King Crimson
ConstruKCtion of Light
(Virgin)

CD Review by Paul Hanson

Going through many incarnations, King Crimson's catalogue of back material consists of progressive rock epics with numerous time signature changes and sometimes humorous, sometimes just strange lyrics. This chapter of the band's history is written with the same characteristics as their previous epics but with the following characters: vocalist/guitarist Adrian Belew, guitarist Robert Fripp, stick by Trey Gunn, and drummer Pat Mastelotto.

The CD begins with "ProzaKC Blues," the shortest song on the CD. Vocalist/guitarist Adrian Belew is at the forefront of the mix with interesting guitar tones and a deep resounding vocal melody. Electronically enhanced percussive sounds from Pat Mastelotto, formerly with mid-80s pop band Mr. Mister quickly reacquaints the listener with the KC style of lyrics as Belew growls, "Well I woke up this morning/ with a cloud of despair/ I ran my hand across my head and pulled out a pile of worn hair/ I went to my physician/ who was buried in his own thoughts." Later, that doctor character states, "I recommend a fifth of Jack and a bottle of Prozac," hence the title of the song.

The next track, "The ConstruKCtion of Light" is separated into two movements. The first is an instrumental track with a 5:50 running time. Mastelotto quickly proves he is a capable successor to Bill Bruford. His electronically enhanced drum rhythms mesh with intricate cymbal work. The backbeat shifts throughout the song, rarely playing the same pattern in a row. Belew's lyrics this time are restricted to the 2nd movement where he wonders, "What am I/ A fleck of dust/ On the wing of a fly . . . A speck of lint/ on the penis of an alien." Those lyrics are an example of the free-form style of Belew's lyrics.

Perhaps 'free-form' is the best compound adjective available to describe the musical landscapes KC has created for this release. "Frying Pan" seems like a straight-forward simple song upon first listen. It isn't until you peel back the layers of polyrhythmic adventures from Mastelotto and bassist Tony Levin. As one musical theme slips into another, you can't help but wish to hear how these ideas started, whether they were composed or a result of musicians playing with each other.

It's difficult to tell. The epic track "Larks Part 4" is separated into four parts. The first of the four is an exciting percussive journey that lasts just under four minutes. Part two is more aggressive with a dizzying display of guitar work by Belew. With synchronized hits among the scales by Levin and Mastelotto, the song is an example of what music should sound like. A slightly more subdue part three follows and an even more subdue part four follows the third movement.

Beyond a doubt, every person that calls themselves either a musician or a fan of music should listen to a King Crimson CD. There is a higher level of musicianship, a higher vision of musical utopia that must be heard. Listening to King Crimson should not be done while doing anything except listening to the sheer brilliance of this band.

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