PROJEKCT TWO: SPACE GROOVE

King Crimson's Projekcts were a series of 'fractals' of the double trio line up which made 'Thrak'. Confusingly, Projekct 2 was the first into action - according to the sleeve notes the whole thing happened more or less spontaneously when Fripp, Belew and Gunn started jamming in Belew's studio. The resulting improvs over the next 3 days were then released as this double CD set. One major point in favour of this album is that Fripp is the sole lead guitarist, and it is refreshing to hear him leading from the front for once. Gunn's WARR guitar has a huge range of notes, enabling him to function as either bass or second guitar as rquired, and the V drums can trigger bass lines and samples, so at times it sounds like a lot more than 3 musicians. CD1 features 2 lengthy, jazz inflected improvs and one much shorter piece. These tracks are pleasant but a little self indulgent - Belew had only just taken dlivery of the V drums and at times it really shows. The shorter pieces on CD 2 are often excellent, with a much sharper focus. Belew is no Bill Bruford, but acquits himself well on drums most of the time and there is often a sense that he was enjoying thrashing about. This is definitely non essential, but if you're a Fripp fan add on at least one extra star for the chance to hear the man doing what he does best.