Oh boy, are you ready for some epic news? 🚀 Alan Davey, the legendary bassist and songwriter, is releasing a new solo album called “Astrolabes And Sunstones” on September 12 via Savant Guarde Records! 🎸 I mean, who hasn’t been waiting for this moment for, like, ever? 😴
So, let’s get down to business. Alan Davey has been a major figure in progressive and space rock for over four decades, and you might know him from his time with British rock group HAWKWIND. He joined the band in 1984 at the tender age of 20 and stayed until 1996, then came back for a second stint between 2000 and 2006. During his time with HAWKWIND, he recorded nine studio albums and contributed to over eighteen official recordings. Yeah, the guy’s a legend.
But, you know, what’s really exciting is that his new album “Astrolabes And Sunstones” is an entirely instrumental journey through psychedelic, progressive, and soundtrack-inspired landscapes. Because, you know, what the world really needed was more instrumental music. 🙄 I mean, who needs vocals when you can just have a bunch of cosmic compositions and hypnotic textures, right? 🤯
The Making of a Masterpiece
Recorded at Davey’s own home studio in the California desert, “Astrolabes And Sunstones” is a thematic sequel to his acclaimed “Electrum”. I guess that means it’s going to be, like, really similar but also different? 🤔 Anyway, the album explores the outer reaches of sound through cosmic compositions, hypnotic textures, and progressive electronic atmospheres. Sounds like a real trip, man. 🌌
When Davey left HAWKWIND in 1996, he started focusing on solo work, which allowed him to follow his own musical instincts. And, you know, it’s not like he’s been doing this for decades or anything. After a lengthy period between solo releases, Davey returned with “Electrum” in 2024, his first solo album in eight years. I mean, who’s counting, right? 🙃 The album was praised by reviewers for its combination of space-rock, melodic songwriting, psychedelic textures, synth-driven atmospheres, and adventurous instrumental passages. Wow, that’s a mouthful.
The Art of Space Travel
Featuring artwork by Alan Arthurs, former HAWKWIND stage director and album artist, “Astrolabes And Sunstones” continues to explore themes of space travel and early Viking navigation. Because, you know, what’s more metal than Vikings in space? 🚀👽 The physical release includes a full booklet of artwork, extending the musical journey into a visual world of discovery. I guess that means you’ll have something to look at while you’re listening to the instrumental music. 📚
The album was mastered by Paul Cobbold, continuing the creative relationship and making this release another family affair for Savant Guarde Records. I mean, who doesn’t love a good family reunion? 🤝 With “Astrolabes And Sunstones”, Davey takes his musical journey further, this time without vocals, allowing the instrumentation itself to tell the story. From the stages of HAWKWIND to decades of solo experimentation, Davey once again invites listeners to leave the familiar world behind and venture into something altogether more cosmic. Or, you know, just leave your brain behind and enjoy the ride. 🎢
So, are you ready to blast off into the cosmos with Alan Davey’s new album? 🚀 Because, you know, it’s not like you have anything better to do. 😴 The track listing includes:
01. Astrolabe Skyway
02. Star Sailor
03. Slide Rule
04. Angelic Drift
05. Sunstone Star Highway
06. Star-Taker
07. Altitude
08. 2D3D
09. They Live On The Sun
10. Transient In Time
And, as a special treat, here’s a photo of the album cover, courtesy of Sheltered Life PR. Because, you know, who doesn’t love a good album cover? 📸
In conclusion, Alan Davey’s new album “Astrolabes And Sunstones” is a cosmic journey through instrumental music, and you should totally check it out if you’re into that sort of thing. 🎸 Or, you know, just listen to it because it’s Tuesday. 🤷♂️ Either way, it’s going to be a wild ride. 🚀💫
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