Despite the album, and regardless of who is playing on it, Ozric Tentacles leader Ed Wynne always brings the goods, and Lotus Unfolding is another solid entry in the vast space rock catalog of the Ozrics, offering up six new tracks and 46 minutes of mesmerizing music. While some may say (and I've even said it a time or two over the years) that so many of the Ozric Tentacles albums have a similar feel to them, what that feel is, remains quite enjoyable and intoxicating. Ed's searing lead guitar cuts through layers of interstellar synths and electronic rhythms on the vibrant opener "Storm in a Teacup", and "Deep Blue Shade" has some of the most alluring synth patterns on the album. "Crumplepenny" is another favorite here, and that's mostly due to Wynne tearing it up on guitar...truth be told, Lotus Unfolding works best on the songs where the leader is most expressive. While the other songs are strong too ("Green Incantation" especially) I feel we almost don't hear enough Ed throughout, no doubt as I'm sure he wanted to spotlight some of the new players, two of whom being his children Brandi and Silas.
Overall though, Lotus Unfolding is a fine addition to the catalog of Ozric Tentacles and is an easy recommendation.
Track Listing
1.
Storm in a Teacup 09:37
2.
Deep Blue Shade 05:09
3.
Lotus Unfolding 08:13
4.
Crumplepenny 09:54
5.
Green Incantation 07:37
6.
Burundi Spaceport 05:08