On their latest EP, Intertwined, Özergun, the emerging ensemble from Naarm/Melbourne, showcase a development that straddles ambition and artistic maturation.
This fifteen-minute EP is a leap from their previous endeavour, Live in Studio A, marking a transition from a mere collection of songs to a more unified auditory journey. Intertwined sees the band wading into the deep waters of sustainability, a theme that’s often handled with kid gloves in the music world. Özergun approaches this with a mix of urgency and finesse, avoiding preachy overtones.
It’s a delicate balance they strike, engaging with a critical issue while keeping the musicality front and centre. The EP’s pivotal track, On The Brink, stands out as an indicator of the band’s evolving soundscape and maturing lyrical approach. Özergun has been known for their engaging studio presence, but here they push beyond their comfort zone, blending complex grooves with introspective lyrics that prompt reflection, not just reaction.
It begins with a melding of Mediterranean elements and hip-hop rhythms, setting the stage with entrancing saxophone solos. This then smoothly transitions into a rock-reggae fusion, marked by guitar work that carries an emotional heft. This fluidity in shifting between genres speaks to Özergun’s growing prowess in creating a coherent yet varied sound. What sets Özergun apart is their ability to create music that resonates on both a personal and a universal level.
‘‘ While largely instrumental, On The Brink carries lyrics that serve as a conduit between individual experiences and larger societal themes, a trait that gives the track a depth beyond its melody.
While largely instrumental, On The Brink carries lyrics that serve as a conduit between individual experiences and larger societal themes, a trait that gives the track a depth beyond its melody. On The Brink, and by extension Intertwined, isn’t just another step in Özergun’s discography.
It’s a confident stride towards a more engaged and thoughtful musical expression. The track, and the EP as a whole, invites listeners not just to hear but to immerse themselves in the complexities it muses upon, particularly the nuanced portrayal of environmental issues.
LISTEN TO OZERGUN HERE: