$6.99

Since their meeting in 1990, SIDE STEPS' Japanese musicians produce a melodic, dexterous and refined post-fusion, which is nevertheless not show-off at all. Following the path of KENSO or BRAND X, technique is used to create real themes as well as rich and polished combinations between keyboards and guitars. The instrumental Progressive jazz-rock performed by the Japanese band, both complex and sophisticated, puts a lot of emphasis on the beautiful melodies and the refined arrangements. The accessible part of this musicians' music is sometimes close to that of SPYRO GYRA, while their energy can remind of Allan HOLDSWORTH or UZEB. "Steps On Edge” is the reissue of a very good album originally recorded in 1993. The seven instrumental tracks included prove to be at the same time long, ambitious and complex, at the same time as they carefully avoid the trap of pretension. They actually prove to be, thanks to constant rhythm and ambience changes, a collective quest for melodic perfection. After an excellent "Out-And-Out" issued in 1998, the Japanese musicians tell us to follow them on stage with "Alive". As for "Points Of View", it is an excellent production from 2001. Not to be missed !