RED

"Red" is a perfect album, going from aggressive and powerfull metallic riffs to soft and beautiful melodies, from well-structured songs to improvisation, but keeping a unity and a soul that few albuyms have. There is nothing weak here, even the most experimental part ("Providence") keeps the listener interested (unlike in the majority of KC's improvisation on "Starless and bible black").

The title track "Red" sets up an anguished mood with this opening riff, and the break in the middle section is impressive. The style reminds of "Lark's tongue in aspic part II". It's a hallmark of the music of this era of King Crimson.

Things lighten up a little in "Fallen Angel", with a soft beginning, but the choruses suddenly break that angelic atmosphere, with that angry guitar constantly playing the same note and the saxes making their entry...and the drums are amazing, particularly at the last reprise of the chorus. We are really falling with the angel. The fade-out in the end is one of the most beautiful and emotional ever made.

"One more red nightmare" then offers some fun in the music and in the words. A good tune with good rhythm, good instrumental passages, and some interesting arrangements (a little strange).

"Providence" could have been a weakness of the album. But the great news here is that it is not another "Moonchild"-like song. It has a kind of build-up you can get accustomed to, with a great bass and violin work. It's quite expressive and the title has been well chosen !

The last piece, "Starless", is one of the best prog piece ever written. From the soft mellotron overture to the marvellous winds-driven ending, not forgetting the anxious rise of tension in the middle, one can't get bored of those 12 minutes !