ErpsongsA band from another time, Ozric Tentacles served as the bridge from '70s cosmic rock to the organic dance and festival culture that came back into fashion during the '90s. Formed in 1983 with a debt to jazz fusion as well as space rock, the band originally included guitarist Ed Wynne, drummer Nick Van Gelder, keyboard player Joie Hinton, bassist Roly Wynne (Ed's brother), and second guitarist Gavin Griffiths (who left the group in 1984). The Ozrics played in clubs around London, meanwhile releasing six cassette-only albums beginning with 1984's Erpsongs. (All six were later collected on the Vitamin Enhanced box set, despite a threatened lawsuit from the Kellogg's cereal company for questionable artwork.) In 1987, Merv Pepler replaced Van Gelder, while synthesizer player Steve Everett was added.ErplandOzric Tentacles' first major release, the 1990 album Erpland, foreshadowed the crusty movement, a British parallel to America's hippie movement of the '60s. Crusties borrowed the hippies' organic dress plus the cosmic thinking of new agers, and spent most of their time traveling around England to various festivals and outdoor gatherings. The movement fit in perfectly with bands like Ozric Tentacles and the Levellers, and the Ozric's 1991 album Strangeitude became the band's biggest seller yet, occasioning a U.S. contract with Capitol. After the British-only Afterswish and Live Underslunky, 1993's Jurassic Shift -- featuring flutist John Egan, who would become known for his on-stage trance-dancing during the group's live performances, and new bassist Zia Geelani in addition to original bassist Roly Wynne, who departed the band in 1992 -- hit number 11 on the British charts, quite a feat for a self-produced album released on the Ozric's own Dovetail label. The album was released in America by IRS Records, as was 1994's Arborescence. Neither translated well with American audiences -- despite the band's first U.S. tour in 1994 -- and Hinton and Pepler left the group that year to devote their energies to their dance side project, Eat Static, releasing several albums on Planet Dog Records.
Become the OtherOzric Tentacles returned to their Dovetail label for 1995's Become the Other, featuring new members Rad and Seaweed, who also appeared on 1997's Curious Corn. Ed Wynne's brother Roly, whose later life had been plagued with difficulties, committed suicide in 1999, a tragic development for the Wynne and Ozric families. However, the band forged on, closing out the decade with the release of Waterfall Cities that year, and during the summer of 2000, the Ozrics resurfaced with Swirly Termination. The band also released Hidden Step in 2000, followed by the EP Pyramidion in 2002. Live at the Pongmasters Ball arrived in 2002 as well, their first venture to be released on both CD and DVD.
Spirals in HyperspaceBy 2004's Spirals in Hyperspace, Ozric Tentacles were largely guided by sole original member Ed Wynne, who was responsible for guitar, keyboards, and beat programming on the studio effort, which nevertheless included appearances from previous Ozrics contributors Zia, Seaweed, John Egan, and Merv Pepler, plus drummer Schoo (who had replaced Rad after the former's departure following a 2000 U.S. tour), Ed Wynne's wife Brandi Wynne on bass, and even space rock/electronica guitar legend Steve Hillage. Released in 2006, The Floor's Too Far Away continued the trend of Ed Wynne's domination of the band. A live appearance from June 2007 was documented in 2008's Sunrise Festival disc, and 2009 saw the release of a new studio album, The Yumyum Tree. Inspired by Lewis Carroll, the latter album featured, in addition to Ed Wynne in the leadership role, Brandi Wynne on keyboards along with bassist Vinny Shillito and drummer Roy Brosh. Yet another permutation of the latter-day Ozrics was a true Wynne family affair, with Ed joined by his son -- and the late Roly's nephew -- Silas on synths, with wife Brandi back on bass, replacing Shillito, and Ollie Seagle on drums. Following the release of 2011's Paper Monkeys, the Wynnes' Colorado home and studio were destroyed by wildfires while the band was away on tour. The fires resulted in the loss of various archival material, instruments, equipment, and other valuables. Rebuilding and returning with a revitalized approach, Ozrics delivered the double album Technicians of the Sacred, in 2016, a release which many fans saw as a creative return to form. by John Bush
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Erpsongs (1984)
Tracklist:1 Velmwend 4:38
2 Fast Dots 3:48
3 Thyroid 5:05
4 Spiralminds 3:33
5 Synth On A Plinth 1:59
6 Dharma Reggae 4:56
7 Tidal Otherness 5:41
8 Erpriff 1:36
9 Descension 5:01
10 Misty Gliss 4:33
11 Dots Thots 2:49
12 Clockdrops 2:49
13 Five Jam 6:53
14 Oddhamshaw 6:18
Credits:
Artwork – Blim
