Kinski has eased in and out of the Seattle scene for more than 20 years. What began as something of a post-rock psychedelic take on the excesses of grunge and punk has evolved . . . er, it hasn't. A lot. Back to a three-piece, Kinski is still playing long songs that borrow from the full gamut of the indie rock spectacular.

Kinski Stumbledown Terrace (Comedy Minus One)

The jams are otherworldly, though they are based more on jazz than rock principles. The reverb is in full effect, and the band members play off each other as if they've known each other forever. Oh, right. Anyway, the dynamic and rhythmic range shown in these pieces is as expansive as ever, and paring down to three has left the sound with an ever-shifting hole. Using what's not there as a catalyst is pretty wild.

Anyone who can summon memories of Don Caballero, the High Llamas and Trans Am (I once saw a show that featured pieces of all three, and it was amazing), among many others, is definitely worth a listen or hundred. These are surgical jams, picking their spots and then expanding appropriately.

And, no, this sounds nothing like a jam band. These kinetic works are rarely languid and never bloated. The drones build, the mantras spin and a state of bliss is approached. Old fans will not be disappointed, though this album moves in yet another (slightly) different direction. Kinski demands your attention. When all else fails, it turns to hypnosis. Resistance is futile.

Jon Worley