"Redux" EP by Ozzga

Young shoegaze band Ozzga announce their return with a new EP - Redux! After laying low for a couple of years, they announce their return with the reimagining of two songs from their debut EP. Zurg sounds more filled out and having more bass in the overall production while Always sounds heavier - emotionally and sonically - with a doom tinge from a slower delivery.

I was able to have a quick chat with the group about their return and the EP.

JANLOR: Why re-emerge at a time like this and why did it take so long?

GABRIEL: Personally, I think it was the best time for us to reform since we put a lot of thought into it. The support from our friends helped us to get back on track since the break up was so sudden that everything didn’t sink in when it happened. Most of us still wanted to play as Ozzga but there was a lot of pressure and it felt unnatural.

BOID: We already had plans before the pandemic hit. I think it’s all just pretty bad timing.

RONMAN: The time apart from one another was able to help mend the relationship between one another and finally set expectations regarding the band's future. We finally came to an understanding and Ozzga was reborn.

QUASAR: Before the pandemic, we had already began talking about reforming the band and starting over again. It was a long process that required us to become transparent and honest with each other regarding what we wanted for the band. When our decision was finalized, we officially restarted the band and began working on the Redux EP.

JANLOR: Why were those 2 songs chosen?

GABRIEL: We had an album of unfinished songs that were supposed to be a comeback release in the future but due to our creative differences everything was scrapped. This led us to re-invent our sound with our current lineup and what we have. The versions of these 2 songs from our debut EP didn’t really sit well with me when it came out. It sounded too clean and too different when we play it live. We recorded the Redux EP the way we wanted to sound live.

BOID: We like those two songs and for Ozzga’s overall evolving tone. We believe that Zurg and Always truly encapsulates our tone as of now.

RONMAN: These two songs had amazing potential to be even greater. We saw the opportunity to elevate its sound and that is what happened. The dynamic were greatly improved upon and we are excited to play them live once again.

QUASAR: Personally, I had always thought that Zurg and Always were the two songs from our first EP that felt unfinished or incomplete. I always felt like there was still something more to come from those songs. The Redux EP gave us the chance to rework these songs with the new style and sound that we recently discovered. Now, I think the Redux versions of these songs are closer to our actual live sound than before.

JANLOR: What can fans expect from the band in the future?

GABRIEL: Our friends could expect for an upcoming release hopefully by early next year. I’ve been talking with Meg from Polar Lows to do a split EP since we’ve been big fans of theirs ever since we started playing shows. We have several new demos that are almost done and ready for recording and we can’t wait to share it to everyone.

BOID: Honestly, given the uncertainty that we are facing right now. I don’t think it’s wise to expect anything as of now but hopefully we plan on releasing new music in the near future.

RONMAN: There are lots of new music on the way from Ozzga and we are excited to share it. This time of quarantine and lockdown has enabled us to align ourselves to creating more once again in a more united fashion.

QUASAR: I’m excited to say that fans can expect new songs next year! We’ve been busy writing new music and trying out different sounds since we reformed. Staying at home for a long period of time has actually helped me connect with my creative side a little bit more, which has been helpful in writing new music with the band.

Stream Redux below! Pre-orders are also open for their limited edition shirt!