A while ago, I had the good fortune to hear Otso Pakarinen's
'Ozone Player' disc in its embryonic form. At the time I was most
impressed with the wealth of musical ideas which were bursting
out of each track. It was my hope that Otso could get his album
released and out to the public. Now it's available on the Visual
Power label (Otso's own ?), slightly updated.
The band is Ozone Player - the disc is 'Insane Logic'.
Catalogue # - VP001
Website: www.ozoneplayer.com
Track 1 - Whales in Fog
Musically, this is the same as the original track, but the sound
quality has improved markedly, with some subtle overdubbing and
post-production work. A decidedly odd sound, with some micro-
tuned scales. Overall, a fairly sinister sounding track.
Track 2 - Shipping
Quite laid-back and gentle. Lush strings and FM Rhodes piano.
Track 3 - The Reality Dysfunction
Journey Through a Churning Brain. An expertly executed collage
with a strange beat holding things together. Then things get
REALLY weird. Did I detect the appearance of Otso's new vaccuum
cleaner ? No, I think it's a drill. Waves of harsh reality
counterpointed with dreamy ambient states. F***ed up fun from
two seriously f***ed up Finns ! (Jouni Halmari joins Otso for
this one).
Track 4 - Casino Mobile
A lot of fun. Some great piano playing and a virtuoso sampler
performance. The vocal effects have to be heard to be believed.
Similar in places to 'Soap Operator' from GTV2. A favourite.
Track 5 - Minibar
An electro-pop sound somewhat reminiscent of Thomas Dolby, but
once more put through the Patent Pakarinizer set to 'weird'.
Track 6 - Insane Logic
Ya gotta change that title, Otso. Every time I hear it I think
of 'Daytime Logic' by Peter Baumann. Something best avoided,
I'd say ! Anyhow, this is a more mellow outing, but still
retaining a menacing air about it. This comes to a peak about
half way through, when we're definitely back in the nut-house.
Track 7 - Praise
A tribal gathering held at the Star Wars Canteena. No, really.
Track 8 - Beam
A fairly laid-back pause for reflection before moving on to...
Track 9 - Warezz
Uh-oh, we're back in the brain of a loony. "They're coming to
take me away, hehe, haha." What /is/ this fascination for
hand tools, Otso ? No, wait. Perhaps I don't want to find out.
If you ever buy a house from Otso, I think it'd be best to
check out the cellar or under the patio, first.
Track 10 - Process
Still my favourite track. It reflects the mood of Stephen King's
'The Tommyknockers' perfectly. Alien, disturbing, yet strangely
attractive. A malevolent presence sucking your life-force in
return for a super-charged IQ.
Rendered in music ! Uncanny.
Track 11 - A Shortcut to Nowhere
World Futurist Heavily Metallic Ethno-Groove.
Track 12 - Transport ?!
Ami's description of how this track develops is highly accurate,
but it really needs to be heard to be appreciated. A triumph of
arrangement, editting and production. Definitely deserving of
the title 'Mad as a Lorry'.
Summary: This album is the most inventive I've heard since CASSIEL's
Listen/Move. Not one for having on in the background while
you work (unless you work in a loony bin !). An Important
work, with a capital 'I'.
Grant Middleton