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THE FLOOR'S TOO FAR AWAY

Ozric Tentacles

Psychedelic/Space Rock


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Ozric Tentacles The Floor's Too Far Away album cover
3.70 | 139 ratings | 15 reviews | 19% 5 stars

Excellent addition to any
prog rock music collection

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Studio Album, released in 2006

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Bolshem (4:48)
2. Armchair Journey (5:53)
3. Jellylips (6:07)
4. Vedavox (2:51)
5. Spacebase (9:36)
6. Disdots (6:48)
7. Etherclock (8:01)
8. Splat! (8:59)
9. Ping (6:39)

Total Time 59:42

Bonus video:
10. Chewier (live on April 22nd, 2006 at Roadburn Festival)

Line-up / Musicians

- Ed Wynne / guitar, synth, drums (5,7,9), bass (2,6), fretless bass (9), sampling & programming, co-producer
- Brandi Wynne / bass (1), synth & Fx (2), co-producer
- Tom Brooks / "bubbles" (3,5,7)
- Matt Shmigelsky / drums (1,2,6,8)
- Merv Pepler / percussion (2)

Releases information

Artwork: Blim

CD Magna Carta ‎- MAX-9085-2 (2006, Europe)
CD Magna Carta ‎- MA-9085-2 (2006, US)

Thanks to ProgLucky for the addition
and to projeKct for the last updates
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OZRIC TENTACLES The Floor's Too Far Away ratings distribution


3.70
(139 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(19%)
19%
Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(48%)
48%
Good, but non-essential (25%)
25%
Collectors/fans only (6%)
6%
Poor. Only for completionists (2%)
2%

OZRIC TENTACLES The Floor's Too Far Away reviews


Showing all collaborators reviews and last reviews preview | Show all reviews/ratings

Collaborators/Experts Reviews

Review by Fishy
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars Like they always do, Ozric Tentacles perform excellent psychedelic sound scapes that never bore the listener. There's a succession of calm and wild parts in each instrumental track. On several moments the psychedelic Hawkwind influence is apparent in the chaotic atmospheres. In other excerpts you'll find traces of eastern music, reggae or ambient. In this kind of music, you would expect the use of an electronic drum or drum computer but Ozric alwas uses real conventional drums which sound timeless. They also manage to keep the sound of the guitar very seventies. The combination of these antique elements with the modern repetitive keys still appeal to the listener in 2006. Ozric Tentacles have never really disappointed their fans. Even though their line-up has changed completely over the years, there's no effect on the colourful sound. Maybe nowadays the emphasis is more on the electronics than it use to be. On the other hand this could be more a personal impression than a fact. Even if I try, I can't trace any significant differences between the sound of this album and the sound of the previous ones. The lush atmospheres are awesome, the tracks are compelling, the sound quality is excellent, .The Ozrics don't break any new grounds with "The floor is too far away" but who cares ? If you like the sound of Ozric Tentacles, this album will not disappoint you.
Review by Windhawk
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars The Ozrics have been around for quite a few years now.

On this release they continue doing what they're good at, mixing space rock, ambient moods and throwing in the odd jazz influences here and there as well. Some of the charm and creativity seems to be gone though.

Although not being an avid Ozrics fan, I found to my slight surprise that there were a couple of tracks here that just weren't too interesting. Most songs are good, and a track like Jellylips is among the better ones they've made in my opinion, but there are a few examples of average songs here as well. And the album is a bit more synth-based than what is usual from the Ozrics as well, as far as I can tell.

My overall impression: Still excellent if you're familiar with the Ozrics, but newbies should check out previous releases before this one.

Review by Slartibartfast
COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator / In Memoriam
4 stars To put the Ozric Tentacles in a nutshell: never before has a prog band put out so many albums that sound so much alike. And, if I might also add, who says you can't dance to progressive music. The Ozrics deliver high-energy instrumental psychedelic music. I think if they tried to play a slow song they would crash or something. This is a band where you can start pretty much anywhere in their discography and, if you like what you hear, I can pretty much guarantee you'll like the rest. This one's no exception. So if you're the type that feels compelled to collect everything in an artist's discography when you fall for them, you'll be in trouble. Although another approach would be due to the similarity of the albums, you can take your time.

