The Electric Family Live At Filmfest Schwerin, 9. Mai 2003 Review by Gary Hill
I have reviewed several releases from this act over the years. This live album is a solid recording of an intriguing performance. The most common reference point here is Hawkwind, but this is no carbon copy. It simply occupies a similar space rock territory. The one issue I have at times is the vocals. They have a bit of a punky, DIY vibe that doesn’t always work for me. Overall, though, this is an entertaining set.
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Track by Track Review
Sirius
This is a pretty and spacey bit of atmospheric prog instrumental music.
I Love The Lighthouse
More balladic space rock is the idea here. This feels like a logical extension from the opener, but is guitar driven. Comparisons to Hawkwind are valid here, but the vocals aren’t part of that link. In fact, I’m not completely enamored of the vocals. The rocking parts later, when the cut really intensifies, work better, though.
The Dragon Song
A more rocking tune, this again makes me think of Hawkwind musically. The vocals here work better. They are more on the rocking side, but they do seem too low in the mix.
The Last Phase Of The Moon
I like the deep vocals on this one quite a bit. The vocals are still a little marred by the mix, but they are more prominent here. This also has Hawkwind like vibes at play.
Landmark Visions
Acoustic guitar is the main element as this gets going. It gets into more rocking stuff at times. Again, Hawkwind, but the punkier era of the band, works as a comparison.
Smalltown
This starts mellow and spacey, but it gets very punky when it turns more rocking. I’m not really a fan of this song. It has some charms, but overall it doesn’t work for me.
Airchild
Psychedelia, punk and space rock merge on this mellower, slowly growing number. This works better than the previous one did.
This Moon Of Both Sides
Driving hard rock with punk and Hawkwind angles at its core, this a really cool track.
Bricks Of Time
This isn’t any kind of big change, but it is effective.
Bronx Vanilla
This cut is driving and classy. It has some killer guitar work. It isn’t a paradigm shift, but it’s one of the most intense things here.
