THE POWER TO BELIEVE

Let me make simple words about this album: amazing and kicking! It's true, I tell you. And I recommend you for not reading my words after this sentence because it's useless; just switch to any CD vendor site on the net and click this album. You won't regret, believe me! Now, if you still continue reading this line, I thank you very much even though I don't recommend you doing so because the following sentences are merely my expression about how this album stirs my emotion, pumping up my spirit to rock and of course ... to work effectively!

Having been vacuum for approximately three years, switching from grandiose double-trio concept to four-piece line-up, the band still could produce such a great album like "The Power To Believe" which has pushed forward their music boundary but still maintaining the core music of "Discipline" album (the first of the band's effort with new format when Fripp brought in Adrian Belew to join his force in King Crimson). And now, Belew is the second longest serving member after Fripp - the founder. The key of new King Crimson sound since "Discipline" was basically repeated chords / notes overlaid by another instrument work / sound effects (coming out from Fripp's guitar synthesizer or drums) to enrich the textures. At first listen I felt bored but it grew on me and I get used to this kind of style and it has become King Crimson trademark.

The album kick off elegantly with a cappella by Belew in a very short period but it's strategically important to set the tone of the overall album. For this, the a cappella serves its purpose wonderfully and I mean it: whenever I play this album I cannot start somewhere in the middle of the CD - I got to start from the short opening: "The Power To Believe I" even though it's less than 1 minute in duration. This is where I put my two thumbs UP for this album. It's truly a brilliant opener! When "Level Five" blows from my speaker set it really kills me right away because the sound is truly powerful with great sonic quality and wide soundspace dynamics. Anyone would appreciate that this track is a true masterpiece because the composition, the mixing and the production of sounds are top notch! The combined sound resulting from guitar, bass and drums are excellent. I guess Trey Gunn uses his rubber bass combined with Warr guitar right here. Pat Mastelotto also creates his dazzling drum work magnificently. Overall it's a great instrumental track.

Belew's lyrics now seem to be much well positioned at the third track ''Eyes Wide Open''' where the music is presented in relatively slow tempo with great harmonies. By definition this track is very much accessible with some segment reminds me to "One Time" of "Thrak" album. "Elektrik" is another instrumental work with repeated chords combining multi guitars (Fripp, Belew, Gunn) and dynamic drumming. Fripp provides synthesizer role with his guitar.

"Facts of Life" (incl. intro) brings the music into heavier style with metal influenced riffs. The track contains lyrics and powerful singing by Belew "No body knows what happen when we die...!!!" The structure of the music is varied combining medium tempo and complex music. It's a rocking track and it stirs the emotion when I listen to it. It's a very unique style by King Crimson. "The Power To Believe II" starts off in an ambient mood with multi instruments work emphasizing tight bass lines, guitar synthesizer and it suddenly brings the "gamelan" sounds. (Hey, come on Indonesian guys! If you are Indonesians whether or not you like prog music, you must own this album! You must be proud that King Crimson has created a composition where the pentatonic sounds of gamelan are brought in wonderfully here! Bravo King Crimson!). A cappella in the melody of first track inserts nicely in the middle of the gamelan textures followed with synthesizer (produced from Fripp's guitar) and brings the music symphonically. However, the overall picture of the music gives me a sense of avant garde than a symphonic one. It's truly a great track and it's probably the best track - not that the fact I'm Indonesian, but I truly love the nuance created by this song. It's so cool ......

"Dangerous Curve" starts in a very silent mode (almost unheard at all) and slowly the music moves in crescendo with repeated riffs of bass guitar, dazzling drums backed with synthesizer sounds. It reminds me to the "Lark's Tongue in Aspic" style. This song is best suited in the middle of the night. I fully enjoy how Pat plays his drum set which semms to serve as melody of the song while other instruments play repeated chords. The magic of this song: I don't get bored even though the rhythm section is repeated. It then flows almost seamlessly to "Happy With What You Have To Be Happy With" in rockin' style. It's relatively an accessible song, I would say.

Belew's a cappella is then repeated at "The Power To Believe III" which sounds like an avant-garde music with unpredictable drum work and soaring guitar sounds. The music then flows into more regular rhythm section and it's still demonstrating the dynamic drumming and excellent bass guitar. The album concludes with "The Power To Believe IV" which contains "Industry" (from "Three of A Perfect Pair" album) style interjected with Belew's a cappella as coda and ends the album beautifully. This is best suited for midnight enjoyment. Wonderful!

Overall, I'm glad that having been 35 years in prog music business, King Crimson can still create a beautifully crafted album. The album is strong in almost every aspect of great music: excellent melody, great harmonies, tight composition and excellent overall performance. The band members are talented musicians who know how to compose great music and at the same time stir the emotion of the listeners. Long live King Crimson! Overall rating is full five stars - and I cannot compromise on this as it's got to be five. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW, Indonesia.

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