THERE IS NOTHING

THERE IS NOTHING is the fourth cassette-only release from OZRIC TENTACLES in the 80s before they released their first official album "Pungent Effulgent" in 1989. After the excellent live album "Live Ethereal Cereal" the OZRICS returned to dish out another studio cassette recording shortly thereafter. This album pretty much continues the consistent sounds that every album before incorporated. The evolution of OZRIC TENTACLES has to be one of the most subtle and slow burners in all of music history because from the very first album to the latest, the differences are fewer than the similarities. Not to say there are no changes here though. There is a noticeable leap in production and mixing. The instruments blend together more effectively, the synths have more variety in not only sound but in volume control. There are also more ethnic influences creeping in as well.

The space rock retains a strong Hawkwind feel as usual but there is also a huge "Fish Rising" Steve Hillage feel as well. At times it is a bit too pronounced and the OZRICS feel like more of a tribute band than original. It wouldn't be an OZRIC TENTACLES early release if it didn't include some reggae, ambient synths, hypnotic percussion and echoing guitar riffs. This would also be the last release with drummer Tig (Nick van Gelder) who would be replaced by Merv Pepler. The music is consistent and the track "O-I" would be re-recorded and included on "Pungent Effulgent."

Personally except for the "Live Ethereal Cereal" release, i find these early offerings by the OZRICS a little monotonous and too similar in their style and song structures to warrant any true excitement. It should be remembered that this is space rock and not progressive compositions brimming with virtuosity. For what this band is offering is pleasant enough and well played and in the right mood can be quite satisfying. I tend to eschew these early releases for the most part because i find the later releases much more varied from this early stage. OZRIC TENTACLES albums tend to be quite lengthy affairs as well and at 72:06 this one is a bit too long. I can't say anything bad about this one, but at this point it does seem to evoke exactly the same reactions as the previous albums and coming right after the live album seems a little less energetic. Decent and pleasant but not much more.

As with all six of the cassette-only releases THERE IS NOTHING was eventually released in 1994 by Dovetail Records on CD and today can be found digitally remastered and available in the "Vitamin Enhanced" boxed set.