JURASSIC SHIFT

This Ozric album is much more hard-space-rock oriented than any of their work so far. And this is fine with me, even if "Hawkwind" did the same some time ago.

"Jurassic Shift" starts really well with "Sunhair" and "Stretchy". But the old habits are also brought back with "Feng Shui" which is their usual reggae-oriented song. At least one per album: that's the price you'll have to pay. It is repetitive, monotonous and dull. Press next.

The same and passionless music can also be experienced during "Halflight in Thillai". This is a spacey track which is by no means pleasant or interesting. Same old stuff.

The title track is of another calibre: at least it brings some variety and dynamics in this work. It starts on the soft side but is building crescendo. The guitar work is fine and even if those "space" sounds in the background are so cliché, it is one of the best songs from the album. Some fine Oriental parts complete the picture just before a gorgeous finale dominated by a superb beat.

The last two tracks are a good summary of what's available on "Jurassic Shift": some atmospheric passages ("Train Oasis") and some more hard-rocking ones ("Vita Voom").

In all, I would say that this album is worth five out of ten. I'll upgrade it to three stars.