Written-By – Anderson (tracks: 13), Wynne (tracks: 1-3,5,6,7,8,9,10,11-13), Griffiths (tracks: 2,7), Hinton (tracks: 1,3,13), Kinton (tracks: 6), Van Gelder (tracks: 1,3,6,9,11,12), Ozric Tentacles (tracks: 4,14)
Tantric Obstacles (1985)
Tracklist:
1 Og-Ha-Be 4:41
2 Shards Of Ice 3:53
3 Sniffing Dog 6:31
4 Music To Gargle At 3:29
5 Ethereal Cereal 2:15
6 Atmosphere 4:32
7 Ullular Gate 4:25
8 Tentacles Of Erpmind 0:34
9 Trees Of Eternity 7:26
10 Mescalito 4:04
11 Oddhamshaw Style 1:53
12 Become The Otter 4:59
13 Gnuthlia 5:25
14 Sorry Style 3:46
15 The Aum Shuffle 3:06
Live Ethereal Cereal (1986)
Live Ethereal Cereal (also known as "the yellow one") is the third of Ozric Tentacles' first six independent releases on cassettes, each one with a different background color. Released by the band in 1986, it was reissued on CD by Dovetail Records in 1994. If it weren't for the poor sound quality of these live recordings, this album would rank among the band's best efforts. Tracks have been culled from shows in Glastonbury (October 1985) and Reading (September and December 1985, plus February 1986). The "Erpriff" opens the set with a hard-rocking beat, Hawkwind-like guitar riff, and swirling synthesizers: pure Ozric. "Tentacular Explosion" and "Obstacular Explosion" are anchored by a similar rhythmical pattern but take different directions, the former being the most energized (great percussion work here). The obligatory reggae jam takes the form of a "Stupid Reggae" -- good clean fun. The album reaches a peak moment with "Aumriff," a take on Gong's famous jamming theme from You. Each track is a memorable Ozric moment and if one doesn't mind the subpar sound, Live Ethereal Cereal is thoroughly enjoyable. Recall, a division of Snapper Music, has reissued the album as a two-CD set with There Is Nothing with new artwork under the title There Is Nothing/Live Ethereal Cereal. by François Couture
Tracklist:
1 Erpriff 9:33
Written-By – Ed. Wynne
2 Tentacular Explosion 10:07
Written-By – Ozric Tentacles
3 Stupid Reggae 6:16
Written-By – Ozric Tentacles
4 Om Riff 4:35
Written-By – Gong
5 Obstacular Explosion 13:46
Written-By – Ozric Tentacles
6 Og-Ha-Be 8:37
Written-By – Wynne, Van Gelder
7 Dots Thots 4:50
Written-By – Wynne, Van Gelder
8 Erpitaph 3:47
Written-By – Ozric Tentacles
Credits:
Artwork – Blim
Bass – Gavin, Roly
Congas – Paul
Drums – Tig
Guitar – Ed
Synthesizer – Joie
Synthesizer [Bubbles] – Tom
There is Nothing (1986)
There Is Nothing (also known as "the green one") is the fourth of Ozric Tentacles' first six independent releases on cassette, each one with a different background color. Released by the band in 1986, it was reissued on CD by Dovetail Records in 1994. Of these first releases, this album is one of the best: good selection of songs, good sound, strong performance. Only a couple of tracks sport poor sound quality (unless it was intentional in the case of "Thrashing Breath Texture"). Tracks are slightly shorter than usual, with only two pieces reaching ten minutes. The album opens with a typical fast-paced Ozric number, "The Sacred Turf," followed by the Arabian-esque tune "O-I." Other highlights include the 12-minute "Imhotep," which showcases a spirited synthesizer solo, and the electronic reggae "Crab Nebula." Some of the electronic percussion ("The Eternal Wheel," for example) has not aged very well, making the album a bit weaker than Sliding Gliding Worlds, but there is enough energy in the performance to compensate. Recall, a division of Snapper Music, has reissued the album as a two-CD set (including new artwork) with Live Ethereal Cereal under the title There Is Nothing/Live Ethereal Cereal. by François Couture Tracklist:
1 The Sacred Turf 3:14
Written-By – E. Wynne, Hinton, Van Gelder
2 O-I 4:42
Written-By – E. Wynne, Van Gelder, R. Wynne
3 Jabular 3:52
Written-By – E. Wynne
4 Staring At The Moon 4:47
Written-By – E. Wynne, Hinton
5 Airy Area 3:44
Written-By – E. Wynne
6 Traveling The Great Circle 4:05
Written-By – E. Wynne, Van Gelder
7 Imhotep 11:56
Written-By – E. Wynne, Van Gelder
8 Thrashing Breath Texture 3:31
Written-By – E. Wynne
9 Crab Nebula 5:39
Written-By – Smith, E. Wynne
10 Lull Your Skull 3:01
Written-By – E. Wynne
11 Invisible Carpet 5:47
Written-By – E. Wynne, Van Gelder
12 The Eternal Wheel 9:53
Written-By – E. Wynne
13 Kola B'Pep 6:36
Written-By – E. Wynne
14 There Is Nothing 1:19
Written-By – E. Wynne, Hankin
Credits:
Bass – Gavin Griffiths, Roly Wynne
Congas, Percussion – Paul Hankin
Drums – Tig (Nick Van Gelder)
Guitar, Synthesizer – Ed Wynne
Synthesizer, Other [Bubbles] – Tom Brooks
Synthesizer, Sampler – Joie Hinton
Sliding Gliding Worlds (1988)
