SOUP

New project by ex-KC Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto. Similar collaborations exists under the name of TU or KTU, as well as on Tony Levin solo releases. Third project member is Stick guitarist, drummer and vocalist Michael Bernier.

All musicians are capable to play interesting experimental music in moments, so I am trying to catch every their release. What doesn't mean all they are very good.

So, we have there on this album what you can expect from such trio - angular complex Stick music, mostly instrumental, but with few vocals in some places. The sound is quite predictable, really more complex and experimental than on many Levin solo albums (but often you can hear some pop-elements there coming directly from Levin solo works), but hardly very different from TU releases (on KTU accordion sound besides of Levin/Mastelotto pair is excellent component to make music much more attractive).Trey Gunn on TU is really better guitarist and composer though, so almost all the time TU wins comparing with Stick Men.

If you're a heavy Stick sound fan, or - if you never heard Stick sound, this album really will attract you. Few Crimsonian pieces, many guitar solos, complex but accessible rhythms, good vocals (in KC style again). But if you know King Crimson legacy, are familiar with Projekts, Levin, Trey Gunn, TU/KTU music, you will easily realize you have just one more version of the same formula there. Stick's sound is interesting, musicians all are professionals, but - where is the music? I missed compositions on this recordings - all songs are more improvs/rehearsals, using original , but far not experimental techniques anymore.

It was the time, when just sound of Stick, especially played by instrument masters, was attractive itself. But - this time is gone long ago, so it's not enough just to record Stick possibilities demonstration album to be original and interesting. It's a bit pity, but this release doesn't add any new moments to Stick-based music legacy.

Still quite good album, but to be a real great one it lacks Frippian concept and composition abilities.No way could be compared with Levin/Mastelotto works with King Crimson.

Interesting,but not essential release for KC fans,Stick maniacs and just lovers of good modern instrumental prog.

My rating is 3,5,rounded to 4.