A Psychedelic Journey with Ozric Tentacles and Silas & Saski at 013 Tilburg (NL), 29.03.2025

Ozric Tentacles remains a name that resonates with many fans of progressive and psychedelic music. Since the 1980s, the band has been bridging the gap between prog rock, psychedelia and electronic music, constantly evolving along the way. On this evening in the Next Hall of 013 in Tilburg, they once again proved why they have maintained a loyal fan base for decades. The venue was nearly full and surprisingly, the audience was younger than what prog fans might expect.

The evening was opened by Silas & Saski, an intriguing musical duo consisting of Silas Wynne and multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Saskia Maxwell with support from bassist Corey Wallace. Their music exuded both a dreamy and organic quality with Saskia’s expressive vocals forming the beating heart of their compositions.

In addition to her vocal contributions, Saskia’s flute playing added an extra layer to the music. Her graceful movements across the stage combined with subtle influences from Indian classical dance and Sufi dance, created an ambiance that the audience visibly appreciated.

After the atmospheric opening, it was time for Ozric Tentacles. From the very first notes, the audience was drawn into a kaleidoscopic soundscape filled with psychedelic colors. The performance seamlessly alternated between dreamy ambient passages and energetic rhythmic sections.

The set opened with O-I, a powerful introduction that immediately set the tone for an evening of musical exploration. Classics like Eternal Wheel and Erpland took the audience on a journey through vast expansive soundscapes, while The Domes of G’Bal and Sunscape introduced mesmerizing melodies and pulsating rhythms. During Lotus Unfolding, Saskia returned to the stage, this time with a new hairstyle and her signature flute playing, adding yet another layer of depth to the music.

The performance reached its peak with electrifying renditions of Kick Muck and Sploosh!, proving that the band’s energy and joy in playing remain as strong as ever. The encore, Jellylips, wrapped up the night with an explosion of synths and guitar lines, evoking a futuristic and almost cyberpunk-like atmosphere.

The visuals, created by Jasper Johns at Fruit Salad Lights, enhanced the music with abstract colorful imagery that perfectly complemented the sonic journey created by Ozric Tentacles. The interplay between Ed and Silas Wynne was captivating and dynamic, ensuring that the music remained in constant motion, never feeling static or predictable. Drummer Pat Garvey also deserves special recognition. His tight rhythms and the deep groove of bassist Corey Wallace immersed the audience in an almost hypnotic state. Though both are relatively new to the band, they already feel like an essential part of its rhythmic core, bringing an extra dose of energy to the overall dynamic.

Ozric Tentacles continues to impress with their live performances. The combination of hallucinatory visuals, technical mastery and a perfect balance between ethereal ambient sounds and pulsating grooves made for an evening that will linger in the memory for a long time. The notably younger audience in the venue confirmed that their music transcends generations and remains as captivating as ever.

Whether you are a longtime fan or discovering the Ozrics for the first time, their concerts are an experience that you must witness at least once in your life. And for the devoted followers? The band continues to evolve and surprise.