Review Summary: The Ozrics are blooming again.
Ozric Tentacles is one of the few bands who kept the diminishing psychedelic/progressive rock flame alive throughout the 1980s. When multiple surviving original acts turned to mainstream rock or pop, various artists in the underground kept the engine running. Ed Wynne’s brainchild boasts quite an eclectic style, bridging the gap between kraut, space rock or Eastern music with dub and electronic trance music that was becoming popular in the 1990s. It also low key impacted the psybient/psytrance sphere, where projects like Shpongle further explored this sound over the years. With such a wide array of influences at hand, Wynne constantly pushed boundaries. Therefore, the material released between 1989 and 2000 remains essential listening. After a period of less inspired records, a rejuvenation was finally audible on 2020’s
Space for the Earth. The production was more vibrant and the songs catchier. Now, they returned with
Lotus Unfolding, maintaining the momentum created by its predecessor.
The warm atmosphere works wonders here, it’s really immersive right from the start. “Storm in a Teacup” features pumping drum beats and wandering bass lines, over which ambient synths and guitar leads take off into space. The sustained grooves and repetitions are effortlessly mesmerizing. Meanwhile, “Deep Blue Shade” toys with various sequencers and solos, plunging deeper into electronic territory. The results are shiny and bright, as expected from the Ozrics. Right after, the title track takes things easier, growing from a lovely, pastoral segment filled with flutes and breezy pads. A mid-tempo rhythm settles in, providing a soft canvas for intertwining synth and guitar leads. On the other hand, the more aggressive “Crumplepenny” throws New Age elements alongside heavier bass progressions, complete with distorted guitars and punchy drumming. It all feels similar to a whirlwind of sounds and styles clashing together from various parts of the band’s discography. Nevertheless, as diverse as it gets, everything falls into place rapidly. The two remaining tracks keep this exciting pace, allowing each instrument to step in the spotlight when not seamlessly blending into a sonic rollercoaster. It’s amazing how well-honed the chemistry is between the members. Signing to Kscope was a good move for Ozric Tentacles, offering them a higher chance to be (re)discovered by a new generation of listeners or fans who lost touch with them over the decades.
Lotus Unfolding provides an excellent summary of their trademark mix of genres and one can only hope this ascending streak continues.