Sliding Gliding Worlds (also known as "the blue one") is the fifth of Ozric Tentacles' first six independent releases on cassette, each one with a different background color. Released by the band in 1988, it was reissued on CD by Dovetail Records in 1994. This album is the most accessible of the first six, the most "easy listening." Crunchy riffs are few (only "Kick Muck" represents the Hawkwind side of the band) and the whole thing falls into a pleasant trippy mid-tempo pace. Ed Wynne's writing is more melodious and less jam-oriented. World music colors (Chinese, African, Amazonian) can be found in the four last tracks. Highlights include "Soda Water," "Sliding and Gliding," and "It's a Hup Ho World," plus the comical "Yaboop Yaboop" which includes aboriginal-esque vocals. The sound quality is better than on the other releases in this series, as is the overall quality of the songs and, even though it lacks the fast-paced energy found on some material on There Is Nothing and Live Ethereal Cereal, it remains overall the best album from the band's early days. Recall, a division of Snapper Music, has reissued the album as a two-CD set (including new artwork) with The Bits Between the Bits under the title The Bits Between the Bits/Sliding Gliding Worlds. by François Couture Tracklist:
1. Yaboop Yaboop 5:29
Written-By – Wynne, Van Gelder
2 Soda Water 4:09
Written-By – Ed. Wynne
3 The Code For Chickendon 4:59
Written-By – Ed Wynne
4 Guzzard 2:05
Written-By – Ozric Tentacles
5 The Dusty Pouch 4:22
Written-By – Ed. Wynne
6 Sliding And Gliding 4:54
Written-By – Ed. Wynne
7 Kick Muck 5:28
Written-By – Ed. Wynne
8 It's A Hup Ho World 6:42
Written-By – Ed. Wynne
9 Atmospheric Underslunky 3:32
Written-By – Ozric Tentacles
10 (Omnidirectional) Bhadra 2:57
Written-By – Ed. Wynne
11 Fetch Me The Pongmaster 6:12
Written-By – Ed. Wynne
12 Mae Hong Song 3:19
Written-By – Ed. Wynne
13 White Rhino Tea 4:05
Written-By – Mace, Wynne
14 Loafjaw 1:11
Written-By – Ed. Wynne
15 The Green Island 3:04
Written-By – Wynne, Bradfield, Hinton
Pungent Efulgent (1989)
Listening to the Ozrics can result in the feeling of one's consciousness going into a cosmically vast spin-dizzy state with no chemical or visual stimulation required to generate the effect. That shift of consciousness is certainly an immediate side-effect of this release, caused by the painless move between pyrotechnic instrumental workouts, drifting musical structures (such as "Phalarn Dawn") where languid dancing with lighted incense sticks seems called for, and the off-kilter space-reggae-rock-dub that forms the flow of "The Domes of G'Bal." As always, the band comfortably evades pigeonholes by dint of the fact that what begins at the first note is delightfully unlike that which ends with the last note. Remarkably, it all makes sense and there is never a sense of getting lost in the darkness. by Steven McDonaldTracklist:
1. Dissolution (The Clouds Disperse) 6:15
2. O-I 3:58
3. Phalarn Dawn (Ed Wynne) 7:35
4. The Domes of G'Bal (Ed Wynne) 4:35
5. Shaping the Pelm (Ed Wynne) 6:10
6. Ayurvedic 10:57
7. Kick Muck 3:54
8. Agog in the Ether 4:05
9. Wreltch (Ed Wynne) 8:32
10. Ayurvedism 19:04 (CD bonus track)
Credits:
Ed Wynne – guitar, synthesizer, production
Mervin Pepler – drums
Roly Wynne – bass
Joie Hinton – synthesizer, sampling
John Egan – flute, voice
Paul Hankin – percussion
Nick Van Gelder – drums on "The Domes of G'Bal"
Generator John – drums on "Wreltch"
Marcus Carcus – percussion on "Agog in the Ether"
Mohammed Ed Ghazi - synthesizer, production
John A. - vocals
The Bits Between The Bits (1989)
Tracklist:1. Eye Of Adia 4:23
2. Fragmentary Aura 3:10
3. Sparkling Oasis 4:31
4. Tidal Otherness 0:59
5. Secret Names 5:23
6. Symetricum 4:37
7. Floating Seeds 5:40
8. Ozrosis 2:31
9. Wreltch 8:30
10. Afterwish 2:42
11. Koh Phangan 7:09
12. The Cave Of Aeolas 5:52
13. Puff Puff On A Chuff 2:13
14. Health Music 4:46
Erpland (1990)
With a perfectly blended fusion of numerous musical styles and ideas, the Ozrics elevate consciousness and open the spaces on their sophomore post-cassette outing (which includes a re-recorded "Eternal Wheel," originally laid down in the cassette days). The infusion of reggae, dub, and Middle Eastern elements help to make this particular set a true joy to experience -- it's hard not to bliss out while this is playing. Ozric Tentacles have developed an impressive following during their existence, defying every attempt to pigeonhole them as one thing or another -- the best approach is simply to abandon all categories and go with the flow. That said, this 1998 CD release treats the music with great respect, and sounds wonderful. by Steven McDonald
Tracklist:
1. Eternal Wheel (Ed Wynne, Mervin Pepler) 8:20
2. Toltec Spring (Ed Wynne, Paul Hankin, John Egan) 3:033. Tidal Convergence (Ozric Tentacles) 7:14
4. Sunscape (Ozric Tentacles) 4:02
5. Mysticum Arabicola (Ed Wynne) 9:15
6. Crackerblocks (Ed Wynne) 5:40
7. The Throbbe (Ed Wynne) 6:22
8. Erpland (Ed Wynne) 5:32
9. Valley of a Thousand Thoughts (Ed Wynne, Steve Everett) 6:32
10. Snakepit (Ed Wynne, Mervin Pepler) 3:18
11. Iscence (Roland Wynne, Mervin Pepler, John Egan) 4:38
12. A Gift of Wings (Ed Wynne) 9:47
Credits:
Ed Wynne – guitar, synthesizers, production
