Ozric Tentacles at The Hoxton – 04/03/12

What does a family has in common with psychedelics and odd-time signatures? …

As you'll see, “expression” would be the answer, and Tuesday night was the perfect opportunity for an elite group of Torontonians to exercise just that. Ozric Tentacles, one of the most underrated bands of our time, were at The Hoxton and so was I, along with 150+ other Ozrics enthusiasts. Formed in 1983, Ozric Tentacles has released 28 albums with various number of line-up changes, yet the consistency of Ozrics's sound, the musical direction and it's continuous evolution has been provided by the only constant member, Ed Wayne, who beside playing the guitars and synthesizers, is also the principal composer. While being regarded to as a Psychedelic Rock band, Ozric Tentacles's wide musical spectrum can also be described as a unique combination between World Music, Electronica, Progressive Rock, and of course Psychedelic Rock. A fine blend of eastern themes and melodies with odd-time signatures solid rhythms and sound effects.

The show began at 10PM with Squid Lid, a Toronto based Dark Pop Electronic duo. Accompanying the duo on some of the tunes was a beautifully made up female singer who was also responsible for the distribution of Masquerade masks among the few chosen ones in the audience. Described as “Electro- Glow Industrial Circus” and covered in colorful, abstract, modern costumes and masks, Squid Lid took us on a 40 some minutes dark fantasy ride filled with light, imagery, music and many many masks. My favorite song of the set was Winkle Picker from their upcoming album, Crypto Zoo, which made me feel like a kid, riding a toy train through that spooky, dark forest in Coraline.

One of the highlights of the night was the modesty and the size of the venue which created an atmosphere closer to a private house party. Squid Lid were gone and the audience were waiting for Ozrics while they were up on the stage tuning the instruments and finalizing the monitor levels on the stage. Couple more minutes, and the show began. With Ed Wayne on guitar an synths, there were Ed's wife Brandi Wynne on bass, Ed's son Silas Wynne on synths and Oliver Seagle on drums. Surrounded by lights, sound and mesmerized by Ozrics's tight, precise performance, we were taken on a journey across the planet Ozrics with audible tales from, among others, Erpland, Waterfall Cities, The Hidden Step and their new album, Paper Monkeys. About an hour and half of incredibly strong performance filled with grooves, guitar solos, sound effects, love and passion, the set was finished and Ozrics were gone, but we wanted more. With Brandi among the crowds, hugging and high-fiving the passionate and energetic fans, we were given an encore. Couple of minutes through the song, the cheerful Brandi was up on the stage again, accompanying the rest of the family towards the end of a night of celebration and expression for both the artists and the art lovers.

We were visited by the planet Ozrics and I don't think any of the crowd at The Hoxton on Tuesday night would mind the second encounter.