LARKS' TONGUES IN ASPIC

The easy thing for Robert Fripp to do after the last collapse of the band was to throw a group of decent musicians together and continue on the way they had been going. They would have at least gotten decent sales from the original, loyal. But what did he do? He pretty much started all over. New band, new music. He brought in Bill Bruford, fresh off artistic and commercial success of Yes, after telling him it was time to "grow up" (as a musician). On vocal duties is John Wetton, who does a very good job, despite only singing on three of the tracks. His bass is also very good and a bit underrated in my book. It fits nicely on this album. Another change is addition of the violin and viola of David Cross. I can't express how much I enjoy this. It truly holds the album together and is used at the forefront of many of the songs. The improv-based percussion of Jamie Muir also is an imporrtant part of "Larks Tongues". It adds a subtle flavor to much of the music and supposedly he taught a lot to the band, specifically, Bruford. I doubt I need mention who's in charge of guitars. Every person held a critical part on this album. This lineup of five superb musicians resulted in a very special album that comes every once in a while.

The music is just brilliant. The first track is part I of the title track. This starts off with loops of percussion instruments by Muir. It builds up over three minutes and really grabs your attention in wondering where it will lead. Then the violin comes in with its dramatic 5/4 riff until Fripp explodes with heavy guitar parts. This repeats and goes into a jam like state for a while, relying heavily again on the percussion. It ends with very nice and subtle violin.

The vocal songs are excellent as well. Wetton's voice is perfect for the album. There seems to be perfect balance and interludes between experimental parts and vocal passages backed by violin and Fripp's beautiful and powerful guitars. The album finishes with two more instrumentals. "The Talking Drum" utilizes the exotic percussion and violin. The whole song is also one giant crescendo. It goes right into part II of "Larks Tongues", which focus more on Fripp this time. At times, he shares the leading line with the violin and bass. Great finish, though, to a truly perfect album. This is a cornerstone in progressive rock and has evolved into one of my favorites of all time.

Share this KING CRIMSON review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to White Shadow
• Report this review (#141595)
• Buy KING CRIMSON music online with PA partners
• Show all KING CRIMSON MP3/Stream
• Go to KING CRIMSON page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Larks' Tongues in Aspic page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for KING CRIMSON related discussions