Paul Hankin – percussion
Mervin Pepler – drums
John Egan – flute, voice
Roly Wynne – bass
Joie Hinton – synthesizer, sampling
Marcus Carcus – ethnic percussion
Tom Brooks – reggae bubbles
Generator John – tea, tambourine
Steve Everitt – sampling
Afterswish (1991)
Containing elements of such progressive rock gurus as Hawkwind and Gong, Ozric Tentacles' music consisted of kamikaze guitar riffs that dove straight into frenzied explosions of keyboards and drums. Afterswish is a two-disc compilation of the band's psychedelic-dipped offerings from the years 1984 to 1991. As Ozric Tentacles' style ranges from spacy prog to a busier form of the Canterbury genre, it's the all-out instrumental storms brewed up by the band that make this album exciting. A prime example of Afterswish's groovy movements can be heard on "Sliding and Gliding" and "The Dusty Pouch," as the group concocts its own brand of funk with some interesting synthesized overlays. In most of the songs on Afterswish, a feverishly high blend of frothy keyboards and jet-engine guitar still manages to sound entertainingly tidy and arranged. Once in a while, flute or chimes evolve from nowhere, like on the majestic "China Type." Ozric Tentacles' synthesizer use is kept to moderation throughout the album's 25 tracks, allowing other instruments to expand their usage. Sometimes sounding like a souped-up Tangerine Dream, some of these tracks ascend into musical journeys, as swirling organ and strings climb with elevated tempos and parachute their way back down with laid-back riffs. Compelling and creative, songs such as "Traveling the Great Circle" and "Secret Names" contain East Indian string and rhythm portions with intricate melodious jumbles, adding even more depth to this group's diversity. Each track from Afterswish exposes this band's talent and is a most entertaining progressive voyage. by Mike DeGagne Tracklist
1-1 Guzzard 2:03
1-2 Chinatype 5:33
1-3 The Sacred Turf 3:06
1-4 Og-Ha-Be 4:49
1-5 Thyroid 4:58
1-6 Omnidirectional Bhadra 2:55
1-7 Afterswish 2:41
1-8 Velmwend 2:41
1-9 Travelling The Great Circle 4:09
1-10 Secret Names 5:28
1-11 Soda Water 4:09
1-12 Fetch Me The Pongmaster 6:16
1-13 Zaii! 8:58
2-1 Abul Hagag 4:47
2-2 Its A Hup Ho World 6:20
2-3 The Dusty Pouch 4:18
2-4 Thrashing Breath Texture 3:30
2-5 Floating Seeds 5:45
2-6 Invisible Carpet 5:24
2-7 The Code For Chickendon 4:48
2-8 Kola B'pep 6:40
2-9 Mae Hong Song 3:17
2-10 Symetricum 4:29
2-11 Jabular 3:53
2-12 Sliding And Gliding
1991 - Strangeitude
While the mainstream media was as far away from experimental space rock as it ever has been in 1991, Ozric Tentacles was making fascinating and very original music with few noticing outside of their homegrown "crusty movement." Mind-bogglingly talented and forward-thinking, Ozric Tentacles took this moment in their career to take their folk tendencies, add a heaping dose of weirdness, and connect it all with a dash of the emerging electronica scene to create a wildly experimental yet highly accessible sound that was all their own. One look at "Sploosh!" reveals throbbing synthesizers, continually changing water sound effects, heavily processed virtuoso guitar, hypnotic conga beats, and an amazing array of repetitive percussions that lead to a fascinating journey through their complex compositional skills. Not every track is that dense, but in general Strangeitude works because of their ability to build layer upon layer of sounds that bring the listener to different places. This music takes patience, as many times the subtle changes and winding melodies are hard to keep up with unless full attention is paid. But what makes this so rewarding is the delivery, as guitars dive bomb into the music and result in explosions of instrumental complexities that make perfect sense. What's even more impressive is how easy it is to go back to the record for repeat listens, despite the almost-complete lack of vocals, the time dedicated to the tracks (which are rarely under seven minutes), and the abrasive and experimental nature of their arrangements. Without needless noodling or druggy tautology, Ozric Tentacles unveiled a magnificent space rock effort that won them a contract with Capitol Records and finally brought them to American audiences. by Bradley Torreano Tracklist:
1. White Rhino Tea (Ozric Tentacles) - 5:55
2. Sploosh! (Ed Wynne) - 6:26
3. Saucers (Ed Wynne) - 7:32
4. Strangeitude (Ozric Tentacles) - 7:32
5. Bizarre Bazaar (Ozric Tentacles) - 4:07
6. Space Between Your Ears (Ozric Tentacles) - 7:48
7. Live Throbbe (Ed Wynne) - 7:16
8. Weirditude (Ozric Tentacles) - 5:13 (Re-release bonus track)
Credits
Ed Wynne: Guitars, Synths, Production
Roly Wynne: Bass
John Egan: Flute, Voice
Joie Hinton: Synths, Bubbles
Mervin Pepler: Drums
Paul Hankin: Congas on "Sploosh!" and "Live Throbbe"
John Canham: Engineering
Jurassic Shift (1993)
