High Rise are a Japanese psychedelic trio that deliver heavy hitting blasts of noise and fury, along with blistering cyclical guitar solos. These guys are the definition of Japanese hard psych but rather than follow in the tradition of Japanese bands such as Blues Creation or Flower Travelin' Band, they take a more experimental noise rock route. They favor live performance over studio craftsmanship and take influence from free jazz soloing rather than Black Sabbath or more conventional 70s riffage.
Guitarist Munehiro Nirito has said that he wouldn't encourage anyone to drive while listening to High Rise (although I've done it myself) and I can understand why. High Rise at their best are the electric personification of spinning out of control. The chords set a chugging pace for the band to start their drive, but as every song progresses it inevitably explodes into a slashing spiral of noise. The vocals are always drowned out by the lead guitar, which is really the focus of the songs. The bass lines chug along while syncing with the drums pounding out a rhythm similar to an engine firing, until Nirito inevitably squeals in, riding on an out of control Wah- Wah solo. When this happens the band explodes into a thrashing whirlwind of noise, together and unified, but lost in the chaos of their own sonic storm. It is aggressive, loud, searing, and overwhelming. It is not a style of music for everyone and it will most certainly put you on edge and perhaps make you uncomfortable, however the pure energy and musicianship of the band is undeniable.
The band is meant to be experienced live, and while this does not diminish their studio records it does clue you in to how they are meant to be heard. So if you only listen to one High Rise record make it the live record.
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