Issue 158

Live Music Review: Ozric Tentacles

22nd October 2007

Before I went to this gig I must admit I wasn't sure what to expect. Firstly, the bizarre name 'Ozric Tentacles' (invented when the band where joking about fake names for cereals) and its psychedelic tie-dye image made me wonder whether it would be an upbeat rock gig or a spaced out chill out number. Somehow, the Ozric's managed to ensure it was both in one, as well as complex, innovative and varied experience for all; which could explain why they seem to have a very diverse audience.

Amongst seemingly die hard fans with their aged Ozric Tentacle t-shirts of previous tours dating from the 80's, were all kinds of people, young and old, professional looking and tie-dyed. There was a good atmosphere, many people danced manically to the upbeat rhythms of the faster, heavier melodies, whilst others calmly stood by and nodded along, enveloped by the intense, ambient and more symphonic songs.

Each song they performed was around six minutes long, some longer, and really brought you in to the centre of the dreamy (and smoke machine induced) atmosphere, aided by the projection of kaleidoscope like images behind the band. Bouts of electric guitar livened up the crowd, and the combination of the drums and bass alone during the beginning of some songs were very calming to listen to.

The only thing I didn't enjoy musically was some highly odd noises the band decided to include interspersed with the music; one in particular sounded like someone being sick, which in turn made me slightly queasy combined with the heavy bass. Aside from this, the overall gig was received very positively by the crowd, and the encore was a well chosen, fast upbeat melody which got almost everyone on the dance floor throwing some crazy shapes.

Waterfront Online