Monday March 4, 2024
On Intertwined, the latest EP from Naarm/Melbourne’s Özergun, there’s an evident leap from their previous work, Live in Studio A. This isn’t just another collection of songs; it’s a fifteen-minute field trip that coheres into something more significant than its parts. The ensemble, still emerging, exhibits a striking blend of ambition and growing artistic maturity.
Özergun delves into the theme of sustainability on this EP, a subject often approached tentatively in music. Their treatment, however, is neither timid nor heavy-handed. They navigate this critical issue with a mix of urgency and subtlety, striking a balance that retains the music’s centrality. The band’s ability to engage with such a weighty topic while maintaining musicality is no small feat.
The EP’s lead track, On The Brink, is a clear indicator of Özergun’s evolving sound and maturing lyrical perspective. Known for their engaging studio work, here they venture beyond their comfort zone. The track begins with an intriguing blend of Mediterranean flavours and hip-hop beats, marked by captivating saxophone solos. It then transitions seamlessly into a rock-reggae fusion, underscored by emotionally charged guitar solos. This stylistic fluidity showcases Özergun’s increasing skill in weaving varied sounds into a cohesive tapestry. What distinguishes Özergun is their capacity to resonate on both intimate and universal levels.
On The Brink is largely instrumental but carries lyrics that bridge personal experiences with broader societal concerns, adding a layer of depth to the melody. With Intertwined, and particularly with On The Brink, Özergun doesn’t merely step forward in their discography. They stride confidently toward a more engaged and contemplative form of musical expression. This EP is not just a set of tracks to be heard; it’s an invitation for listeners to immerse themselves in its complexity and to ponder the nuanced exploration of environmental themes it presents.
In essence, On The Brink, and subsequently Intertwined, is Özergun’s articulate and musically rich contribution to a dialogue that extends far beyond the confines of melody and rhythm.
