An Unclear Trial: More Than This

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Keiji Haino is a Japanese guitarist of awesome reputation in the arena of blasting electric freeform psychedelic improvisation. Here he turns down the levels and joins ace downtown rhythm section Greg Cohen and Joey Baron in a more introspective set. The hierarchy of lead instrument and accompaniment is obliterated as guitar, bass and percussion embark on an intimate three-way conversation. And do they ever have a lot to say, at first tentatively feeling one another out until they fairly (but quietly) swing on the last two numbers. Central to the success of this disc is the half-hour long third track, "Never Did I Imagine That There Exists an Eight Layered Handicap". Haino, Cohen and Baron circle around one another searchingly, finding common ground and inhabiting it for a while, before slowly extracting themselves from it, looking off in different directions while keeping close watch on each other, before reuniting in yet another groove. An album of supple improvisational skill. Partisans say we may never hear Haino like this again, so take advantage of the opportunity.