"It's a bit of a shame that this band hasn't reached the same extent of popularity as Oasis and Blur. Pastoral, almost neo-psychedelic arrangements dominates this set. "Your Smile", "Adrenalina", "Night Song" are exercises in meticulously crafted pop. On the other hand, "Magazine" is hyperactive, jagging new wave, recalling the nascent XTC. All in all, XTC seems to have been an important inspiration for these lads, and when the result tastes like this, then I'm happy..."
Do Bother!
William J. Camarota | King of Prussia, PA USA | 04/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is packed with witty and quirky tasteful guitar pop that is very catchy. Strands of psychedelic backwards guitar weave in and out of some tracks. The production is flawless and the arrangements couldn't get any better. It's too bad this band faded into obscurity. A must for anyone who likes guitar pop mixed with psychedelia."
A bit of a lovely piece of work.
William J. Camarota | 04/14/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's great this is. I'm surprised that I can't find hardly anything about them at all on the net. Their music is fine, and Shearer's voice is wonderful. Adrenalina was the first song I heard. It's brilliant. And then there's Night Song, Saved, Jealousy, Wait and See. All nice things."
Brit-pop with a twist
William J. Camarota | 12/04/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Octopus turns out anything but run-of-the-mill Brit-pop. Their sound fluctuates wildly from peppy pop tunes to darker, somewhat psychedelic sounds. It keeps you on your toes. If you want an album in which you don't get 12 tracks that sound like "variations on a theme" (i.e. one long song divided into 12 tracks!), then this CD may be worth your while. Among the standout tunes (I like the pop sound, personally) are "Your Smile" (which has great brass), "If You Want to Give Me More," and "Jealousy." And, as an added bonus, you get a CD cover that unfolds into a board game, so what more could you ask?"
A many splendoured psychedelic beast, this is spellbinding.
William J. Camarota | 08/24/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Octopus are a quintessentially British group and this album sounds like a mutant hybrid of Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd, The Teardrop Explodes and Dexy's Midnight Runners. By turns delightful, charming and sinister, it flits between pastoral piano pieces and raucous guitar abuse, with lots of lovely brass arrangements. Leader Marc Shearer has a beautiful affecting voice. You'll love this!"