Containing elements of such progressive rock gurus as
Hawkwind and
Gong,
Ozric Tentacles' music consisted of kamikaze guitar riffs that dove straight into frenzied explosions of keyboards and drums.
Afterswish is a two-disc compilation of the band's psychedelic-dipped offerings from the years 1984 to 1991. As
Ozric Tentacles' style ranges from spacy prog to a busier form of the Canterbury genre, it's the all-out instrumental storms brewed up by the band that make this album exciting. A prime example of
Afterswish's groovy movements can be heard on "Sliding and Gliding" and "The Dusty Pouch," as the group concocts its own brand of funk with some interesting synthesized overlays. In most of the songs on
Afterswish, a feverishly high blend of frothy keyboards and jet-engine guitar still manages to sound entertainingly tidy and arranged. Once in a while, flute or chimes evolve from nowhere, like on the majestic "China Type."
Ozric Tentacles' synthesizer use is kept to moderation throughout the album's 25 tracks, allowing other instruments to expand their usage. Sometimes sounding like a souped-up
Tangerine Dream, some of these tracks ascend into musical journeys, as swirling organ and strings climb with elevated tempos and parachute their way back down with laid-back riffs. Compelling and creative, songs such as "Traveling the Great Circle" and "Secret Names" contain East Indian string and rhythm portions with intricate melodious jumbles, adding even more depth to this group's diversity. Each track from
Afterswish exposes this band's talent and is a most entertaining progressive voyage. ~ Mike DeGagne