Onségen Ensemble- HottoizzoH
(Onségen Ensemble)
From Aural Innovations #38 (Jan 2008)
HottoizzoH is a 3 track CD lasting roughly just over 13 minutes. It is an exploration of the progressive world at its most raw and energetic and I imagine that most prog rock listeners would appreciate it for these very characteristics.
The opening instrumental track HottoizzoH, to me, has elements of a definite Zappa style to it. As well as the quick nudge in the direction of King Crimson, accompanied by a quick glance through a pair of Billy Cobham glasses.
The frantic fretwork and the pounding bass and drums batter the living daylights out of you. It is very energy driven. It pushes the right boundaries and it opens the right doors. I just wish that it lasted longer. Very powerful stuff.
Track two Quia Mi Mosa however is a total contrast. It is a vocal piece, which could be said to have a slight Santana feel to it. Not a big fan of it, give me more manic freeform instrumentals.
The final track gives me just this and it harks back to the opening track,
very raw and energetic. I hear heavy Slayer type riffs, but not thrash sounding.
I hear Gong styles in part. I hear King Crimson in others. I like it and would
like to hear more. Just leave the vocal tracks off the next CD please…
Thank you…
Check out the band web site at: http://www.uleborg/onsegen
Reviewed by Albert Pollard