Andromeda - 2025 - Turns To Dust [The Complete Andromeda]

(330:00; Grapefruit)

Somewhat sadly, Andromeda will probably always be best remembered for being the launching pad for John Cann prior to his joining Atomic Rooster to form the original classic line-up (and changing his surname), leaving behind them a solitary album and some scattered other releases. In addition, this was a time when line-ups and band names were changing depending on the weather, and it is incredibly difficult to work out who did what, when, and with whom but David Wells needs to stand up and take a bow as he is the person behind this comprehensive five-disc set and essay, which attempts to finally put all the puzzle pieces together. This collection contains 73 tracks and more than five hours of playing time, which is made up of their sole album and single, alternative versions, out-takes, previously unissued demos, a Radio 1 session and tracks from related bands such as The Attack, Mailtown Blues Band and others. There are even some songs included which Wells does not believe includes any member of Andromeda, but is often associated with them, so he has included them for completeness even though he doesn’t think Cann played.

I already have a few Andromeda albums in my collection, but none of them contain the depth of music or details as this one does. Andromeda were a power trio from the late Sixties comprising, for the most part, John Cann (guitar, vocals, producer), Mick Hawksworth (bass, vocals) and  Ian McLane (drums). Like many others around them they were taking blues as their base and moving it in different directions, and this album clearly demonstrates a band who should be known in their own right as opposed to “just” being a group mentioned when discussing Atomic Rooster. Bassist Mick Hawksworth is a very fine musician indeed, and it is no surprise that after the demise of this band he went on to play with the likes of Fuzzy Duck, Jimmy McCullough Band, Landslide, Charley Horse, Shanghai, Human Orchestra, and Ten Years Later. His bass is wonderfully melodic, often being a lead instrument in its own right. McLane is a frenetic drummer, and together with the vocals of Cann and his guitar, combined with his material (remember, this is the guy who wrote “The Devil’s Answer”) makes this a superb collection.

These five discs, combined with the wonderful essay and photos, makes this an essential collection for anyone interested in this period of British rock where blues, psychedelia and prog all came crunching together in an incredible experience. 

Kev Rowland, October 2025

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