THE POWER TO BELIEVE

King Crimson

Eclectic Prog

3.96 | 1391 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

In some aspects, this album brings us back some ages ago into the Crimsonesque repertoire. But not to the very early days of course (In The Court). Unfortunately.

Some noisy parts, as the King used to produced ("Level Five"), other parts almost mellowish like "Eyes Wide Open". Rather unexpected and I really wonder where the die-hard KC fan sits while listening to such a song. I'm am not one of these, and frankly I can't really get thrilled with such a number.

"Elektrik" is another typical Crimson number. Instrumental, difficult to enter into, hermetic: but this is the pure definition of their music, right? Hypnotic, repetitive: you name it. But at the end of the day, it clearly marks the return of the giant Crimson. One of the best number here even if hardly accessible. But if you have come in contact with this KC album, for sure you have been listening to several other ones, so there is absolutely no surprise for the usual fan. A good number indeed.

Both "Facts Of Life" tunes aren't great moment. Useless "Intro" and ambient core song. Rather different to the rest of the album, but again, these aren't really moving numbers. Average KC music.

With "Dangerous Curves, the listener is back into Crimson's world. Scary mood, hypnotic riff, great beat. I happened to see a concert of The Flower King recently in Verviers (Spirit of 66 of course). The guest drummer was Pat Mastelotto and I was really impressed with his drumming capabilities. They are really shining here.

Oh, yes. One word about the leitmotiv of the album: "The Power To Believe - I to IV". Well, actually nothing really outstanding. Could have missed them. Easily (with the exception of the third part probably). Like the heavy and truly awful "Happy With What You Have To Be Happy With". Vocals are particularly hard to bear. But Belew has never been a great singer, right?

In all, this KC album shouldn't be a deception for old time fans but I seriously doubt that any newcomer would fall in love with it. My rating is not surprisingly some sort of a middle of the road one. Three stars, which means a good album but no more.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 | 2008-7-31

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