OZRIC TENTACLES
"Sunrise Festival" (Snapper;
2008)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
The first time I became familiar with Ozric Tentacles was probably when
they were named as one of the bands that were likely to be a part of the groups filling in the
‘jam band’ gap left when Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia died. But it was in name only as I never had the chance to
hear them. The second time I became familiar with the band was when a friend let me borrow a large selection of their catalogue so that I might
become familiar with the band, their sound, and their evolution. After a thorough examination of the band’s music,
I was impressed. Now that friend’s efforts have paid huge dividends again as I’ve been presented
Ozric Tentacles’ latest live offering, “Sunrise Festival,” for review.
“Sunrise Festival” is a testament to Ozric Tentacles’ live prowess as their reputation as a cosmic/space rock band with neo-prog and psychedelic
tendencies. What I like best about the band is that they are an instrumental band – there are no vocals to get in the way of the
exploratory musical journeys. Whilst some may think the band meanders too much I think there is much freedom the band enjoys as a result of the
structure that they do have. Particularly, I like the way the band recovers from the occasional mistake – you can see it in the faces of the
band members. But like most mistakes, these little glitches provide more in the way of
lively organic creation than strict rendition of a catalogue that might be devoid of life.
Overall, I found “Sunrise Festival” to be entrancing. I was surprised by the traditional
rock'n'roll energy that Ozric Tentacles provides – I doubt anyone will consider Ozric Tentacles to be a “metal” band, but their
ability to work their way to the edge of chaos via whammy bars, time changes, complex arrangements, and
synth manipulations is impressive.
“Sunrise Festival” is a special CD/DVD package. The package itself appears to be much like their older works – somewhat low-tech in
appearance, but colorful nonetheless. The CD contains ten tracks clocking in at more than an hour. However, the DVD contains one extra song, “The
Throbbe,” that is not available on the CD. The “Festival Sunrise” CD/DVD celebrates the band’s 25th Anniversary and includes an unreleased song
“Sunrise Jam” appearing for the first time. Another note of interest is that “Sunrise Festival” is a reunion of sorts as former keyboardist Joie
Hinton and former drummer Merv Pepler are included in this performance.
“Sunrise Festival” was produced by Ozric Tentacles and recorded live on June 1, 2007.
Ozric Tentacles on “Sunrise Festival” is Ed Wynn on guitar and keyboards, Brandi Wynn on bass, Joie Hinton on keyboards and synthesizer, and Merv
Pepler on drums.
For more information visit http://www.ozrics.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 03 Jul 2008 21:42:42 -0500.
