THE POWER TO BELIEVE

Once again a step further in the uneven evolution of the Crimson King, The Power to Believe is certainly different from the symphonic and the danceable pop years. Modern King Crimson has forged their identity through heavy prog mixed with industrial like ambient tracks. They seem to be really comfortable in that genre as in any of the others they explored. The line-up from The ConstruKction of Light is still the same but they sound like they have walked some way together. Mastelloto's drumming is more precise, Gunn's rythms are imaginative and Fripp/Belew guitars are as great as always.

The Power to Believe contains some of the most inspired tracks from King Crimson in a long time (ever since Discipline). Level Five (seen for many as a worthy follow-up to the 4 Lark's Tongue in Aspic parts) is a wonderful heavy instrumental song separated into several guitar riff driven parts. It's one of the few modern Crimson numbers that is guaranteed to please the old-timers who stopped loving the band after Red. Elektrik is another excellent track which almost sounds like electronic music. Then, there is some really hard rocking songs : the good Facts of Life and the pretty silly Happy with what you have to be happy with. Those are probably my least favorite track on the album. The lyrics are good but the music itself isn't as interesting as the rest of the album. My favorite track is Dangerous Curves by far though. It is essentially an ambient track that slowly builds into a nervous and haunting theme. It contains one of King Crimson's best build-up actually. I particulary like when the hi-hat comes in near the in. Genius.

The flow of the album is also kept along quite well throughout mostly because of The Power to Believe parts. Those are reminiscent of the Crimson King's second album In the Wake of Poseidon and its Peace themes. I don't know if it's a coincidence but this album is also the first post-70s Crimso album that could appeal to the fans of this era. The whole mood of the album is really similar to the one of the early albums at least in my opinion. I highly suggest this album to the first generation fans.

In short, this album shows us a really improved sound from the line-up of Fripp-Belew-Gunn-Mastelloto. While announcing what future King Crimson could bring to the table, it definitely has a sound that should please the most hard-headed 70s prog fanatic. It isn't a masterpiece but, hey it's a great evidence that some of the progressive giants are still in top shape. Can't wait for the next album. 4 stars.

-Bern