Ozric Tentacles, Future Sound of London, Porcupine Tree

Posted by: Alex S. on 27 July 2001

Sound good on Naim gear

Try Ozrics if you like spaced out guitar, synths, good (real) druming, flute etc, especially the last 2 albums - Waterfall Cities and The Hidden Step. A bit like Orbital with attitude and musicianship instead of sampling.

For sampling and interesting noises try Future Sound of London.

For a modern axeman style and some good tunes try Porcupine Tree.

Posted on: 27 July 2001 by Sproggle

I've had a copy of Sploosh for many years but haven't heard anything else by the Ozric Tentacles - what else of theirs do you recommend?

--Jeremy

Posted on: 28 July 2001 by Sproggle

--Jeremy

Posted on: 28 July 2001 by Alex S.

And have all their albums, some re-released recently (beware appalling CD quality) and an ep.

I think Waterfall Cities, Hidden Step and Curious Corn are the best (in that order) but the earlier ones certainly are good too.

I tracked down Amorphous Androgenous a while back and was not disappointed. I'll go hunting for FSL eps

Thanks Alex

Posted on: 01 August 2001 by Alex S.

Those following this thread might like to check out the above

Posted on: 01 August 2001 by Alex S.

Glad to be of service

Posted on: 02 August 2001 by Tony L

Anyone care to recommend a good Ozric's album for starters? They are a band that I have somehow managed to miss out on completely. I have pretty much everything else mentioned on this thread: just about everything by both FSOL and Orbital including the singles, 3 albums by Banco De Gaia, the Amorphous Androgynous album and a few Eat Static albums (I believe they are an Ozric's spin off), so I guess I should probably like 'em.

Tony.

Posted on: 02 August 2001 by Alex S.

To repeat - go get Waterfall Cities and if you like it buy Hidden Step.

The only caveat is that Waterfall Cities gets pretty noisy guitarwise but its well recorded and grows on you.

ps Are you insured?

Posted on: 02 August 2001 by Alex S.

Just hopped to the amazon site and found the following "review". I hope the guy who wrote it doesn't mind my posting his prose here. I decided not to send it to Private Eye.

quote:
Ed and his merry minstrels provide another 7 windows of musical beauty that tickle the aural lobes transcending normative musical structures with mellifluous tones that harmonise and massage the mind. This meticulous musical masterpiece sees the Ozrics delineate a harder production style with a prime example depicted on the climax to opening track 'Coily' as the drum explode out of the speakers in an orgasmic musical frenzy during the coda. Sexual overtones aside, 'Xingu' contains a memorable melodic keyboard line that is so distinctive that erasure from the portholes of the mind is futile. The maelstrom of rhythmic loops, guitar crescendos and layered keyboard textures that comprise the title track encompass a cornucopia of sonic sounds with distinctive interlocking musical passages to provide an 11 minute transcription of one of the best Ozric tracks ever produced. 'Spiralmind' transports the listener to the Far East with a spicy keyboard inflection dominating throughout with images of Chineses Junks and setting suns that pacifies the mind, especially after the full-on throttle of the preceding tracks. 'Sultana Destrii' is primarily a vehicle for bass pyrotechnics as typically the band embellish and colour this piece as the bass grooves, dances and gyrates throughout. The track is enhanced by the vibe of cool underplaying that allows each player to explore and expand their musical repertoire. The concluding 'Aura Borealis' soothes the soul as the music depicts the Norther Lights,(from which the title is taken), as the ambient soundscapes the Ozrics utilise slowly releases the listener into a state of 'oneness' and contentment as the rhythmic pulses slow to a tranquil beat. Yet another masterful display of vocal-free musical pieces that fully denounce the dilettantes proclaiming the essentialism of chorus-laden 'pop' foder.

Posted on: 03 August 2001 by Alex S.

You should read this guy's Steps reviews.

ps A lot of fun can be had reading various Amazonian drivel.

Posted on: 03 August 2001 by Alex S.

Re-listened this morning. Perhaps Hidden Step should come first - its more approachable; but if you're brave you'll go for Waterfall'.

Posted on: 03 August 2001 by Goose

Alex and co
I am a MASSIVE Ozrics/ PT fan an have virtually everything both bands have released...Glad you like the same kind of stuff..

Ozrics drummer RAD has just left, and my brother saw them in concert a few weeks ago and says the new drummer is more MERV style(e)...

All I can say is AEYRVEDIC ( or however it's spelt!)
My OZRICS Fave's

Strangeitude (... space between your ears sound AWESOME on Good Kit!)
Erpland
Live Underslunky
#Afterswish...

