STARLESS AND BIBLE BLACK

What seems as a largely improvisational instrumental album is more or less just that. Because of this, Starless and Bible Black has its hits... and its misses.

The best of these themes is the title track itself, but unfortunately even it has it's mishaps. We don't really get rolling till the powerful bass line comes in about 4 minutes into the song, and then it seems almost entirely too short-lived. There's lots of experimentation and exploration throughout, which really shines in certain sections. Unfortunately, there are also parts where you wonder what exactly was the point of all this.

Lyrics are almost entirely absent, but if you are similar in taste to me, you'll know that I've never especially cared for lyrics much in the first place, and I view the vocals as another instrument to add to the music rather than a driving force. The absence of Muir from LTIA is noticeable as his presence would have really benefited this album.

As always Fripp and Co. possess mastery of their instruments and are able to make ordinary parts much more. However, this album does show a lack of consistency and solidness throughout that would be found on Red and LTIA.

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