EXILES

For me, David Cross had dropped off the planet in the 70's. I was totally unaware that he was still active on the prog scene. The shock was to find that the music he was creating was powerful, exciting and not just a rehash of old glories. After being turned onto David Cross, I immediately snatched up the two latest releases; EXILES and the stunning, CLOSER TO SKIN.

EXILES is a mix of the new and old. It kicks off with an updated and modern sounding re- recording of the King Crimson title piece, Exiles. Complete with John Wetton on vocals! Funny that Mr Cross didn't use Robert Fripp on the track, since the guitarist appears on three other tracks. This version of Exiles is less frantic, more polished. John Wetton appears on one other track, This is Your Life. The tune sounds more like a Wetton solo tune, with very little violin to point to the band leader.

Peter Hammill guests on two tracks, Tonk and Troppo. Tonk sounds like a missing track from Larks Tongue. Hammill's voice is shrill and angry, while Fripp and Cross trades scorching leads. Troppo may be the most interesting track on the disc. Over eight minutes of shifting textures, keyboard driven passages and perky percussives.

Slippy Slide is a rambunctious instrumental, with guest saxaphonist, Pete McPhail, who also makes an appearance on Here. The tune ends with a round of Wetton's vocals from This is You Life. Duo is a Frippertronic/Cross ambient piece. Soundscapes and violins. Fast is just that, a tune played with a fair amount of speed and power.

All-in-all, a mighty fine disc and a must have for mid 70's Crimson fans.