ENJOY
Take care Goose

Posted on: 07 August 2001 by Alex S.

Met,

On the Sunday of Life - Some big hits and a few misses, lots of variety.

Lightbulb Sun - More commercial but consistently good.

Recordings - I'd get this after the other 2 if your still unsated.

Voyage 34 - Don't have it.

In the word of ken c - "enjoy"

Alex

Posted on: 08 August 2001 by Stephen Bennett

I have to butt in here and recommend Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilsons other band 'No-man'. Their new album 'Returning Jesus' is very fine indeed. I also have to own up to a connection here - I've just recorded an album with No-Mans Tim Bowness - the band is 'henry fool'. Two tracks were remixed my Steven. And then there is Stevens 'bass Communion' for lovers of ambient. Lots of interesting music.

/advert on

henry fool http://www.collective.co.uk/henryfool
Porky's, No-man links from there

/advert off

Regards

Stephen

Posted on: 09 August 2001 by Alex S.

There is also an Ozrics/Eat Static collaboration called Nodens Ictus which released Spacelines. This contains Ozric style synth wanderings without most of the guitar and IMO much of the excitement. Nonetheless, those of a more ambient disposition might prefer it. Thankfully, it is devoid of Eat Static's insistent club (in both senses) bass.

Stephen: I'll check out your post - sounds interesting.

Posted on: 13 August 2001 by Stephen Bennett

I too wanted to go to the Caravan/P Tree festival - no tents needed. Last years sounded good too - Gong were playing I believe. Ah well - maybe next year.

Even more blatent plug

btw Alex (and others who may be interested)

The henry fool album is available now on www.burningshed.com along with No-man, Bass communion (Steven Wilsons ambient act) and some other interesting stuff.

OK, thats my last advert - honest!

Stephen

Posted on: 14 August 2001 by Stephen Bennett

Well, I used to have my www sites in a sig - but got my cyber wrists slapped on the forum.

Stephen

www.chaosstudios.co.uk

It slipped in!

Posted on: 14 August 2001 by Sproggle

While I must admit that I do find it mildly irritating to see a sig full of adverts, I hope other forum members will agree with me that it's wholly appropriate for people to promote their music in The Music Room.

Unless other forum members or the moderators object, I'd suggest starting a new thread, and adding to it every time you have something new to tell us about your work.

I certainly hope nobody objects to this, because I expect to be doing the same thing within the next couple of years. I'll need some merciless "beta-testers" for my music, and the Naim forum seems the ideal place to find them.

--Jeremy

Posted on: 14 August 2001 by Stephen Bennett

...because not only are you lot music lovers as opposed to music consumers, but you're more likely to appreciate the work gone into production & engineering than the average punter.

Stephen (I refuse to mix for the housing-estate blaster crowd) Bennett

Posted on: 14 August 2001 by Alex S.

but I shant shoot you for that.

Posted on: 15 August 2001 by Stephen Bennett

..if it's good enough for Elton...keyboards, guitar, sax, bass, drums...you naim it I'll hit it. mainly keys on the hf album that's true - nice to tickle the plastics in a band setting. The next hf album will be even more fun as I have access to some really nice Mics and a Grand Piano in a nice acoustic environment.

Regards

Stephen

Posted on: 06 September 2001 by Alex S.

I've been doing a lot of PT listening recently and I have decided that 'Recordings' is much better than I thought - go check it out if you haven't already.

No doubt that 'Coma Divine' is way out in front though. As you know, I'm not a great live album fan, but this is in a different league to most.

Alex.

Posted on: 06 September 2001 by Alex S.

Sorry not to have done the Henry Fool bit yet. I'm pretty amazoned and s/h vinyled out at the moment. But its top of my next list.

Alex.

Posted on: 06 September 2001 by Stephen Bennett

Alex

Thats Ok - It's selling pretty well, which is nice. It's actually available now after the pressing delay.

Hooray!

Regards

Stephen

Posted on: 07 September 2001 by Stephen Bennett

You are all wonderful human beings with inquisitive tastes and superb stereos.

Regards

Stephen

Posted on: 30 October 2001 by Stephen Bennett

.....for the kind words. And the combination!

I'm the less bearded one. I was wearing my glasses for that 'Dave Stewart' feel. You just can't keep bass players away from keyboards! Actually, Peter is a rather acomplished pianist (he plays with Tim in Samuel Smiles)

Regards

Stephen