IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON

Probably the most underwhelming album by KC, and that's saying a lot when I'm probably one of the bigger KC fanboys you could find. None of the songs are bad, though the "Peace" segments can be a bit annoying. Lyrically this isn't Sinfield's greatest achievement, though usually the lyrics are OK. The artwork is certainly worth a mention though, as the second best KC artwork (after Lizard of course).

Peace (A Beginning)- Not so great opening, the lyrics are a bit too hippy trippy. Lake gives good vocals though.

Pictures Of A City- While not a bad song, it feels like a huge rehash of the structures used in 21st Schizoid Man. The saxophone in the beginning, the distorted vocals, the fast instrumental section. I'm surprised they were OK with themselves after doing something so similar to the Schizoid man.

Cadence and Cascade- An acoustic song, which at least isn't a rehash of "I Talk To The Wind", but isn't stellar either. Haskell's vocals aren't bad, though a bit weak. Overall an average song which there isn't much to say about.

In The Wake Of Poseidon- Many say it sounds like the title track from the debut, but I say it sounds like "Epitaph". The mellotron, the acoustic guitar. All are again in almost the same structure as "Epitaph". At least they manage to get a pretty good melody out of it. Lake's vocals are great. This is also probably Sinfield's best show on the album.

Peace (A Theme)- Cute acoustic interlude by Fripp. No lyrics so, but the guitar is rather nice, though the piece does feel a bit like a filler.

Catfood- A pretty cool catchy song. The piano provided by Keith TIppett is incredible. Also the rhythm section is pretty tight. Definitely a bright spot in the album when it comes to new material.

Devil's Triangle- A long instrumental, which is actually very good once you get into it. Reminds me of "Mars" (I think it actually might be "Mars" with a different name). Some great production (you can hear "In the Court Of The Crimson King" at times). Reminds me of "Moonchild", as the one piece you really need to get into. Overall a good instrumental.

Peace (An End)- Probably the best of the "Peace" trilogy, though still not amazing, but gives a nice closure to the album. The vocals are done very well.

If this was any other band I'd give this 4 or maybe even 5 stars (mayyybbeee). But considering this is one of the most influential and creative bands in progressive rock, I don't think such a rehash of the first album is allowed. I'd still check it out, there's still a good amount of worthwhile moment here.

Bassist Review: While Greg Lake was never considered an incredible bass player, I expected a bit more variety from the man. That I have to say the bass line to Catfood is simple, it is pretty powerful. But for the most part it's the same playing octaves from the first album.