Ozric Tentacles - Live Underslunky (2 LP, 2022 Reissue)
- LP
- 2 piece(s)
- 1992
- 11 tracks
- 1 uur, 13 min
- space rock
Live UnderslunkyCheapest atimusic.uk
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5.0
Average of 2 reviews
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The Ozrics' journey can be roughly split into two main eras, each with its unique style: the jam-heavy phase up until '94 and the sequencer-driven period from '95 onwards. This isn't to suggest a drastic change in their music, as elements from each era bleed into the other. For instance, 'Sploosh' from '91 has a techno vibe, while 'Oakum' from '02 is essentially a jam. This live album, for me, stands as the pinnacle of their early years, right alongside 'Erpland' and perhaps 'The Bits Between The Bits.' I'm utterly captivated by this album for several reasons. Firstly, it features my second favorite lineup: Ed, Joie, Merv, Jon, and Zia (my top spot goes to the lineup with Roly on bass). Joie and Merv were just tailor-made for the Ozrics' sound—the former with his melodic genius and enchanting bubbles, and the latter with his deceptively simple yet incredibly tight and controlled style. The improvisational segments are mind-blowing; after a few listens, you'll forget the original structure of the tracks. Secondly, the live versions of the songs on this album far surpass their studio counterparts. Take 'Dots Thots,' for example. Oh my goodness, this version is sheer perfection, and it's twice as long as the ones on both 'Erpsongs' and 'Ethereal Cereal.' The synths during the 'chorus' section, combined with the jam in the second half (Joie's solo brings tears to my eyes), make it one of my top-three Ozrics tracks. Another standout is 'White Rhino Tea,' particularly the soaring guitar solo in the second part, and the extended take on 'Ayurvedic,' clocking in at nearly fifteen minutes. And the jams at the end of 'Oh-Ha-Be' and 'Sunscape'? Well, every moment of every tune is pure magic. The sound quality is crystal clear, and the band is flawless. I'm not sure if it's because they'd been playing together for about five years (well, Ed and Joie nearly ten and Zia maybe around a year) or if the raw recording was refined in the studio, but their on-stage communication is phenomenal on this album. The setlist is incredibly satisfying, drawing from nearly all Ozrics albums and tapes up to that point. The flow of the music is superb, showcasing all aspects of their sound: space rock ('Erpland'), ambient ('Erpsongs'), dub (the jams), ethnic ('Snakepit'), all except 'Sploosh,' that is. I don't understand why it wasn't included; it's been a live staple every time I've seen them, and it always goes down extremely well. Go figure. Every fan knows that the Ozrics truly shine on stage, more so than on record. The spontaneity, volume, and intensity of their live performances have to be experienced to be believed. This album captures that essence perfectly, though you can't see the lightshow and Jon’s presence—the visual aspect of their show at the time. But hey, the aural experience more than makes up for it if you close your eyes and are in the right mindset. 'Underslunky' works as both a live album and an early best-of, making it the perfect introduction to the surreal world of the Ozrics for newcomers and a great addition for fans due to the extended/altered nature of the tracks. It's a beautiful document of their early-to-mid career and one of its peaks, all rolled into one. A definite must-buy. 10/10
Vinyl version with the remastering sounds fantastic! I've always been familiar with the CD, but this is so much better in terms of soundstage! This was the iconic lineup with Merv on drums, John on flute, and of course Zia handling the bass!
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