Ozric Tentacles' 2001 release, Pyramidion, is a masterclass in space rock, blending hypnotic beats, ripping guitar, and soaring synths to create a truly immersive experience. This 5-track EP, initially released on Stretchy Records and later re-issued on Snapper, showcases the band's signature sound, which has drawn comparisons to fellow space rock pioneers, Hawkwind.
The EP kicks off with the titular track, 'Pyramidion', a studio recording that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The remaining tracks, 'Xingu', 'Pixel Dream', 'Sultana Detrii', and 'Aramanu', are all live recordings, showcasing the band's ability to recreate their complex, intricate sound in a live setting. These tracks, drawn from their preceding albums, The Hidden Step and Waterfall Cities, demonstrate the band's commitment to their unique blend of spacey reggae bass, flute twirls, and psychedelic electronics.
With a runtime of 41 minutes, Pyramidion is a concise yet powerful release, featuring the talents of Ed Wynne on guitars, synthesizers, and samples, Seaweed (Christopher Lenox-Smith) on synthesizers, and John Egan on flutes. The result is an album that is both a testament to Ozric Tentacles' skill as musicians and a thrilling ride for fans of space rock, progressive rock, and psychedelic rock. Overall, Pyramidion is a must-listen for anyone looking to experience the best of Ozric Tentacles' unique sound.