized by groups like Spacemen 3 and My Bloody Valentine. While there is no strict definition of space rock, the genre typically features extended instrumental passages, a loose structure, and a focus on atmospherics over conventional songwriting.

The History of Space Rock

Space Rock is defined by AllMusic as “a subgenre of rock music [that] typically features lengthy, hypnotic sonic explorations and pastoral themes”, “a blend of electronic music and rock and roll characterized by the heavy use of effects-pedals, synthesizers, and protean guitar work”, or simply “a style of experimental, psychedelic music.” Though the name originated in the 1970s with groups such as Hawkwind and Gong, it was popularized in the 1990s by Britpop bands such as Spiritualized and Swervedriver. More recent space rock bands include The Mars Volta, Long Distance Calling, Toy, Ultra Vivid Scene, Airbag, Cosmonauts and Tame Impala.

The history of space rock can be traced back to early proto-psychedelic groups such as Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd sound. Early space rock was strongly influenced by the acid rock movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The first wave of space rock bands began appearing in England and America in the mid-1970s. These groups were led by pioneers such as Hawkwind, who were known for their psychedelic lyrics, lengthy improvised jams, powerful live performances and use of science fiction themes in their music. Other early space rock groups included Gong, Magma, Kraftwerk and Sienna Eyed.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a second wave of space rock bands emerged. These groups were influenced by the first wave of space rock bands as well as punk rock and new wave music. Some of the most prominent second wave space rock bands included Bauhaus, Joy Division/New Order, Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Cure and My Bloody Valentine.

In the 1990s Britpop movement began to take hold in England. This resulted in a third wave of space rock bands that were strongly influenced by 1960s psychedelia as well as 1970s punk rock/new wave music. Some of the most successful third wave space rock bands included Spiritualized, Oasis, Blur and Radiohead.

The Difference Between Psychedelic and Space Rock

Psychedelic rock and space rock are two genres of rock music that often get confused for one another. Though they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two genres. Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between psychedelic rock and space rock.

The Sound

Psychedelic music is based on the mind-altering effects of drugs, most notably LSD. The sound is often layered and complex, with guitars that may feedback and create strange, wailing sounds. The goal is to create a “trip” for the listener, taking them on a journey into their own mind.

Space rock, on the other hand, is based more on the science fiction aspects of space exploration. The sound is usually more focused and tight, with layers of synthesizers creating aything from swirling atmospheres to laser-like sounds. Space rock bands often seek to create a sense of awe and wonder, as if the listener is witnessing the grandeur of space firsthand.

The Lyrics

Psychedelic lyrics are usually based on trippy, mind-expanding themes such as drug use, love and nature. They often use imagery and symbolism to create an otherworldly or dreamlike feeling. Psychedelic music is designed to replicate the experience of taking drugs like LSD or mushrooms.

Space rock lyrics, on the other hand, are usually about aliens, outer space and science fiction. They often use metaphors and sound effects to create a feeling of vastness and emptiness. Space rock music is designed to replicate the experience of floating through the universe or standing on a lonely planet.

The Visuals

Psychedelic music is often typified by its use of visual effects, which can include light shows, projection slides, and electronic manipulation of sound. These visuals are intended to create an altered state of consciousness or “trip” for the listener.Psychedelic music is sometimes described as “trippy,” meaning that it can induce a dreamlike state or feeling of detachment from reality.

Space rock, on the other hand, tends to be more focused on the music itself rather than the visual element. This genre is typified by its use of long, drawn-out tracks with minimal lyrics. Space rock bands often make use of heavily distorted guitars and delay-effects to create a “spacey” sound. Some space rock bands may also use synthesizers to create atmospheric textures.