JURASSIC SHIFT

This was the very first OZRIC CD I ever picked up (along with "Arborescence" which I bought at the very same store the very same day). I was hearing of their reputation as the "new Gong". Both the CDs I bought were the out-of-print American versions on the now-defunct IRS label (the one that had the Go-Gos on its roster, not to mention reissuing FOCUS albums, that meant the label had both new wave and prog rock on its roster). I was immediately drawn to the Blim artwork to both. I'm glad once I got to hear both CDs, I was sold on the OZRICS.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about "Jurassic Shift" is just how well this CD did on the British album charts, reaching number 6. The band never altered their sound, never went commercial, it was just a stroke of luck this album did so well on the charts which are usually unfriendly to this kind of music. Given my skepticism of how music was like in the 1990s, I wasn't sure what to expect with the OZRICS, but the minute I heard "Jurassic Shift", I was complely amazed. Lots of great wild guitar from Ed, and great spacy synthesizers (both analog and digital) from Joie. I really enjoyed the band's inclusion of Asian and Middle Eastern styles in their music, for example, the Chinese influence of "Feng Shui".

Certainly I think some of the songs tend to meander a bit, but the music, for the most part is inspired and full of excitement. This album was recorded at a time when bassist Roly (Ed's brother) was in the middle of departing from the band, so many of the cuts were done by new bassist Zia (who first appeared on the Live Underslunky CD). The reason for Roly's departure was to pursue other musical interests, by forming a band called Damidge with drummer Conrad Prince and keyboardist Christopher Lennox-Smith. The latter two end up joining the OZRICS after Joie and Merv decided to concentrate full time with Eat Static. These two guys we know as Rad and Seaweed (who are no longer OZRIC members).

Anyway, "Jurassic Shift" is still a wonderful place for those not familiar with the OZRICS to start.

My rating: 4 1/2 stars