Ozric Tentacles has kind of turned into an Ed Wynn project the way King Crimson is a Fripp vehicle. On the Floor's Too Far Away, Ed's wife Brandi has taken a major role, playing on five songs and joining Ed in the mixing and production. Aaah, sweet nepotism. Anyway, nothing here that makes it stick out above the rest of the pack, just another fine collection of tracks Ozric style.

Review by obiter
PROG REVIEWER
3 stars Well TBH I;m a bit of a OT head so ...

With over a dozen albums under their belt (and rumours are there's more imminent) it's going to be hard to recreate the magic...

A very chilled intro ... classic soundscapes with the promsie of interweaving patterns inticing you into the mist shrouded forest of Ozric's fabulous world. Ed Wynne's guitar soars above the canopy and spirals to new heights before exploding into a ball of gently fluttering sounds which fall back to earht cushioned by the gentle synth ... it s a dreamworld. The bass approach is different. I'm a huge fan of Zia Geelani and for me his rhythmical influence is a lacking here.

Jellylips is getiing dancier. Not Eat Static though. Vedavox had a vedic vibe (I assume that's what the name's about): nice but doesn't hit the heights. This is difficult territory for a prog band becasue you can't get away from comparisons with Shakti and McLoughlin and that's a comparator that most bands should shy awau from (or face less favourable treatment).

Spacebase is hard core Ozric trippy: maybe only lacking a few bubbles. Nah, let's be honest it's lacking a lot of bubbles.

Disdots was an intriguing title: are we up for mix between Dots Thots type track (would be great - a classic from erpsongs) and Dissolution (awesome track from Pungent Effulgent) ... err no, or in Hot Fuzz terms ...NARP! However, in midsteam we are wowed by some magnificent Ed Wynne and it's got to be said some pretty darn effective and beautifully measured bass runs.

Etherclock: a song which set out the riff early doors: here it is chaps, now listen to what we're goign to do. Standard slow build, synth flows, and froths if not bubbles. Clipped delayed chords with a gaorgeous clean sound. We're still building. A break and then Ed treats us to his more Satriani-esque side (he's normally a bit more Steve Vai). Tempo picks up & drives: a little bit more old school. there's breakdown and, well, it's a bit overdone for me .. sort of a damp squib.

Spalt: I'm expecting fireworks: pyrotechnics take out the first three rows in an unprecedented slaughter of innocents for the glory of rock. Double Narp. Good track, well -ish. Synth, drums and well bass and synth and guitar and synth and sort of bland. With all that the guiter officianados will like another Edfest near the end.

And so to sleep perchance to dream ...Ping. Different and nice fretless bass (gotta be said it doesn't need the precussion). Bulds fairly effortlessly and blands out.

it's OK but way way way down the OT playlist.

Review by Prog Leviathan
PROG REVIEWER
3 stars An immediately mystical and catchy introduction sets the way for some outstanding Ozric enjoyment. "The Floor's Too Far Away" serves up heaping spoon-fulls of tasty grooves and electronic effects, slithering, crinkling, zoipping, splooshing, splat!ing through the listener's ears in classic style.

Compared to previous Ozric albums, this one is pretty much a standard affair, standing tall alongside their already stellar catalogue. Juxtaposed to the previous "Spirals in Hyperspace", this one feels much more cohesive and organic sounding, not to mention more full thanks to the additional members. The production is first rate, giving each song a very dense, vibrant sound, and the group's playing is as tight as ever.

