LIVE AT THE PONGMASTERS BALL

Ozric Tentacles have always been one of those little hidden gems you absolutely wished no-one else knew about, that you could hold close to your heart and barely share with any other aficionados. They are a highly under-rated, under-valued UK band. An extremely layered group, lively encompassing the space-rock, psychedelic-prog-rock, fusion-jazz, psytrance-electronica genres to clearly illustrate their under-estimation. And ALL of these traits are evident in the Pongmasters DVD.

Ozrics have never considered themselves as a serious band, however dousing yourself with your favorite 'poison', and settling down to Live at the Pongmasters Ball changes that perception all together. This DVD will spell bind you from front to back, having you fumble for the second disk in an attempt to get it into the player, show uninterrupted. First observation of this masterpiece should, through well experienced advise, be witnessed alone. Interruptions other than replacing the first disk with the second should be at absolute zero.

The band warms up slowly while you wonder whether this review was accurate in it's pro-actively positive assessment. This changes when the band members find their niche and the collaboration awakens to what can only be described as a frenzy of masterful improvisation. Layering of sound scapes are well vibrant. Each time you encounter this Ozrics work, you see and hear something you never came close to in a prior viewing, making this DVD one that can be watched repeatedly without self demise.

In full ensemble, Ed Wynne seems to play selfishly regardless of the other members presence, but this seems also the case regarding the other members. It is this sense of almost disarray that makes this collaboration an absolute delight to watch. Each members' musical 'opinion' makes its own self-stated expression as if each one is more important than the next, yet the musical battle among each other is nothing short of explosive and highly engrossing. Keeping up with any one of the various complicated layers can be difficult as you are drawn to the absolute talent of each member. This only strengthens your devotion toward watching this all over again.

Visual aspects light up your senses as they are engulfed with masses of colour. Multi-angle camera points make you a part of the arrangement. Little of what was done by way of big-band ensemble on this DVD is seen elsewhere in the Ozrics catalogue. Walking away from the experience is just that. Its an experience little else can familiarise yourself with.