Ozric Tentacles - Become The Other (LP)
- LP
- 1 piece(s)
- 1995
- 8 tracks
- 54 min
- space rock
Become The Other
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4.3
Average of 3 reviews
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This Ozric album seems to have flown under the radar, especially in the US. It wasn't initially released here, and I only got my hands on it a few years later when Snapper records reissued it. Say farewell to Joie and Merv, and welcome Seaweed and Rad. This record marks the debut of the Ozrics' new synth player and drummer. I wouldn't go so far as to say any Ozric album is bad, but this one might not be as strong as some of their others. Perhaps it's due to the band adjusting to the new members. My favorites here are "Wob Glass" and "Plurnstyle." Both have fantastic, unique basslines. "Plurnstyle" also features some lovely acoustic guitar work. As always, the synth work is beautiful.
Become the Other is arguably the most debated Ozrics record. Following the Arborescence sessions, Merv and Joie exited the band, soon to be swapped out by Rad and Seaweed. Losing key members like Joie, whose synths were the backbone of the Ozrics' sound, could've been catastrophic. And while Merv's drumming might not be the most technically proficient, his beats were the band's pulse. But fear not, for Joie was succeeded by someone who was not only his friend (they even recorded Moksha's demo in Joie's home) but also his primary inspiration. Plus, this new guy could nail Joie's parts just as well. As for Merv's replacement, he was more technically skilled, citing Neil Peart of Rush as his main influence. And in my opinion, he had the best drum sound of any Ozrics drummer. While Ed was the main force behind the Ozrics sound, especially in the studio, he needed capable bandmates to feel comfortable and express himself freely. And both Rad and Seaweed were perfect for the role. Now, about the album itself. It's unmistakably Ozrics, but it does have a slightly different vibe compared to the masterpiece albums that came before it. It's not as different as the ones that followed, but it's still distinct. I'd say it's right in the middle of the older material and the more experimental albums that came after. It starts with Cat DNA, a classic Ozrics rocker, and includes Vibuthi, the heaviest Ozrics track to date, and the title track, an ambient tune with plenty of acoustic guitar, all of which remind me of the Ozrics of yore. But there are also tracks like Ghedengi, Neurochasm, and especially Wob Glass, which bring in more modern synthscapes. I don't mean these tracks abandon the old sound for the new, but rather, they build upon it. Ghedengi is pure psybient, while the other two have a strong techno influence. The album wraps up with Plurnsyle, the last Ed/Joie collaboration until Sunrise Jam in 2008, another smooth ambient tune. So, is this album as good as the Ozrics name implies? In my opinion, yes, though its brilliance might take a bit longer to sink in than, say, Erpland or Waterfall Cities. But patience pays off. My standout tracks are Ghedengi, Wob Glass, and Vibuthi, with the rest not far behind. It's as essential as any other Ozrics album, despite some fans struggling to connect with it. It's not that different, but it feels a bit unfamiliar at first. Stick with it, though, and you'll grow to appreciate and welcome this variation. 9/10
This release is alright by me, it sounds decent in my opinion. I haven't had the chance to listen to the original vinyl or tape, and my stereo setup is pretty basic. I wouldn't spend more on a cartridge and stylus than I did on my home... and I don't throw a fit when I hear a pop or a crackle, so my expectations aren't sky-high. That said, I quite like this pressing both visually and sonically, and it looks neat. It's not a gatefold sleeve but it is vibrant and glossy.
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| Date | Lowest price | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2025 | $27.97 | β¬32.98 |
| Apr 29, 2025 | $37.99 | β¬37.99 |
| Jun 30, 2025 | $37.99 | β¬37.99 |
| Jul 2, 2025 | $37.99 | β¬37.99 |