"Mechanisms" by Ballister is a raw, unfiltered dive into the world of free jazz, captured live at The Hideout in Chicago on November 24th, 2010. This album, released on Clean Feed in April 2012, is a testament to the power of live improvisation, featuring three extended tracks that clock in at just over an hour. Ballister, a trio known for their avant-garde approach, delivers a performance that is as intense as it is innovative. The album opens with "Release Levers," setting the stage for a journey through the trio's unique soundscapes. "Claplock" continues the exploration, while the final track, "Roller Nuts," brings the performance to a thrilling close, with a junkyard cello and barbed alto going wild over a beat that could have come from a Led Zeppelin song. Critics have praised "Mechanisms" for its raw energy and the individual histories and visions of each player, culminating in a powerful live experience. With a RYM rating of 3.66/5, this album is a must-listen for fans of free jazz and live performances.