Ozric Tentacles - The Hidden Step

"No one knows what it is, but it's damn cool."

Ozric Tentacles' latest album pretty much encapsulates all their best qualities. Like all their albums, this disc sounds like something from another dimension, fusing jazz with space rock with African and Middle Eastern song influences. Sometimes people compartmentalize them as an hippie stoner jam band, but that's...not quite right. With those heavy downbeats and synthesizer-laden tracks, an initial suspicion is that the Ozrics are some kind of electro group. While they do acknowledge various conventions of that genre, make no mistake - they are a rock band. Their elaborate, inventive, and sophisticated musicianship combined with a knack for dynamic and innovative songwriting and a crystal-clear production all mesh and take you on a crazy instrumental music ride that only this band can offer. Swirling sonic textures blend and weave in hypnotizing patterns, and sometimes you must simply stop and be amazed by what these folks are doing. Songs also ooze atmosphere, especially on songs where they utilize Eastern chord progressions. Very cool. The songs are perfectly varied, from the energizing opener "Holohedron" to the slow, mesmerizing "Aramanu" to the jaw-dropping dynamics of "Tight Spin" (with a killer acoustic solo to boot!). Great CD.