01	Spyroid						03:47
	02	Oolite Grove						05:57
	03	Afroclonk						08:06
	04	Curious Corn						10:56
	05	Oddentity						07:00
	06	Papyrus						05:32
	07	Meander						05:13

CURIOUS CORN

After the keyboard domination that infused the Ozric's previous release, 'Become The Other' 'Curious Corn' readopts the sound that permeated their acclaimed 'Jurassic Shift' opus. Spiralling the ethereal stratosphere each track contains a multitude of sub-melodic passages that create distinctive musical moods that take the listener on an audio journey of the mind. From the drum-laden 'Afroclonk' to the fraternisation with more ambient textures highlighted during' Meander', the Ozric Tentacles stretch their collective musical muscle on their satisfying release to this point. Despite reservations that the adventurous sounds displayed on their early cassette only releases has been replaced by a more refined and possibly more predictable style, I believe the band have hit upon a groove dominated style that massage, moves and penetrates with each twist and turn without losing the feel of the music. As an introduction to the weird and wonderful Ozric world try this album or 'Jurassic Shift and you can embark on one of the most satisfying explorations of free-flowing instrumental music.

Curious Corn
Format: CD
Record Label: Snapper Music
Catalogue #: SMACD 502
Year of Release: 1997

Spyroid starts with a sequencer, after which the whole song builds on drums and electronic effects. Nice short song but nothing stunning.
Oolite Grove is a more laid back, slightly bluesy kind of song with the emphasis on the guitar. After a while there's a break with a powerful bass line followed by guitar with echo effect. The tempo increases and more keyboards are added. The laid back beginning and guitar are repeated at the end of the song. Lots of varitation in this one !
Afroclonk starts with a swinging xylophone-like melody and flute-like synths. After a rather long intro of 2 minutes there's a break in which an ethnic instrument - which I seem to recognise as an Aboriginal horn - is used. The tempo increases but after four and a half minutes the music stops and slowly the xylophone melody returns. Guitars start to get sharper and after 5 and a half minutes the rhythm is picked up again. The whole continues with some added electronic effects until the end of the song.
Curious Corn features a bass line played by a synth. Guitar solo's are combined with a monotonous rhythm. After four minutes there's a break with a soundscape of atmospheric keyboards. What follows are electronic effects, distorted guitar, percussion and ethnic flute sounds. After ten minutes the song stops with dreamy keyboards. This track is a bit too long and monotonous for my taste.
Oddentity starts with a pumping bass line and a play between guitar and keyboards where the latter answer the melody played by the first. There's a break again, with an emphasis on drums and percussion. Eastern sounds from the keyboards. After some more breaks the song ends with a slowly fading bass line.
Papyrus is definitely one of the best songs on the album. The song has a catchy rhythm and guitars which bring a slightly Egyptian feel to the song. Nice breaks and a prominent bass. The guitar melody is taken over by the keyboards later on. The drums and percussion on this number are really phenomenal.
Meander starts out as an average techno trance song, but just before you start to get bored with the whole thing there's a sudden change. Powerful drumming, a dark low humming bass keyboard and Spanish guitar change the whole feel of the song.

Curious Corn is not one of the best albums of the band, but nevertheless contains a couple of nice tracks. Worth checking out but not as one of your first Ozric purchases.

The album has a nice cover (slightly Roger Dean-ish), several (live) band pictures in the 6 page booklet and a drawing of the Erpman by guitarist Ed. There aren't any extensive liner notes in the booklet (this CD is not one of the remasters).

Conclusion: 8- out of 10.

Ed Sander






CURIOUS CORN
Written by Magnus Florin

Okay, what is this really. I think defenitely think that it's progressive music, but maybe not too sure about rock. It's as if you take some Yes, Marillion, Al DiMeola and mix it with some strange techno feel. Then add some typical Bjork sounds and you've got Ozric Tentacles, but without any vocals. It's pure instrumental mood music to out it right. Great musicians and really relaxing to listen to.

The first track "Spyroid" is a pure techno thing really, but at the second track you can hear some real instruments like guitars and bass. My favourite on the album would defenitely be "Papyrus", but mostly because it reminded me of Al DiMeola in his babylon mood. If you want some music images coming out from your stereo, then check this out!