OZRIC TENTACLES
The Hidden Step (Phoenix Rising)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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Out of the depths of Saturn come the Ozric's. From their moist green base in England, they've been playing their brand of instrumental jams since 1983. Are they neu-hippies? Crusties? What are they really, you ask? Well for a start, they are vaguely in line with The Levellers, but their shared affection for dreadlocks is basically where the similarities end. With ghostly synth textures, flutes, a busy Guitar God, Sci-Fi song arrangements, and jazz fusion meets rock ala mode they fit firmly into their own category. Comparisons to Tangerine Dream or The Dixie Dregs would only simplify what they do, and not give them the credit I think they deserve. I didn't like this quite as much as Jurassic Shift (my personal favorite), but this chapter in their long story is impressive nonetheless.

© 2001 - Jason Thornberry