I AM ABOVE ON THE LEFT

Sound is noisy, almost metallic in moments, explosive,dirty and even industrial. But possibly most interesting element of all this quite uncomfortable music is it contains some dramatic, melodic,almost theatrical atmosphere. American math rock, Russian classical music and Japanese brutal noise avant mixed in one and brewed on irrational Russian land. I can perfectly see this album as excellent soundtrack to modern version of Dostoevsky's "Idiot" on theatrical scene.

One of the best noisy avant-prog album, released east from Eastern Europe,I ever heard.

I have big problem with imagining anything here, my brain simply doesn't work here. And it's strange thing, as it mostly does and my imagination is one of things I use mostly when doing anything. It's not even too unpleasant, or too heavy, it's too boring instead.

2(-), cover looked very promising though. Like something adventurous, mysterious

" Lt Columbo`s Wife " is the definitive track on the disc. They`re all over the map with abrupt changes and impressions which seek to convey different ideas of something which can only be imagined just as Columbo`s spouse is in the TV series. The opening sequence is almost annoying but it goes through it`s paces and morphs into an ( believe it or not ) almost pleasurable melodic passage. While all of the titles are suggestive much is left up to the listener and it is pretty much impossible to read specific meanings into the musical statements. For example, Le Coucher Poupre, Le Vent, Le Bruit, Les Oiseax et Les Branches ( translated from the French : The Crimson Sleep, The Wind, The Noise, The Birds and The Branches) can be taken literally as a dream sequence or because of the instrumental nature of the music ( no vocals on this one, save for some ominous recorded speaches which seem to be in German ) the listener can create his/her own universe around this wonderfully imaginative music. Every piece is pretty much what- the- freak-are -they going- to- do-next-here, with suprises and explosions around every corner. While on first listen the whole thing might remind one of King Crimson-like jams found on ThRaKaTaK but, suprisingly, the tracks are reproduced quite remarkably in live performances. Sort of reminds me of what Guru Guru did on their first album UFO, heavy guitar based guitar freakouts which have been considered by many to be LSD induced jams until one heard the tracks reproduced live. It will become evident that this album, although at times having a freeform feel to it, is obviously carefully thought out serious avant garde rock.

The modern answer to bands like Neu! Popol Vuh, Cluster early Amon Duul and Brainticket, I am Above On The Left`s dynamic experimental music with it`s heavy to soft electric treatments is highly recommended for the more adventurous listener who is not looking for immediate answers. It is one of those albums which allows the listener to constantly explore with something new turning up on every successive listen. Put the cat out and crank this mind boggling musical exploration to eleven.

First of all, do never listen to this album if you care for your mental state. I’m serious now. It can cause some major disorder within your head; it can turn you into some kind of trance-possessed freak; it may blow your mind easier than any other thing which lasts lesser than 45 minutes. I won’t dare to call this music because I’ve used to call music some other sounds not these ones! I won’t dare to treat these tracks as “songs”, because they’re not! It feels like all album was improvised, but it’s played so tightly despite some loose places (including long pauses within tracks with amplifier noises) that I won’t believe it’s improvised. Or maybe then IAMABOVEONTHELEFT is a some kind of octopus-like monster, playing two guitars and rhythm-section at once. You need examples? I doubt we have them, sir. Okay, let’s say MESHUGGAH plays CRIMSON’s “The Great Deceiver” boxset. No, wait, NIRVANA jams over early Stravinsky’s stuff. Ermm…maybe, it is THE MARS VOLTA has ridden of Cedric and their sax player and plays instrumental avant-death-metal?

Now check those videos on YouTube. Then rush on RAIG web-site and purchase your copy of IAMABOVEONTHELEFT (there are few dozens left as long as I know). The band is on a hiatus – mainly due to lack of attention – so it’s in your hands if they will go on. Make the future!!!

Я СЛЕВА ВВЕРХУ (title name in Russian) is one of those bands that you don’t know what to expect from. Noise-core, Math-metal and Post-rock mixed, Avant-like approach, Stoner-like sound; some obvious KC-like tricks; a sample from Tarkovsky’s “Stalker”; mostly short but mind-blowing tracks, ranging from soft background soundscapes to unleashed pure cacophony, jumping from one signature to another – more than wanted thing for any Experimental / Post-Rock / Krautrock / Avant fan! Don’t ask what I’m doing here with my review then – second part of “Lt. Columbo’s Wife” has a pretty catchy melodic groove, “Tu es Tue” is beautifully heavy, and … wait, do I really need to explain myself? I simple love it, there’s a beauty in this beast, and apart from most modern half-Indie self-proclaimed "genius" bands these guys do know what they’re playing and how it must be played! Anyone who’s also interested doesn’t need to give his last buck away to hear IAMABOVEONTHELEFT – I repeat, visit their LastFM page and get yourself their debut for free. Recommended!