THE POWER TO BELIEVE

It's hard to get more essential than this brilliant offering from KC-- "Power to Believe" has some of the band's most powerfully creative and intense music to date, with heavy, dark cascades of sound juxtaposed to delicate atmospherics and tinkling guitars. Fripp and co. make heavy use of Crimson hallmarks, such as the trademark guitar interplay, but back them with enough effects and classy playing to make them sound wholly fresh and innovative. More importantly however, is the simple fact that they are writing better songs than they have in 20 years, combining smart and satirical lyrics with razor-sharp playing. Belew and Fripp positively cook throughout, while Gunn's bass adds a very cool electronic roar to their dueling melodies. Drumming, the biggest criticism of this incarnation of KC, is still first rate, Mastelotto delivering a fine mix of precise intensity.

I recommend this as a first purchase to anyone eager to explore Crimson's music, and to any whom at any point found themselves liking this band's eclectic output-- it won't disappoint.

Songwriting: 5 Instrumental Performances: 5 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 5