CHAPTER I

Altered States appeared in their original form way back in 1986. A dynamic combination of Lancastrian Yig Hughes (vocals & guitar - middle) with east-end of London rhythm section Rob Ryan (bass - left) and Martin Winbury (drums - right) they were soon signed to the Ediesta label - part of the old Red Rhino empire based in York.

With the debut release "Low Life" (12") in 1987, the band soon found themselves adopted by a keen audience looking for something more raw and less-theatrical than many of the other alternative bands around at that time. Altered States live is what they were really about. After having seen a gig, you wondered why any band needed more than three in their line-up. They had a remarkable energy and intensity on stage that transferred remarkably well to vinyl (yes, these are the days before CD !) and had this reputation further enhanced with the release of their first (and only...) album release for Ediesta in 1988 titled "Is Anyone Out There ?"

During this time the band gigged almost constantly around the UK. Unbeknown at the time, they were also gathering a fan-base in Germany and especially Italy, where a number of student radio stations had picked up on "Low Life" and had it top of their charts. About a third of the album went straight into mainland Europe where a mystique started to grow around their sound. The second single was ready to go and was to be re-mixed by Martin Rushent, best known as producer for Human League and Pete Shelley. But the track - "Drowning Children" - never appeared. Red Rhino, in common with the other main indie labels at the time, hit a financial wall and went bust.

The touring continued into 1989 with showcases at the Hammersmith Palais and The Marquee but later that year, with no new label in the offing, Altered States Mk1 retired.