King Crimson have been around since 1968 in various guises, and in fact are still playing live today. Robert Fripp disbanded the band in ’74, only to return with this line up in ’81. Only Fripp and Bill Buford were there from the ’74 line up, and were joined by ex Talking Heads guitarist and vocalist Adrian Belew, and stick bass man extraordinaire Tony Levin. I can’t emphasize how much this line up changed the way progressive music was played and presented after the release of this record. This is such a ground breaking record for the use of rhythms with instruments other than percussion. Belew brought so much to the band – his influences were totally different from Fripps, and the amalgamation of styles really works.
Tracks like Elephant Talk are just a joy of rhythmic pleasure, while Frame By Frame is a beautiful ballad with a great vocal from Belew. But it’s the weird and wonderful tracks like Indiscipline, Theela Hun Ginjeet, and the title track which are the stand out songs that really drive this album. The odd time signatures, abrasive guitar sounds, and the brilliance of Brufords drumming are a breath of fresh air. I remember hearing this back in ’81 and my jaw hit the floor, I had not heard anything like this before – and they were even better live.
Now if you like your music meat and potatoes type, then this is not for you, but if you like to experiment with your music then give it a try.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