The Ozrics are a truly curious bunch in that they have this unerring tendency and uncanny ability to make great scads of progressive and space music that has true heart. There are very few times when one can connect fabulous technical skill with such a strongly emotional core, and never mind the mystical triggers. Aside from this -- sort of typical marked praise -- there is the Ozric ability to blend ideas and styles, causing fairy-light synthesizer washes to turn into dub riddims, which then support jazz elements that fade away to another dose of the fairy-light synthesizer washes, except that this time they're riding on top of the dub. This is definitely music you can groove to, trance to, meditate to, or just be to. by Steven McDonaldTracklist:
1. Sunhair (Ozric Tentacles) - 5:43
2. Stretchy (Ed Wynne / Joie Hinton) - 6:51
3. Feng Shui (Ozric Tentacles) - 10:24
4. Half Light in Thillai (Ed Wynne) - 5:35
5. Jurassic Shift (Ozric Tentacles) - 11:05
6. Pteranodon (Ozric Tentacles) - 5:40
7. Train Oasis (Ed Wynne) - 2:45
8. Vita Voom (Ozric Tentacles) - 4:48
9. Feng Shui [Live, included on re-release] (Ozric Tentacles) - 10:55
Credits
Ed Wynne: Guitars, Koto, Keyboards
Joie Hinton: Keyboards, Samples, Atmospheres
Mervin Pepler: Drums, Ethnic Percussion, Babble
John Egan: Flutes, Babble
Roly Wynne: Bass
Zia Geelani: Bass
Marcus Carcus: Ethnic Percussion
Generator John: Tambourine
Arborescence (1994)
Ozric Tentacles carries its mainly instrumental version of the Gong experience forward to new heights with 1994's Arborescence. Instrumental prowess abounds. Ed's guitar can best be described with two adjectives: swirling and Hillage-esque. Drummer Merv and bassist Zia lay down odd-meter rhythms with confidence and energy, and the way they mutate some of these long grooves is one of the most entertaining things about this record. In fact, this is one of the things that Ozric Tentacles does best in general: creating legitimate, memorable song structures out of very little purely melodic material. On only a few occasions on Arborescence does the band provide the listener with some sort of melodic hook, with one notable occasion being the Arabic-themed melody to "Al-Salooq." Rather, they prefer to insinuate grooves under your skin while guitars, flutes, and synthesizers dance gleefully around the rhythms. It is ambient music crossbred with alien dance music, and it is marvelous stuff. If any complaint can be mustered against this record or Ozric Tentacles in general, it can be said that some of the drum patterns become a bit tired and repetitive. One tom-tom fill in particular really must have the love of Merv, because he uses it every four bars (this is admittedly hyperbole, but not as much as you might think). The Gong nods also may be a bit too obvious for some but, to those who don't mind, the OT experience is a trippy one indeed. Spicy, evocative, and hypnotic, Arborescence is an unpredictably joyous record. by Daniel Gioffre
Tracklist:
1. Astro Cortex 5:22
2. Yog-Bar-Og 9:40
3. Arborescence 4:53
4. Al-Salooq 5:03
5. Dance Of The Loomi 5:14
6. Myriapod 5:59
7. There's A Planet Here 6:39
8. Shima Koto 6:25
Credits:
Joie Hinton – synth
John Egan – flutes
Mervin Pepler – drums, percussion
Zia Geelani – bass
Become The Other (1995)
Tracklist 1 Cat DNA 6:28
Written-By – Lenox-Smith, Prince, Wynne, Egan, Geelani
2 Ahu Belahu 2:55
Written-By – Wynne
3 Ghedengi 5:41
Written-By – Wynne
4 Wob Glass 7:50
Written-By – Lenox-Smith, Wynne, Egan, Geelani
5 Neurochasm 6:47
Percussion – Jim O'Roon
Written-By – Lenox-Smith, Prince, Wynne, Egan, Geelani
6 Become The Other 6:24
Written-By – Lenox-Smith, Prince, Wynne, Egan, Geelani
7 Vibuthi 10:52
Written-By – Lenox-Smith, Prince, Wynne, Egan, Geelani
8 Plurnstyle 7:46
Written-By – Wynne, Hinton
Credits
Drums, Other [Such] – Rad
Flute [Various] – John
Percussion – Jim O'Roon
Producer, Mixed By, Guitar, Synthesizer, Sampler, Other [Scapes] – Ed
Curious Corn (1997)
Tracklist:
1. Spyroid (Geelani, Wynne) – 3:47
2. Oolite Grove (Ozric Tentacles) – 5:57
3. Afroclonk (Ozric Tentacles) – 8:06
4. Curious Corn (Ozric Tentacles) – 10:56
5. Oddentity (Prince, Wynne) – 7:00
6. Papyrus (Egan, Wynne) – 5:32
7. Meander (Ozric Tentacles) – 5:12
Credits:
John Egan – flute
Rad (Conrad Prince) – drums
Seaweed (Christopher Lenox-Smith) – synthesizers
Ed Wynne – synthesizers, guitars
Zia Geelani – bass
B.L.I.M. – back cover, cover art
Simon Eddie Baker – liner notes
Spice Doubt (1998)
The first live Ozrics disc since LIVE UNDERSLUNKY, SPICE DOUBT is mostly culled from the band's later '90s catalog, cobbling liberally from ARBORESCENCE and BECOME THE OTHER, with a track or two from STRANGEITUDE and some new surprises. Get past the kooky, highly collectible packaging (the jewel box is encased in a spongy plastic cover containing green goo in which prehistoric fish float) and immerse your aural canals in an hour of real-time starship rock.
