ALTERED STATES

Whereas earlier albums had some composed parts along with the improv, at this stage in the band's career everything is improvised. Thankfully, each musician knows how to add to the group. They all have a unique voice on their respective instrument, but easily the most distinctive is that of Uchihashi Kazuhisa's guitar playing. The things he does with his loop station are incredible, and his playing style in general is addictive. From the first time I listened to the album 4 I knew I wanted to keep an eye on his playing. I'm glad I have, because I've been rewarded with some great and exciting improvised stuff both with this group and with others. I came to know Altered States indirectly while first looking into Korekyojinn, as the bassist from this group, Nasuno Mitsuru, joins Yoshida and Kido in that power trio. I've come to believe that being asked to play bass in a group with Yoshida is a sure sign that the bassist in question is top notch, so I checked out this, his "main" group.

Some of you are probably thinking to yourselves "A two hour plus long album of improvisations? Surely it has to get tiring before the first disc is over!" In my opinion, you couldn't be more wrong. Perhaps with less experienced improvisers or musicians who aren't this comfortable playing together, but these three really mesh at the atomic level. Everyone's pretty equally represented here, and they develop the improvs together rather than the rhythm section following the lead instrument. With musicians like Mitsuru and Yasuhiro comprising the rhythm section though, there isn't really any standout lead instrument. They're both very active on their respective instruments.

Buying this album may be somewhat of a gamble if you're unfamiliar with the group. It's certainly pricey, and I hesitated with the purchase even being familiar with what kind of music I should expect. Thankfully, I'd say it's worth every penny of the price I paid for it though, and if you are interested in the prospect of three top-notch musicians improvising and enjoying themselves for a couple hours, then I'm fairly confident you'd think it was worth the price of admission as well. Still, my advice is to start with a shorter, less expensive album (personal recommendation is 4), and if that goes well for you then consider this one. This definitely gets at least four stars for me, possibly an upgrade later.

Mostly instrumental, almost fully improv based release with some guests on board. Music is more diverse, than usual (mostly because of guest I think), very interesting Ned Rothenberg's sax on Dan-go.

In all - extremely energetic,fast and technical fusion of noise,Frippian guitar (on steroids), ecstatic rhythm section and some shamanic screams. Highest technical level of musicianship you can imagine, not too much attention to musical component (as usual).

Great album for Japanese brutal avant prog lovers, less prepared listener could be attracted by excellent musicianship techniques, but disappointed by lack of attention to musical element though.

Whole album is just recorded improvs, but sax is openly soloing instrument there, and it brings its own rules. Even if common atmosphere there is still quite dark and noisy in moments, music by its structure and even sound is modern free jazz. All instruments participates in sax improvs (possibly drummer is less busy than usual there). Compositions are very free form, with all possible components of avant jazz - complex, crazy, scratchy, so this album is far from accessible music. You will need repetitive listening just to got this release in all, and even that doesn't mean you will be very familiar with what happens there.

Addition of soloing sax to brutal Altered States music is really attractive move; free jazz music played by avant rock musicians doesn't become easier listening though.

First of all I must to say, that Baltics jazz scene is very open for years, and it gives the possibility to see such "non-jazz" bands on our Jazz Fests regularly. Not too many Jazz events around globe are so open for experimental avant prog!

Music there is full improvs,played by power trio in Japanese avant prog traditions- noisy, loud, very complex and sometimes dark. Fourth member of all concerts are well-known Japanese avant guitarist Otomo Yoshihide. Sound you can hear is free jazz by it's origin, but played by non-jazzy heavy avant rock trio. Scratching guitars, plenty of different noises, excellent musicianship level.

Live recordings have possibly not such a great sound quality on this album, but presents excellent atmosphere. Musicians are all in top form, and improvs are played so good that they often sound as pre-written compositions. I didn't hear all AS albums, but from what I listened, this one is one of their great one!

For sure, it is free form complex rock-rooted experimental avant music. So - don't expect easy or accessible listening! And - Kazuhisha Uchihashi is one of the most capable modern electric guitarist I believe!

I give this album a strong 4 star rating, almost 5 but not quite there yet.