Ozric Tentacles - Paper Monkeys (LP)

Product specifications

Details

Album

Paper Monkeys

Artist

Ozric Tentacles

LP release year

2023

Album release date

November 10, 2011

Label

Kscope

EAN

802644809113

Available

No

Product information

Format

LP

Quantity

1 piece(s)

Mono or stereo

Stereo

Duration

1 uur, 1 min

Tracks

9 tracks

EAN

EAN

802644809113

Other

Limited Edition

No

Country

UK, Europe & US

Genre

Space rock

Box set

No

Remastered

No

Reissue

No

• Ozrics' Energetic Comeback

  5 out of 5 stars
  tuqgneh_uczlancexJune 8, 2024United Kingdom🇬🇧

  It’s truly challenging to approach a new Ozrics album with an unbiased perspective, given their extensive history of outstanding releases. Every new album inevitably invites comparisons to their past works, even if subconsciously. So, how can one fairly assess the latest addition to the Ozrics discography? Here’s my take. I struggled to connect with their previous album, The Yumyum Tree, and I still consider it the weakest in their catalog, though it’s not without its merits. There’s just something missing—whether it’s the absence of a full band, a lack of inspiration from Ed, or perhaps my own expectations. However, I did enjoy most of Spirals and all of The Floor’s Too Far Away, so it’s not that I have an issue with Ed & co. But why am I bringing up The Yumyum Tree when we’re discussing Paper Monkeys? Firstly, some of the soundscapes share similarities, indicating that the Ozrics haven’t completely shifted their approach to synths and samples. Secondly, to emphasize that this is the only real similarity between the two albums. Paper Monkeys is much more energetic and intense, making it a thrilling listen that fills you with energy. That’s how I see the contrast between these two albums. Initially, my first few listens left me underwhelmed, feeling like it was just another Ozrics album by the numbers. But with each subsequent listen, I relaxed my expectations and began to appreciate it more. The tracks started to reveal their unique character. Sure, there are elements from various eras of the band, but isn’t that typical for an Ozrics album? For instance, are there massive differences between Sliding Gliding Worlds and Jurassic Shift? My point is, expecting the Ozrics to completely reinvent themselves after so many years is unrealistic. That said, the tracks on Paper Monkeys have more personality than those on The Yumyum Tree, and there is some experimentation to be found. The opener, Attack of the Vapours, breaks new ground, and so does Plowm. The album masterfully uses textures, allowing the music to breathe with fewer layers in some parts, while in others, a flood of synths, guitar, bass, and drums assaults you simultaneously, completely blowing your mind. Ed’s guitar sometimes gets lost in the mix, but his tone is clear and distinct in several tracks. There’s an ethnic touch on one of my favorites, Knurl. The title track fits the Erpland mold, though it lacks the flute climax. Flying Machines, another standout, starts off floaty and pleasant before darkening into an amazing break with thunderclaps that leave you stunned. Lemon Kush features a classic Ozric guitar intro and some Yumyum Tree-style synths, along with a classy, if somewhat familiar, glissando bit. Lastly, The Will of the Wisps and Air City are the more relaxed tunes, though the former does pick up pace at one point. Another notable point is that the credits mention all tracks were written by Ed ‘with a bit of help and some nice playing from’ the rest of the band. This hasn’t happened in a while, not even on Spirals, which included a multitude of guests, including the mid-90s to early 2000s lineup. Additionally, it seems Oli played some electronic drums instead of Ed programming them, though I’m not sure which tracks feature this. What I’m trying to say is that Paper Monkeys feels more like a ‘band’ album than anything since The Hidden Step. Finally, I quite like the artwork and packaging. I love the color scheme of the cover and the Erpland-like round photos on the cloudy sky background, as well as the spacey monkey mug. In the end, Paper Monkeys will likely face the same reception as everything post-2004. Those who don’t appreciate this version of the band or Ed’s dominant role in composition may not connect with this album or will only enjoy parts of it. Those who praise everything with the name ‘Ozric Tentacles’ on it will likely praise this one too. And I will most likely play it a lot. For me, it’s their best album since The Hidden Step, alongside The Floor’s Too Far Away. 9/10