Taken as a whole, "The Floor's" songs are mellow, occasionally dream-like, and occasionally frantic. Most take their time in blasting off, and there are only a few moments where Ed Wynne really lets loose with his guitar (his first solo isn't until track 2, and then again until 5). "Jellylips" is an entertaining entry, its rapid sampled and electronic effects sounding like something robots would breakdance to. An abundance of nature sounds and "swooshes" are heard throughout the album, making the majority of it a laid back affair, the higlight for me being the opener and the slowly building, dense "Disdots" .

While very good, and very Ozrics, "The Floors Too Far" needs more to bump it up to 4 stars. Still, for fans of the group it won't dissapoint!

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 4 Lyrics/Vocals: NA Style/Emotion/Replay: 3

Review by ZowieZiggy
PROG REVIEWER
2 stars I have never been a huge fan of this band. Diversity has never been their strong points to say the least. And this seventeenth studio album is no other than a long and same sequence of space rock beats.

To depict each track separately would be a useless exercise since most of them use the same technique: upbeat rhythm, strong drumming and performing guitar work.

But to endure the same for about an hour is not rewarding. This album is quite a conservative OT one. Die hard fans might be thrilled but I certainly am not impressed with this release. But the band never scored higher than three stars in my tables ("Pungent Effulgent", "Waterfall Cities", "Swirly Termination" or "Spirals In Hyperspace" together with some good live records).

Actually, the band is best experienced live for the casual fan.

The most representative song from "The Floor's Too Far Away" could be "Splat!". A summary of what can be expected on this album (see second paragraph of this review to avoid repetition like while listening to the whole album).

If you're not an OT maniac, this album is probably not the best entry point. One of the above is probably better to taste their music. The musicians are skilled and they perform very well; this is not the point. But their compositions are just mostly dull here.

Two stars.

Review by Mellotron Storm
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars I must admit I wasn't expecting much here after being somewhat disappointed with the previous album "Spirals In Hyperspace". Boy did I get a surprise. I cannot get over how much I like this album. A lot of OZRIC albums have a song or at least passages that I can't get too into, but this record is consistant from front to back making it one of my favourites from them.

"Bolshem" is led by spacey sounds early then these moog-like sounds lead 2 1/2 minutes in followed by a full sound which I like a lot better. "Armchair Journey" is such a great title.Take a trip and never leave the farm as they say. Spacey to start and I like the bass 2 minutes in as it builds.Guitar after 3 minutes. "Jellylips" has these experimental sounds to open then a beat joins in. Cool sound here. It picks up before 2 minutes with guitar. Love that beat. "Vedavox" has an Eastern flavour to it and the tempo shifts often.

"Spacebass" has a deep rhythm as the guitar joins in. Synths follow as that rhythm continues. Guitar comes to the fore 3 minutes in and later at 6 minutes. "Disdots" slowly builds and we get guitar a minute in. It settles in before 2 1/2 minutes with bass, drums and synths.The guitar is back 3 1/2 minutes in lighting it up as the tempo settles back. "Etherclock" is such a great sounding track with that deep rhythm and those lighter sounds over top. Strummed guitar before 2 minutes then Ed solos after 2 1/2 minutes. Nice.The tempo picks up after 4 minutes as they rock out. It settles back before 6 minutes to the end. "Splat !" has such a catchy beat to it,a real top tapper.Guitar after 4 1/2 minutes makes it even better.This is uptempo throughout.The guitar is ripping it up before 7 1/2 minutes. "Ping" is more laid back with bass, a beat and synths leading the way. It sounds like acoustic guitar before 3 minutes then electric guitar comes in a minute later.

Easliy 4 stars and one of my favourites from the OZRICS.

Review by Warthur
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars Something of a refinement on the approach of Spirals In Hyperspace, with perhaps the psybient influences dialled back a tad to land somewhere closer to the Ozrics' customary space rock territory, though with a tad more bite than they've had for a while at this point. Once again, it's Ed Wynne and a revolving cast of guests performing here, though there's a bit more in the way of real drummers rather than programmed drums which makes everything feel just that touch more organic. If Spirals felt like the inside of a psychedelic nightclub, Floor's Too Far Away feels like something which could grace a free festival like the band cut their teeth at in the old days - were such festivals still extant.
Review by BrufordFreak
COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
5 stars Newcomer Brandi Wynne steps up from her previous guest appearance to that of full-on collaborator--mostly on synth and in the production booth. Otherwise, this album represents Ed in an almost-solo capacity. You go, Dude!

