Ozric Tentacles
Arborescence


5.0
classic

Review

by DinoX USER (6 Reviews)
February 5th, 2012 | 119 replies


Release Date: 1994 | Tracklist

Review Summary: An overlooked spacey gem.

Music bombarding from all directions, don’t know where to look or where the sound is coming from. The noise grows stronger and louder until it overtakes you into a state of euphoria. That is not the sound of black magic mind you but rather the crafty work of Arborescence a progressive/ psychedelic band hailing from England who not only knows how to rock out but also how to create visceral soundscapes.

Immediately upon listening to the first track the drums kick in with high energy. Not far behind the drums: a sporadic synth-line, things are heating up. The ensembles finally fires off its gun opening the starting gates for a memorable guitar solo that is not only instrumentally sound but also creative, marking the beginning of a surreal journey.

The soundscape of this album is immense it is always winding- the result of proficient instrumentation in union. Listening to this is like watching a graceful sword fight, every member contributes exceedingly well, taking turns in the spotlight. There is definite great teamwork at hand, as each member appropriately delivers convincing lines all thickening and strengthening the wall of noise that the songs become. There are great solos from each instrument to be found while every other instrument patiently awaits its go grooving along to the spacey ordeal waiting for the next explosive climax. When it is time to strike members lunge headfirst into the chaos, grab the reins and do it their way all over again. Resulting transitions are smooth as the songs shift the spotlight between members seamless. Solos are present as well but not only for the sake of wankery: as they contribute to the progress and direction of the songs as well as display technical skill.

Vocals are sparse on this album but it is of no loss as it allows the soundscape to run wild without being constricted to matching vocal harmonies. When utilized however vocals are masterfully placed such as in ‘Yog-Bar-Og’ where fading into the background only heard by those at attention are whimsical chants and laughs. The vocals segue perfectly into an appropriately matching synth-line as the climax or solo is working its way up to the top.

Although the guitar is interesting and has some shining moments such as in ‘Astro Cortex’ or the Megadeth reminiscent rock out ‘Myriapod’: overall it takes a backseat for the bass. Both audible and consistently interesting throughout the record the bass brings attitude along with a groovy vibe the album holds, acting as a basis for the rest of the band for nearly every movement and being extremely catchy.

The synth is the icing on the cake, unlike most records where the synth becomes cheesy the synth is a very integral component of this record. It is largely varied throughout and a mood setter for the album. Always complimenting and utilizing its surroundings the synth is often used to bring spacy serenity to the quiet moments. Another function it serves is to pass the baton onto the guitar which in turn takes the mood up a notch. Once the guitar has had its way the synth takes over once again only to return once again with the force of a freight train to charge the song at full speed into glorious climaxes.

This album may seem to be reliant on the abuse of a crescendo system however thankfully that is not the case. These guys have no problem drawing energized rock out passages as well as delivering calming ambience. Regardless if the band is playing fast or slow, the result is always equally as interesting. ‘Arborescenece’ the album titled song kick starts with a flute introduction and a synth line reminiscent of waves cascading upon a shore, forest noises such as birds chirping and bugs humming also linger hauntingly in the background. However it does not once shift your head from its hypnotic state but rather fits perfectly into blending a believable atmosphere that perfectly paints a picture of a deep, beautiful ancient forest with exotic plants and fauna intact. The song finishes off with a beautiful guitar solo that adds an even deeper layer to the trance only to completely break loose and go nuts with the India-inspired intro of ‘Al-Salooq’.

Overall this album is a progressive rock classic every instrument has spotlight moments but also work in unison contributing to form a hypnotizing soundscape both serene and energetic : you won’t be able to get it out of your head or your headphones for that matter for a long time to come.



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user ratings (107)
4.1
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
DinoX
February 5th 2012


3582 Comments


I don't really know if this review is any good, but I really had to show my appreciation for this band. This album and this band deserve more attention.

Recommend for fans of Camel or Rush.

Yuli
Emeritus
February 5th 2012


10767 Comments


Not a bad review, but a lot of grammatical errors, like run-ons (the first sentence) and punctuation mistakes.

DinoX
February 5th 2012


3582 Comments


Ya my grammar isn't the best if someone would like to help point the mistakes out so I can fix it would be appreciated.

seedofnothing
February 5th 2012


3422 Comments


Good review, the only album I've heard from these guys is Pungent Effulgent. I was very impressed. They have so many albums and I wasn't sure what to check out next; guess I'll go with this next. Thanks for the rec.

Tyrannic
February 5th 2012


3296 Comments


i heard these guys on pandora once but i was on adderall so i switched on bloodbath or something.

should probably give it another go....

DinoX
February 5th 2012


3582 Comments


definitely!

Ire
February 5th 2012


41944 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

i love bands like these

insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
February 5th 2012


6234 Comments


hmm, these guys have so many albums, I don't even know where to start listening to them. I have to give this a try

Firestarter
February 5th 2012


278 Comments


About time someone review something by the Ozrics. They're such a brilliant band. Still need to check out this particular album though.

Auschwitz
February 5th 2012


1285 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

ill probably do some reviews for this band after i fully absorb their music. overlooked indeed. same with Causa Sui.

JamieTwort
February 5th 2012


26988 Comments


Good stuff.

Voivod
Staff Reviewer
February 5th 2012


10913 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Nice to see Ozric Tentacles being reviewed.



I have almost all their recorded stuff, these guys rock.



Arborescence is great but nowhere near their real masterpieces like Become the Other which is strongly recommended.





Their rhythm section in one of the firmest ever recorded in rock.





good review, pos.













some corrections pointing out:



The crescendo system is not abused however thankfully as this album has no problem drawing energized rock out passages as well as calming ambience, both are equally as interesting



run on sentence, break it in pieces or shorten it a bit







Overall this album is a progressive rock classic every instrument has spotlight moments but also work in unison contributing to form a hypnotizing soundscape both serene and energetic



run on sentence in here too, plus a lack of punctuation as well.







The soundscape of this album is immense it is always loud and winding- the result of proficient instrumentation in union



you already said it is immense, the loud and winding phrase is somehow redundant.







When it is time to strike members lunge headfirst into the chaos, grab the reins and do it their way all over again



I'm not sure what you are trying to say.







The transitions between the spotlight are seamless and solos are present not only for the sake of wankery but contribute to the progress and direction of the song as well as displaying technical skill.



run on sentence, lack of punctuation, reduce its length or split it. And add commas whenever needed.

lobby
February 5th 2012


1251 Comments


the yumyum tree is good

Voivod
Staff Reviewer
February 5th 2012


10913 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

There's a planet here.........................

KILL
February 5th 2012


81580 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

great album but no where near a 5 bitch

Voivod
Staff Reviewer
February 5th 2012


10913 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

^^^agreed

DinoX
February 5th 2012


3582 Comments


thanks for the advice will clean up

DinoX
February 5th 2012


3582 Comments


It's kind of crazy that they have so many albums yet go so unnoticed.

Ire
February 5th 2012


41944 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

so checking this out now

seedofnothing
March 18th 2012


3422 Comments


I have been saying the same thing since day one ;]



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