DE-LOUSED IN THE COMATORIUM

This represents my first exposure to this band and my first review for one of their recordings. This record is difficult listening due to the intensity of the thing. Vocals are high pitched. Lots of interesting musical ideas, but, as I listen to them, much of the output on this record is reminiscent of King Crimson circa 1973 to 1974 (a la Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Starless and Bible Black and Red) in terms of the guitar and bass play. In particular, the entire middle section of Cicatrix ESP is a lift of some of Wetton's bass and Fripp's guitar work on Easy Money off King Crimson's Larks' Tongues in Aspic. There is much to like on this recording and this band's King Crimson inspiration is clearly present. From a creative point of view, the music is very different from what many other bands were doing in 2003, yet, despite the 'fresh' feeling of the format, the musical underpinnings have their roots in earlier work from thirty years before the release of this recording. It is an excellent effort that shows the talents of this band, although one would hope that future work will demonstrate more sensibility with respect to dynamics. Four stars.