1. "Bolshem" (4:48) actually a pretty cool groove--a steady but easy-going pace with some fine performances (and fine coherence) across the board, start to finish. (8.875/10)

2. "Armchair Journey" (5:53) seems to get a jump start from the bleed-over from the previous song but is, in fact, a totally different song. The long spacey intro is really great--quite YES-like, but then, in the third minute, Ed breaks out his STEVE HILLLAGE--but then backs off--it's only a tease while he lets the drums (grâce à Matt Shmigelsky) show off a bit before taking off/over himself. The bass (Ed's) is pretty great throughout: not just a rhythm keeper but also a part- time melody-maker. The dreamy Fender Rhodes is cool too--there are parts that make me think I'm in the middle of the lush soundscapes of NOVA's Narada Michael Walden-produced Vimana, 1976. This is great--not just regurgitated old OT stuff.(9.125/10)

3. "Jellylips" (6:07) opens with computer-effected weirdness (like the treated voices in Kanye West's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger"). The drum, bass, and synth cohesive rhythm track has some nice staccato elements but is otherwise another variation on the "drive with the top down country road" format that this band excels at. I've got to hand it to Tom Brooks and Ed's synth mastery (with perhaps a little assist from new-energy newcomer Brandi Wynne) for the very creative soundscape they've pulled off for this one. The solos are 90% synth generated, 10% Ed's Hillage-guitar. Kudos for sound and palette creativity. (8.875/10)

4. "Vedavox" (2:51) Space-African sound palette with talking drums, drones, and all-kinds of teeth, nose, and thumb instrument sounds all woven together within a kind of Arabian orientation. Again, credit is deserved for the sheer creativity behind the sound choices devised to make this weave. (8.875/10)

5. "Spacebase" (9:36) the slow bouncy percussive synth-bass intro reminds me the work of both Berlin School-KLAUS SCHULZE and SONAR. Other instruments soon join in to create the usual full-spherical four-dimensional surround- sound. It feels as if the bouncy synth-bass is quite often either the lead instrument, or the melody-setter, as well as, occasionally, the attention-getter. Even when Ed is soloing on his guitar I find myself much more interested in what the bass line is playing. That super-funky BILLY PRESTON ("Space Race")-reminiscent sixth minute is so ill! And the synth player(s) just keeps driving it home throughout the next minute--even while a separate synth tries to take over and Ed's searing guitar play really does. Cool, simplistic PAUL HARDCASTLE-like solo synth in the seventh as the support palette of instruments slowly shifts to a more dream-jungle-like soundscape--until 7:25 when the robot funk "bubble" voice takes over and carries the lead well into the ninth minute. Overall, quite a magical, danceable ride. (18.5/20)

6. "Disdots" (6:48) more great multi-multi-dimensional sounds woven together magically across many levels in a very jazz-rock fusion fashion with some great drumming, bass play, and Steve Hillage-like lead guitar work. (13.5/15)

7. "Etherclock" (8:01) using a foundational soundscape that sounds remarkably like something from one of ANDREAS WOLLENWEIDER's early albums, this one takes off into planetary reconnoitre before going heavy rock 'n' roll with one of Ed's raunchier guitar sounds soloing away. The interesting rhythm guitar chord strum play in the fourth minute is quite JAN AKKERMAN like. Great MOOGY KLINGMAN/UTOPIA-like synth play in the sixth as Ed's guitar continues its creative strum play. A song with some great highs (the syncopated strumming) and irritating lows (the raunchy guitar). (13.33333/15)

