Psychedelic Space Rock: The New Progressive Rock

A look at the new wave of Psychedelic Space Rock and the bands that are leading the charge.

Introduction

Psychedelic space rock is a type of progressive rock that typically incorporates elements of space rock and psychedelic rock. It is usually characterized by lengthy, drawn-out songs with abstract lyrics. Psychedelic space rock is often heavy and guitar-driven, and can be quite experimental in nature. The genre is often seen as an extension of, or a reaction to, the 1960s psychedelic rock scene.

What is Psychedelic Space Rock?

Psychedelic space rock is a subgenre of progressive rock that developed in the early 1970s. It typically combines elements of psychedelic rock, space rock, and often experimental rock or acid rock.

Psychedelic space rock often deals with themes of outer space, science fiction, and the cosmos. The genre can be seen as an extension of the earlier psychedelic and Acid Rock movements, as well as a reaction to the increasing popularity of hard Rock and progressive Rock.

Notable bands associated with psychedelic space rock include Pink Floyd, Hawkwind, ELO, and Bowie.

The History of Psychedelic Space Rock

The History of Psychedelic Space Rock is a book by rock music critic Langdon Winner. The book traces the history and influence of psychedelic space rock, a subgenre of progressive rock, from its origins in the late 1960s to its present day resurgence.

The Sound of Psychedelic Space Rock

Psychedelic space rock is a subgenre of progressive rock that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by a heavy use of effects-laden guitars and keyboards, and often incorporates elements of space rock, psychedelic rock, and experimental rock.

Psychedelic Space Rock Instrumentation

Psychedelic space rock is a subgenre of rock music that combines elements of psychedelia and space rock. Typically, the music is characterized by extended jams, swirling melodies, and heavily effects-laden guitars. The genre emerged in the early 1970s with pioneers such as Hawkwind and Grateful Dead, and reached the height of its popularity in the 1980s with bands like Pink Floyd and Ozric Tentacles.

Psychedelic space rock is typically very experimental, and often uses extended instrumental sections to create an expansive, trippy soundscape. Guitars are usually heavily processed with effects like delay, reverb, and wah pedals, creating washed-out, spacey textures. Keyboards like synthesizers and Mellotrons are also common in psychedelic space rock, providing swirling pads and complex chord progressions.

Psychedelic Space Rock Key Characteristics

Psychedelic space rock is a style of music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It typically combines elements of space rock, psychedelic rock, and progressive rock.

Space rock is a subgenre of psychedelic rock that leans more heavily on electronic and experimental sounds. Psychedelic space rock often features long, drawn-out songs with lots of atmospheric textures and effects. Progressive elements are often evident in the structure and composition of the songs.

Psychedelic space rock bands sometimes make use of visual elements such as light shows and projections to create a more immersive experience for their audiences. This can add to the trippy, otherworldly feel of the music.

Psychedelic Space Rock Lyrics

Psychedelic space rock is a subgenre of progressive rock that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by a heavy use of electronic instruments, extended improvisation, and unusual time signatures. The lyrics of psychedelic space rock songs often deal with space exploration, aliens, and otherworldly themes.

Psychedelic Space Rock Themes

Psychedelic space rock is a subgenre of progressive rock that combines elements of psychedelia and space rock. It is characterized by a sonic palette that is expansive, often with sound effects and synthesizers providing an expansive backdrop. The genre originated in the 1970s with early pioneers such as Pink Floyd and Hawkwind.

Notable Psychedelic Space Rock Bands

As the name suggests, psychedelic space rock is a subgenre of rock music that combines elements of psychedelic rock and space rock. Psychedelic space rock bands typically use heavy distortion, reverb, and delay to create a “wall of sound” that is Spaceman 3, Hawkwind, and Ozric Tentacles.

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd was an English rock band that achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. Formed in 1965, they are known for their concept albums and experimental sound, particularly on their early releases. Some of their most popular songs include “Dark Side of the Moon,” “The Wall,” and “Wish You Were Here.”

After the departure of founder Syd Barrett in 1968, Pink Floyd released a series of successful albums including “Atom Heart Mother,” “Meddle,” and “Animals.” Barrett’s replacement, David Gilmour, brought a more guitar-centric sound to the band which helped them create their signature sound. The band’s popularity reached new heights with the release of “The Dark Side of the Moon” in 1973. This album was a commercial and critical success, staying on the Billboard charts for 741 weeks.

Pink Floyd continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s including “Wish You Were Here,” “Animals,” and “The Wall.” They also produced several iconic live performances such as their 1974 show at Earls Court and their 1977 concert at Madison Square Garden. In 1985, they released one of their most successful album’s: “A Momentary Lapse of Reason.” Throughout their career, Pink Floyd sold over 250 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Hawkwind

Hawkwind is a British rock band, one of the earliest space rock groups. Formed in November 1969, Hawkwind have gone through many incarnations and have incorporated different styles into their music, including hard rock, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and heavy metal. They are also considered to be an influential force in the development of punk rock and industrial music.

The band was founded by former jazz drummer Nik Turner and motorbike mechanic Dave Brock. Turner had been part of the group Soma, which performed improvised electronic music; while Brock was a member of the Stonia blues band. The two decided to form their own band after attending an open-air free festival in August 1969 which featured the psychedelic rock band Pink Fairies.

The group’s debut album, Hawkwind (1970), was recorded with bassist Adrian Shaw and keyboardist Del Dettmar; both of whom would be replaced by Lemmy before the album’s release. Huw Lloyd-Langton joined the band as lead guitarist shortly afterwards. The album was characterised by its raw, distorted sound and primitive song structures, though it also featured experimentations with tape loops and synthesizers. It was released on United Artists Records on 5 November 1970

Ozric Tentacles

Ozric Tentacles are an English psychedelic rock band, formed in Somerset in 1983. The band’s music is primarily electronic with some ambient influences, and they have been described as “the missing link between Hawkwind and the Chemical Brothers”.

The band’s name was inspired by a creature (the “ozric tentacle”) from the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. The band has released twenty-nine studio albums, eight live albums, and eight compilations. They have toured extensively in Europe and North America.

Conclusion

So, what is Psychedelic Space Rock? It’s a genre of rock music marked by long, often wistful passages, and an overall feeling of expansiveness and exploration. If that sounds like your cup of tea, check out some of our favorite Psychedelic Space Rock albums below.

-The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips
-In the Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson
-The Piper at the Gates of Dawn by Pink Floyd
-Atom Heart Mother by Pink Floyd
-Strangers in a Strange Land by Hawkwind