The group's last studio album as "King Crimson" before the 1981 "Discipline". David Cross had just quit and the core was down to Fripp, Wetton and Bruford with the usual staff of supporting musicians. To my taste one of their absolutley best. It's less diverse and the impact is harder than before with a darker atmosphere. If the unbridled creativity and unexpected moves was what made the earlier albums great, this wins by being more consistant. I don't know if Progressive Hard Rock actually counts as a genre, but if so this has to be best in class. It's rude with many odd and fetching guitar riffs and the backing covers the whole field with raw attack and rythmic gaming. At the same time there's soft, beautiful melodies handeled with sensibility and passion. It would seem impossible to merge such opposite components, but they do it and the blend is outstanding. Eight minute live track "Providence" is the one most reminding of earlier efforts. The rest sounds like a new chapter for the band and it's a pity they quit before taking it further. I would have loved more of the same. First US on Atlantic (SD 18110). Permiere UK had label as shown here, thin fully laminated cover and Island blue custom inner. (KYK*)
"The rest sounds like a new chapter for the band and it's a pity they quit before taking it further. I would have loved more of the same." Oh how I agree!!!!
"The rest sounds like a new chapter for the band and it's a pity they quit before taking it further. I would have loved more of the same." Oh how I agree!!!!
SvaraRaderaA swan song has never sounded better.
Radera