THE CONSTRUKCTION OF LIGHT

First album of the new millenium for King Crimson, The ConstruKction of Light marks the end of the short double trio era. Tony Levin and Bill Bruford left the band before the recording of this album and the Crimson king is now reduced to a line-up of four members : Robert Fripp (guitars), Adrian Belew (guitars and vocals), Trey Gunn (Warr guitars, Chapman Sticks and baritone guitars) and Pat Mastelloto (drums). The departure of the two legends that are Levin and Bruford finally gives both Gunn and Mastelloto some space to shine. They delivered what is often and widely considered as King Crimson's worst album. Sure, the album is challenging but it's a long way from being their worst. While Thrak was mostly uninspired and wasn't bringing anything new to the table, The ConstruKction of Light is a step forward what future King Crimson could sound like.

The album flows really well and is really cohesive. From the first to the last track, the same mood is kept. I personally get a heavy sci-fi vibe from it. Only two tracks break the flow of the album and those are the opener (ProzaKc Blues) and The World's my Oyster Soup Kitchen Floor Wax Museum. Both are good songs on their own and showcase Belew at his best as a vocalist. Both have great lyrics and are great pop tracks. The rest of the album is captivating though. ConstruKction of Light part 1 and 2, FraKctured and Lark's tongue in Aspic part 4 are all in the same vein and they are all extremely succesful. FraKctured and Lark's tongue in Aspic part 4 in particular are essential listenings to heavy prog lovers. Both are in the same style as the first three Lark's tongues but they are only heavier and speedier. They feature greats riffs like we are used to with the Larks parts. The ConstruKction of Light part 1 and 2 are also really good and the rythm guitar is reminiscent of the best 80s exploration of gamelan that Fripp accomplished.

This album features some of the most impressive musicianship in any King Crimson album. Robert Fripp, who's usually pretty laid back and who had often took care of the rythm guitarist job since Belew joined, lets out some jaw-dropping solo guitar here. From the crazy riff of FraKctured to the solos of Lark's tongue part 4, he's amazing. Pat Mastelloto also does a fantastic job on the drum kit here. He doesn't try to sound as weird as possible as Bruford always do but he gets the job done perfectly.

Overall, this album is really enjoyable. It may be one of the Crimson King's albums I get myself to listening often. If you loathe heaviness and still think symphonic King Crimson is the only worthy incarnation of the band, but if you want to dwell into what modern Crimson is all about, The ConstruKction of Light is a perfect album. 4 stars.

-Bern