Ozric Tentacles, a UK-based quintet, hail from the musical realm of Fusionland, combining a steady base of electronic trance with the ethereal wizardry of tantric guitar solos and Eastern ambience. The Hidden Step is the band’s 16th studio album.

‘Aramanu’ opens with a haunting sitar, (the Egyptian flavour fuelled by Ed Wynne’s penchant for all things pyramid shaped) and moves slowly through melodic keyboard riffs and metallic percussion resonance to a soft, heady, lo-fi fade-out. ‘Holohedron’ is a mix of chiming guitar solos, dance beats and winding melodies, descending back into another of those pools of quiet between songs.

Even though there are only seven tracks here, it isn’t hard to get a fair idea of where these guys are coming from. Apparent “legends of the underground”, Ozric Tentacles are one of those bands you either love or hate. A rather elitist subject, they are, masters of their craft.

The Hidden Step is a must for fans of all things diverse and sub-scene; and as for the rest of us, the intrigue alone is reason enough for a listen.