"Cat DNA" emerges off the top, the band extending the original take with a swampy introduction before hurtling off into the cosmos. "Sploosh!" is everybody's favorite quicksand jam-its sequencers boiling to the undertow of a motorik beat. The remaining agenda lavishes the band's trademark humoresque touches, frenzied drumming, and sounds wrenched from a parallel universe. A splendid time is guaranteed for all, but it is a limited pressing. Snatch one while you still can. by AllMusic
Tracklist:
1. Cat DNA (Ozric Tentacles) - (8:11)
2. Eternal Wheel (Ozric Tentacles) - (9:31)
3. Sploosh! (Ozric Tentacles) - (7:04)
4. Ahu Belahu (Wynne) - (2:46)
5. Papyrus (Egan, Geelaní, Lenox, Wynne) - (6:30)
6. Oolite Grove and Citadel Jam (Egan, Geelaní, Lenox, Prince, Wynne) - (10:28)
7. Oddentity (Geelaní, Lenox, Prince, Wynne) - (7:22)
8. Dissolution (The Clouds Disperse) (Hinton, Pepler, Wynne, Wynne) - (10:08)
9. Myriapod (Egan, Geelaní, Hinton, Pepler, Wynne) - (5:48)
10. Spice Doubt (Ozric Tentacles) - (9:43)
Credits:
Ed Wynne - guitar, synthesizers
Seaweed (Christopher Lenox-Smith) - synthesizers
John Egan - flute, bansuri, ney
Zia Geelani - bass guitar
Rad (Conrad Prince) - percussion
Simon Eddie Baker - liner notes
Ian Waters - engineer
Waterfall Cities (1999)
Ozric Tentacles' 1999 album Waterfall Cities features what the band does best: long, hypnotic but cohesive grooves that draw from the best of psychedelia, reggae, jazz, and rock. Tracks like "Coily," "Xingu," and "Spiralmind" live up to the Tentacles' reputation for fluid musical interaction. by Heather PharesTracklist:
1. Coily (Ozric Tentacles) – 7:19
2. Xingu (Wynne, Seaweed, Geelani) – 7:27
3. Waterfall City (Wynne) – 11:03
4. Ch'ai? (Wynne, Seaweed, Geelani) – 5:03
5. Spiralmind (Wynne, Ozric Tentacles, Geelani) – 11:41
6. Sultana Detrii (Ozric Tentacles) – 9:18
7. Aura Borealis (Wynne) – 5:40
Credits:
Ed Wynne – guitar, synthesizers
Seaweed (Christopher Lenox-Smith) – synthesizers
John Egan – flute
Zia Geelani – bass guitar
Rad (Conrad Prince) – drums
Swirly Termination (2000)
I wonder how big a part being a OT fan you are over all plays your final opinion of Swirly Termination. OT is one of my favorite bands; I think Swirly Termination has some excellent material, so I'm giving it 3 1/2 stars. The fact that the band was at the very least ambivalent about Swirly Termination being released to the public has been discussed at length in other places. I'll just say that the quality of the album is inconsistent. I think the second half is stronger than the first. My favorite tracks are probably "Pyoing", "Kick 98", and the beloved "Voy Mandala". Over all, the album does meander somewhat for my tastes, and the "swirly" synthesizers are too present.However, Swirly Termination is a good representation of Ozric Tentacles' unique combination of elements: psychedelic synthesizers, complex (sometimes reggae-like) rhythms, Middle Eastern sounds, and Ed Wynne's incisive guitar playing. The relatively short playing time of Swirly Termination might suggest that it would be a good introduction for the uninitiated. I would definitely pick Pyrmadion first, because the songs are just better written. However, there's a lot of good-to-excellent music to be found on Swirly Termination for prog fans, so I give it 3 1/2 stars.
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Tracklist:
1. Steep – 3:11
2. Space Out – 8:29
3. Pyoing – 4:30
4. Far Dreaming – 5:25
5. Waldorfdub – 6:14
6. Kick 98 – 6:03
7. Yoy Mandala – 11:52
Credits:
Ed Wynne - guitar, keyboards
John Egan - flute, vocals
Zia Geelani - bass
Seaweed - keyboards
Rad - drums, percussion
Joie Hinton - keyboards
The Hidden Step (2000)
Ozric Tentacles isn't an easy band to pigeonhole. Essentially, The Hidden Step falls into the space rock/progressive rock category. But Ozric was never a carbon copy of Pink Floyd, King Crimson, ELP, or Yes any more than it was a copy of Tangerine Dream. Ozric has had a vision of its own, and the British instrumentalists continue to forge ahead on this 2000 CD. Full of synthesizers, The Hidden Step successfully links space and progressive rock with ambient, trance, and techno. This isn't rave music per se -- it's definitely rock -- but it does acknowledge some of the electronic forms that dancers have moved to at underground raves. Another thing The Hidden Step readily acknowledges is world music; elements of Middle Eastern, Arabic, and North African music are quite prominent on this release. If The Hidden Step was played alongside Algerian rai or contemporary Turkish pop, it would be apparent how the East and West are benefiting one another. While a lot of contemporary Middle Eastern and North African pop has been heavily influenced by western pop and rock, The Hidden Step is an example of a British rock band looking east for some of its musical inspiration. Ozric's cult following will find a lot to admire about this challenging CD. by Alex Henderson Tracklist:
1. Holohedron – (5:50)
2. The Hidden Step – (7:47)
3. Ashlandi Bol – (6:04)
4. Aramanu – (6:00)
5. Pixel Dream – (6:21)
6. Tight Spin – (8:45)
7. Ta Khut – (7:06)
Credits:
Ed Wynne – guitar, synthesizers, sampled sound
Seaweed (Christopher Lenox-Smith) – keyboards, synthesizers
John Egan – flute, vocals
Zia Geelani – bass guitar
Rad (Conrad Prince) – percussion
Pyramidion (2001)
1. Pyramidion 6:16
2. Xingu 7:40
3. Pixel Dream 12:12
4. Sultana Detrii 5:47
5. Aramanu 9:18
Credits:
Bass – Zia
Drums – Johnny Morgan (tracks: 1), Rad (tracks: 2 to 5)
Flute – Champignon
Guitar, Synthesizer, Sampler [Samps] – Ed
Synthesizer – Seaweed
Live At The Pongmasters Ball (2002)
