Search - Altered State :: Dos

Underappreciated BRILLIANCE

Anthony J. Oros | Park City, UT | 04/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Very few artists or bands in the hard rock genre get to the creative place Greg Markel & co. found on this, Altered State's second album, Dos. While their Warner Brothers debut has its moments, it pales starkly to Dos, which soars to grand, epic heights under the expansive vision of producer Ben Grosse.



Lyrically, Markel delves into demons few dare to glimpse: fear ("Made of Gasoline" - notice the car crash, co-inciding with opening CRASH cymbal!), family ("Strong As I Am"), and misanthropy (the sonic barrage that is "Where Is Harrison Ford?"). Lyrical twists abound ("Life on a Skateboard") and the album's closing cut "Thinking..." exposes the frontman nearly on the cusp of artistic madness.



The musicianship enhances Markel's compositions, with guitarist Curtis Mathewson shining on the Brian May-like opener "This Just Might Take Me Down" and bassist Paul Edwards letting it all hang out on "Harrison...". Drummer Chip Moreland is Chili Peppers-tight, and shows jazz-like versatility on the album's softer tracks.



Fans of Catherine Wheel, Talk Talk, or Muse would do well to track down this gem, don some headphones and treat themselves to a stunning piece of work. A record of amazing depth and execution."

Father--Look in my eyes! You'll see a GREAT album!!!

Nick Mace | Lincoln Land | 07/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the genius ethereal cover to the broad array of emotions within, "Dos" is a well-made bit of 90s art. Altered State effectively carries listeners through funky jams like "Where Is Harrison Ford" as well as "Made Of Gasoline". They rock in an arm-sweeping collective on numbers like "Angst" and "Strong As I Am".



This music effectively depicts Gen-X UP & DOWN w/o screaming or whining or just playing bad music.

"

Ahead of their time-a trip

Graphic Genius | Conway, AR USA | 01/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I brought this new, and was blown away! This lead me to buy their first one which I was less impressed with, and frankly disappointed. I guess they broke up, which is a shame, but if you like Queens of the Stone Age then you would like Altered States 'Dos'. At the time, the singer had an original voice, which is mimicked now by a few artist, again see the QOTSA reference above.

Trippy, rockin', great lyrics.. for the price that this is offered at, go for it. I would gladly pay regular price again just for a newer version from the one that I wore out.

I wish they were still together, if this was such a large step up from their debut, it would be amazing what they would turn out next. I guess we will never know."