DARKER

They are friends! Yes, they are since I played with / thanks to them in Montreux, that Swiss town famous for its jazz festival and Queen's studio (there's a superb statue by the lake, a moving tribute to Freddie Mercury) with Silver Lining. So it is not that easy speaking of their new album. Their second one, 7 years later. Not because it's bad. On the contrary, it's just excellent. Yes, ex-cel-lent. First because of the vintage instruments used, especially the mellotron. Then thanks to Fripp-like guitars. But the compositions as well as the lyrics are gorgeous too showing that peculiar King Crimson touch, mainly the "Red" era. Don't try finding why it's called "Darker" then!!! This album is certainly the best one of this issue. It deserves five stars. It's hard finding a weak point: perhaps the vocals? I'm not that sure. They are not as brilliant as Wetton's or Lake's but they fit in with the gloomy atmospheres and lyrics. So if you're into King Crimson or the Scandinavian bands such as Anglagard which means the same, run, this gem is for you! A gem? No, a classic!