Tracklist:
1-1 Oddentity 11:17
1-2 Erpland 5:31
1-3 Oakum 8:24
1-4 Myriapod 11:10
1-5 It's A Hup Ho World 7:17
1-6 Pixel Dream 7:40
1-7 The Domes Of G'Bal 6:00
1-8 Pyramidion 12:15
2-1 Saucers 8:19
2-2 Dissolution 12:30
2-3 Sploosh 7:11
2-4 Ta Khut 2:35
2-5 Kick Muck 5:10
2-6 The Throbbe 10:54
Credits:
Bass – Zia Geelani
Drums – Schoo
Flute – Champignon
Guitar, Synthesizer – Ed Wynne
Synthesizer – Seaweed
Eternal Wheel (2004)
Tracklist 1:
1. Shift" (from "Jurassic Shift") - 11:04
2. Myriapod (from "Arborescence") - 5:59
3. Saucers (from "Strangeitude") - 7:32
4. Wob Glass (from "Become the Other") - 7:52
5. Coily (from "Waterfall Cities") - 7:19
6. Sultana Detrii (from "Waterfall Cities") - 9:17
7. Sunscape (from "Erpland") - 4:02
8. Eternal Wheel (from "Erpland") - 8:20
9. Vibuthi (from "Become the Other") - 10:50
10. Sploosh! (from "Strangeitude") - 6:26
Tracklist 2:
1. Oolite Grove (from "Curious Corn") - 5:57
2. Ashlandi Bol (from "The Hidden Step") - 6:21
3. Iscence (from "Erpland") - 3:47
4. Pyramidion (from "Pyramidion") - 6:04
5. Spyroid (from "Curious Corn") - 4:37
6. Neurochasm (from "Become the Other") - 6:47
7. Kick Muck (live video track) - 5:18
2004 - Spirals in Hyperspace
Spirals in Hyperspace completes the movement initiated since Ozric Tentacles' comeback: the group is now the sole creature of Ed Wynne, who handles guitar, keyboards, and beat programming. Old travelers like Seaweed, John Egan, Schoo, and even Steve Hillage lend a hand on two or three cuts each, but the group has definitely moved from a fierce live unit to a more clinical studio project -- and it can be heard on this album. The sleek production doesn't hide a high level of predictability and a certain coldness in the execution. Still, Spirals in Hyperspace is a good late-vintage Ozric opus. In fact, anyone would refute all of the above upon listening to the hard-driving opener, "Chewier": fast-paced and exciting, it sounds like something out of Erpland but with a harder, Magna Carta-trademarked edge. It's also an exception: the track features Schoo on real drums, Seaweed, Egan, and Brandi Wynne on glide bass -- the closest to a group effort you'll witness on this album. "Oakum" and "Zoemetra" come close, though, both in terms of extra personnel and genuine drive -- the latter in particular features some great light-speed drumming and a typical Middle Eastern melody. The other pieces fall in the "lukewarm" category, occasionally veering toward clichéd ambient trance. "Toka Tola" and the title track stand out as particularly potent cuts, but Ozric Tentacles' back catalog is filled with similar tunes. In short, Spirals in Hyperspace has its moments and is a satisfying album in itself, but if you look at the group's long discography, it shows a certain level of fatigue. by François Couture
Tracklist:
1. Chewier – 5:26
2. Spirals in Hyperspace – 9:51
3. Slinky – 8:39
4. Toka Tola – 7:46
5. Plasmoid – 5:17
6. Oakum – 9:03
7. Akasha – 7:27
8. Psychic Chasm – 8:44
9. Zoemetra – 7:23
Credits:
Ed Wynne – guitar, keyboards, mind colours, & programming on all tracks
Schoo - drums on Chewier, Oakum, & Zoemetra
Seaweed - synths & bubbles on Oakum & kindling on Cheweir
John Egan - ney, blul, duduk & silver flute on Oakum & Zoemetra
Zia Geelani - bass on Oakum
Merv Pepler (Eat Static) - drum programming & samps'n'stuff on Psychic Chasm
Brandi Wynne – glide bass on Chewier, spikes on Plasmoid & tea on Psychic Chasm
Steve Hillage & Miquette Giraudy (Gong, System 7) - guitar & additional synths on Akasha
The Floor's Too Far Away (2006)
When asked where to start in the Ozric Tentacles intimidating discography, it's safe to suggest a couple of key albums (Erpland, for instance) and 2004's Spirals in Hyperspace. You might have to make an exception for The Floor's Too Far Away, though. Without getting downright bad, the follow-up to Spirals gets too generic in some places, and too Eat Static in others. The biggest offenders are "Jellylips" and "Splat!," two dancefloor-ready, thumping techno tracks that seem to have chosen the wrong album to land on; they clearly belong to Ed Wynne's more electronic guises. On the other hand, there are a handful of very good pieces. "Bolshem" starts as a slow-rising opener, but after a couple minutes of synthesizer sweeps, it explodes into a typical Ozric romp that ends a minute later. It's a stunningly short (and effective) take on the group's M.O. Another highlight is "Etherclock," where Ed turns into a guitar shredder, to great effect. And "Disdots" is pure Ozric Tentacles, blistering with slithery basslines, cosmic synths, and driving drums. For this one and a few more, Brandi Wynne and Matt "Metro" Shmigelsky join forces with Ed. Merv Pepler also makes an appearance on "Armchair Journey." Elsewhere, it's all Ed Wynne all the time. Schoo, Seaweed, and mostly John Egan and his thousand ethnic flutes are out of the picture, which seems to streamline the project's sound even more than before. The Floor's Too Far Away is a hit and miss affair. by François Couture Tracklist:
1. Bolshem – 4:49
2. Armchair Journey – 5:54
3. Jellylips – 6:08
4. Vedavox – 2:51
5. Spacebase – 9:36
6. Disdots – 6:49
7. Etherclock – 8:02
8. Splat! – 9:00
9. Ping – 6:39
Credits:
Ed Wynne – guitar, keyboards, programming
Metro – drums
Brandi Wynne – bass, synths
Merv Pepler – percussion on "Armchair Journey"
Tom Brooks – bubs
Sunrise Festival (2008)
Sunrise Festival, released in 2008, was a live album from the Ozric Tentacles, recorded 1 June 2007 at the Sunrise Celebration Festival, Somerset, England.[1] This recording marks the return of Merv Pepler and Joie Hinton to the band, who had left in 1995 to form Eat Static.Tracklist:
