LIZARD

Ah. the third installment of the King Crimson bloodline, This one deserves a solid 7.5 out of 10. Jazzier sounding than the predecessors, this LP explores a lot of interesting musical territory. Mellotron, horns, Jon Anderson of Yes.. lots to indulge in with this release. It will take a while to get into this one but I really am happy I took the time to love this LP.

Cirkus (7 / 10)

The album slowly gains momentum from a musical box sounding intro, towards a fierce mellotron attack that drives the first track 'Cirkus'. Guitar arpeggios remind the listener of the last two album's more pastoral parts. This track rocks back and forth from violent to calm, the mellotron forms a moody atmosphere. This track gets a 7 out of 10

Indoor Games (7.5 / 10)

An odd rhythmic disjointed groove, disorienting vocals and horns form a mysterious web over the acoustic guitar. The song follows a few verses before diminishing into a strange jumble of atonality. 7.5 out of 10

Happy Family (8 / 10)

Strange song followed by an even stranger song, this one features some modulated vocals and a menacing mood. I really enjoy the flute section over the top of the electric piano, this turns into a chant 'Happy family, one hand clap Four went down but none came back' 8 out of 10

Lady of the Dancing Water (9 / 10)

Okay, I'm a sucker for a beautiful song like this, The flute over the top of the gorgeous guitar composition. Lovely lady of the dancing water. The subtle motifs of the trombone in the background. 9 out of 10

Lizard (9.5 / 10)

This suite carries me away to many different places, I agree with the comments of it sounding very cerebral. The first portion features guest vocals from Jon Anderson, Then onto a flowing explorative instrumental passage highlighted by horns It is quite a beautiful passage. This ends at a silence before the storm of the next part. Mellotron booms and shakes as the battle rages and rolls. The drums and percussion thundering along like a freight train. I really enjoy the chaos of this part. This suite is the stretched out version of one of the main musical ideas in the album, a partnership between loud and boisterous and quiet and cerebral, and I think King Crimson does a very good job at taming the chaos and keeping it interesting in the quiet parts. 9.5 out of 10.