THRAK

Returning after a ten year hiatus, Fripp returns with the musicians with which he made the 80s trilogy, Belew, Levin and Bruford, but also adds Trey Gunn (Chapman Stick) and Pat Mastelotto (Drums/Additional Percussion) to create a double trio of 2 guitars, 2 bass and 2 percussionists. Abandoning the new wave influences of the 80s, and returning more to the sound of Larks/Starless/Red era but with an even heavier sound.

The album opens with an interesting melody, before pounding into the heavy riffage that is Vroom. As with most King Crimson instrumentals, it is well construKcted, tight and effective, with excellent interchanges between all the musicians here. Transitioning into Coda: Marine 475, this is a very rhythmical track with some spoken word to create an interesting piece.

Next up are two tracks that show Belew's underrated vocal range. I consider him to be the best singer that Crimson has had, even above the excellent Wetton. Dinosaur is a crushing metal number, featuring more excellent interplay and Belew's emotional vocals full of suprising bite. A dramatic pause mid-way through and then the band re-enter with a huge finale. Walking on Air is the first chance in the album to relax, but its by no means mere filler. Belew's vocals and lyrics are beautiful, and the bass tones created in this piece are subtle yet wonderful. One of the best slow Crimson numbers.

Arriving at B'Boom we have an interesting suprise. A drum solo, or to be accurate, a drum dual between Bruford and Mastelotto. Originally a live piece played in Argentina, this is a very controlled piece indeed, whether it fits the album is questionable however. Thrak lauches back with some more excellent heavy riffing, as always a good piece and kept at a good length. Inner Garden I features a slow atmospheric guitar melody, and excellent vocals from Belew, very nice, its reprise is similar but also good.

People is a nice number with some more good guitar sections, and some funny lyrics about, you guessed it, people. A little long for the content though. Radio I and II are pretty much throwaway and kinda useless, they dont add anything much. One Time features more good vocals and another excellent bass performance by Mr. Levin.

Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream has some more excellent interchange between Levin and the ever brilliant Bruford, Fripp comes up with a catchy riff and Belew's vocals are chaotic. Another good one.

Vroom Vroom is good but considering its length is WAY too similar to the opening track for my liking. Had this been changed up more, I feel it would have been more interesting. Vroom Vroom Coda closes the album in a similarly crushing way, with Bruford's intense rhythms and some crazed guitar work before dropping into this quirky/funny piano theme for a strangely humourous ending.

A very convincing step into the 90s for Crimson, Thrak is brimming with excellent musicianship, tightly composed slabs of metal and pleasing slow numbers. Its use of the double trio and shorter yet intense tracks, (which would influence bands such as Hoyry-Kone) also creates an interesting contrast to much of prog-rock. Yet at times, the album feels bloated, with a shorter running time would likely increase the collective punch of the heavy compositions.

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