Ozric Tentacles: The Yumyum Tree

The Yumyum Tree marks the first studio album since 2006 for these stalwarts of the UK underground and festival scene who have now endured for more than a quarter of a century across 25 albums that have seen them notch up more than a million in worldwide sales. Pretty impressive for a band that came about as a result of a jam session around a campfire at the Stonehenge free festival back in 1983. Various members may have come and gone over the years but the Ozrics remains under the leadership of Ed Wynne with his wife Brandi contributing some bass and synths.

For the most part Wynne's guitar plays a supporting role as the dominant soundscapes is provided by the varied keyboards and electronic rhythms that build layers of ambient effects to create that hypnotic, trancelike and chilled out vibe for which the Ozrics have become well known. When he does cut loose on the exploratory guitar piece 'Oddweird' it makes you wish he would give this a try more often. The eastern theme of the opening 'Magick Valley' and the extended workout of the nine minute title track are both highlights but if the Ozrics have never made an impression on you before then this is unlikely to bring about a change of mind. Quite simply an album that sounds exactly like you might expect and one which contains few surprises. That said, it marks another chapter in the legacy of the Ozric Tentacles and will no doubt delight their long term admirers.

Track Listing
Magick Valley
Oddweird
Mooncalf
Oolong Oolong
YumYum Tree
Plant Music
Nakuru
San Pedro

Added: May 6th 2009
Reviewer: Dean Pedley
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2438
Language: english

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