This is a reissue of the 2002 live performance at Shepherds Bush Empire in London on Marillion’s Madfish label. This does seem odd, as you would expect to see them perform in some tent or outside at some hippy fest. It’s one thing to hear the Ozrics in the tranquility of your own home, but live is a whole different thing.
I guess they are the UK’s original Jam band, as they do go off in these psychedelic moments and come back seemingly on cue. I’m a huge fan of Ed Wynne’s guitar playing and there is lots of it to enjoy here. He does use a lot of effects to create these wonderful soundscapes and a beautiful wall of sound.
There are lots of cool things to delight your ears, one of which is how much they remind me of The Police. Yeah, I know that sounds a bit nuts but listen to Erpland with the groove and guitar sound and tell me that’s not the Police on exotic substances. The Ozrics’ whole vibe is all about the trippy keyboards and the groove as much as Ed’s guitar, which is featured to the extreme on The Throbbe, the close out piece which is my favourite.
It’s cool to see they are still making great music and I hope to catch them live again.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