1. ..Blimey! – 3:20
2. O-I – 3:46
3. Vita Voom – 4:41
4. Jurassic Shift – 13:00
5. Sunrise Jam – 8:35
6. Erpland – 6:14
7. Snakepit – 4:47
8. Eternal Wheel – 10:31
9. White Rhino Tea – 6:45
10. Tidal Convergence - 10:22
Credits:
Ed Wynne – guitar & keyboards
Joie Hinton – keyboards
Brandi Wynne – bass guitar
Merv Pepler – drums
The Yumyum Tree (2009)
Ozric Tentacles have had more than their share of lineup changes over the years, but one thing that hasn't changed about the British instrumentalists is the fact that they remain difficult to pigeonhole. Some consider them progressive rock, some consider call them psychedelic rock, some consider them space rock, some consider them a jam band, and some have even described their 2000s recordings as "electronica with fewer electronics." Recorded between 2006 and 2008, The Yum Yum Tree is probably best categorized as "psychedelic progressive rock and space rock with a major electronica influence." The Yum Yum Tree isn't electronica in the strict sense; the programming that leader Ed Wynne (the only one remaining from the Ozrics' original 1983 lineup) provides is heard alongside real guitar, real bass, and real drums played in real time. The Yum Yum Tree is more played than programmed, although a variety of electronica influences (ranging from trance to ambient) assert themselves -- and there are other influences as well, including jazz and Middle Eastern music. Clearly, having a sense of adventure remains important to the Ozrics, whose 2006-2008 lineup consists of Ed Wynne on guitar and programming, Brandi Wynne on keyboards, Vinny Shillito on bass, and Roy Brosh on drums. There has been a lot of debate among Ozrics fans over the merits of their increased use of electronics; some longtime followers believe that Ed Wynne has become too reliant on programming. But as strong as the electronica influence is on this 53-minute CD, the Ozrics still have plenty of rock muscle and sound like a band rather than a studio-only project. The Yum Yum Tree isn't among their essential releases, but it is an interesting, enjoyable listen and demonstrates that Ed Wynne is still open to taking chances after all these years. by Alex Henderson
Tracklist:
1 Magick Valley 6:42
2 Oddweird 6:143 Mooncalf 7:41
4 Oolong Oolong 5:54
Performer [Help] – Joie, Merv
5 YumYum Tree 9:07
6 Plant Music 5:28
Goblet Drum [Darbuka] – Dom
7 Nakuru 5:39
8 San Pedro 6:21
Performer [Help] – Joie, Merv
Credits:
Artwork – Paul Boswell
Bass – Vinny Shillito
Drums – Roy Brosh
Guitar, Synthesizer, Programmed By – Ed Wynne
Keyboards, Effects – Brandi Wynne
Paper Monkeys (2011)
Tangerine Dream have never been far from Ozric Tentacles' founder and only remaining original member Ed Wynne's influences, but on this 2011 release he all but re-creates that band's classic early-'70s vibe. Wynne and son Silas bring the bubbling synths, and even though wife Brandi is credited with bass and drummer Oli with percussion, the metronomic pulse of those instruments could easily be programmed on this hourlong exploration of space/prog rock. At this late stage, with nearly two dozen albums to their unusual name, you are either on board the Ozrics' spaceship of rhythmic, spacy electronica mixed with subtle worldbeat and psychedelic ramblings or you have decided to pass on this veteran U.K. outfit's trippy, eclectic mélange. For fans, this is another quality hour of instrumental music that doesn't push many envelopes of the Ozrics' established sound. Perhaps a few Tangerine Dream devotees can comfortably join the cult of Ozric lovers, but for the most part, Wynne and his three-piece play to their strengths without substantial deviation in direction or execution. Depending on your level of fandom, that either makes for a terrific, if perhaps not essential, set of music in the band's expansive catalog, or another disc that plays out pretty much like the batch that preceded it. The tracks hover around the seven-minute mark, with "The Will of the Wisps" clocking in at nearly 11 minutes. That's long enough to set a mood and ride a groove without wearing out the welcome. If you are unfamiliar with Ozric Tentacles, this is a perfect example of everything the band does well, a reasonable enough place to start your collection to get caught up in their mind-expanding groove. Wynne is a singular, perhaps unfairly under-recognized figure in British space rock, and although Ozric Tentacles may not be a household name, that hasn't stopped him from continuing the distinctive approach he originally concocted in 1983, and has since perfected on albums such as Paper Monkeys. by Hal Horowitz Tracklist:
1. Attack of the Vapours 5:22
2. Lemon Kush 6:15
3. Flying Machines 6:26
4. Knurl 6:08
5. Lost in the Sky 7:20
6. Paper Monkeys 7:17
7. Plowm 7:52
8. Will of the Wisps 10:43
9. Air City 3:53
Credits:
Ed Wynne - guitar, synthesizer, programming, production, engineering
Silas Neptune - keyboards
Oliver Seagle - drums, percussion
Brandi Wynne - bass, production, engineering
Jim Wilson - mastering
Technicians of the Sacred (2015)
Tracklist 1:
1. The High Pass 8:23
2. Butterfly Garden 5:04
3. Far Memory 7:10
4. Changa Masala 6:04
5. Zingbong 8:26
6. Switchback 10:11
Total length: 45:18
Tracklist 2:
1. Epiphlioy 11:49
2. The Unusual Village 6:20
3. Smiling Potion 7:12
4. Rubbing Shoulders with the Absolute 8:36
5. Zenlike Creature 9:54
Total length: 43:51
Credits:
Ed Wynne – guitars, synthesizers, programming, production, engineering
Silas Neptune – keyboards
Brandi Wynne – bass
Balázs Szende – drums
Paul Hankin – percussion