8. "Splat!" (8:59) a very funked up weave (that my wife loved!) sets up plenty of opportunities for solos--many that come from the synths as well as a few tamer ones from Ed's electric guitars. (I count, minimum, five different ones-- which is actually small when compared to the number of synth sounds employed.) Solid, very good, but just not enough to raise it to "write home about" level. (17.75/20)

9. "Ping" (6:39) a dreamy sci-fi keyboard soundscape over which Ed flies around on his fretless bass. Besides Brandi's keys, I'm not sure there's anyone else contribution to this one. Daryl Stuermer (with Jean-Luc Ponty)-like acoustic guitar joins in and then takes over for the third minute as the music flattens out and runs a few red lights. Impressive! The fourth minute presents some very PAT METHENY GROUP-like polyrhythmic math rock odd time sigs and playing while the drums and electric guitar take off in straight time over the top. Very impressive!! Another one of those once- in-a-album songs that serves notice that this band is very much alive and producing highly creative, highly charged music. (9.5/10)

Total Time 59:42

I think the creative input added by Brandi has definitely provided a much needed shot in the arm--this despite the signs that the OT moniker is becoming a shadow mask for Ed to realize his ideas in solo. The sounds created by the computer keyboards for so much of this album are highly original and, therefore, to be commended and praised. Otherwise, I'm not sure the band has any new ideas to contribute to rock/progressive rock music in terms of song structures and style. (Though I should perhaps be reprimanded for accusing a band that has originated and perpetuated a style that is very much all their own of not being creative or progressive enough!) On another positive note: this album gets the "Big Funk Seal of Approval" from my Prince-loving wife. (It's rare that she ever asks me to turn up my music much less dances her sultry Soul Train dances right next to me while it's playing.)

A-/five stars; a minor masterpiece of progressive rock music and a real turning point in the lineage of OT sound and energy. Welcome, Brandi! Just what the band needed!

Latest members reviews

4 stars The floors to far away a good name for a ozric album when i heard of it the first time,it starts with bolshem[i think maybe the name comes from when the ozrics were called bolshem people i think way back]and starts with a sound like the titanic horning and with bird sound in back ground then an ... (read more)

Report this review (#212957) | Posted by davidsporle | Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | Review Permanlink

4 stars the return of ozric tentacles..2 years later and they create this good album..their last one to the date..mm there are no many changes in their music..or in the music of ed??anyway,if alredy you dont know this band,you have to listen this album..because is their last one..and indeed is a good on ... (read more)

Report this review (#127619) | Posted by JgX 5 | Thursday, July 5, 2007 | Review Permanlink

1 stars can i say it? yes dudd!! another dudd!! their last two albums bite and not in a good way. this is their worst effort to date by far. their early cassette releases are far better than this. i'm so disappointed in the line up changes and the horrible synth bass tones. there's really nothing i ca ... (read more)

Report this review (#120457) | Posted by 007hendrix | Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | Review Permanlink

4 stars A superb production as used to be from Ed WYNNE but IMO the album overall is a bit overrated keeping in mind that a good production isn't all. Altough I like almost all albums of Ed (Waterfall Cities the only exception) I think not any nowdays OT release can deserve a five star doesn't matter how ... (read more)

Report this review (#104866) | Posted by | Friday, December 29, 2006 | Review Permanlink

5 stars success! Ozric Tentacles make another excellent album. regardless of the band line-up being really unstable for the last couple of years, the music is still fantastic. and infact, there is something here for every Ozric Tentacles fan. there are times when this album sounds like the pre-record- ... (read more)

Report this review (#88357) | Posted by onslo | Tuesday, August 29, 2006 | Review Permanlink

4 stars The newest Ozric Tentacles cds is a wonderful album of psychedelic landscapes. The groove on this album is awesome and the bassist and drummer are an excellent rythm section, working great together to provide the foundation of that groove. Ed, the sole remaining original Ozrics member present ... (read more)

Report this review (#84764) | Posted by Minimalist777 | Tuesday, July 25, 2006 | Review Permanlink

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