IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON

This album would get 5 stars if it was not for their first effort. The only song that ressembles nothing to the first album is Cat Food which was meant to be a single of some sort. The epic agressive song is represented by Pictures of a City, the smooth and beautiful song is Cadence and Cascade, the Mellotron-heavy epic is In the Wake of Poseidon and the dramatic epic is the Devil's Triangle. It is indeed really similar to their debut only a bit less good. This album has its excellent moments though if we can stop thinking about the similarities.

The album is introduced with something new : a little smooth song about peace which will be a recurring theme. Then, the heavy song begins. Pictures of a city is a great piece with excellent saxophone and guitar playing. I really dig the sax melodies in this song. The vocals are really similar to 21st Century Schizoid man. Cadence and Cascade follows. I think it's the only copycat song in this album that I prefer to the original (I talk to the wind). Both are great but this one does something for me. In the wake of Poseidon is an excellent epic and, in my opinion, it rivals In the Court in quality. Greg Lake does his best vocal performance with King Crimson in this song. The Mellotron dominate this song thoughout only to give the guitar the spotlight in the middle part for a beautiful guitar/Mellotron interlude. The second movement of the Peace theme isn't long. It fastly changes into Cat Food which is the single song of the album. However, it's King Crimson so single doesn't mean absolute pop. This song features really interesting and original piano work from Keith Tippet and cool vocals from Lake. The following song is a favorite of mine. It features one my favorite Mellotron uses of all time. This song sounds so evil and intense at times, it gives me chills. It creates a wonderful haunting atmosphere. Oddly, the evilish theme of the album is followed by the end of the Peace theme.

If I would listen to my heart, I'd give this album 5 stars since it contains a lot of songs I'd rate as excellent but my stupid mind wins this time. I have to give at least a star less for his lack of originality. It's one of the only Crimson album I can say it lacks originality. It does sadly. 4 stars nonetheless for this recommended album.

-Bern

Share this KING CRIMSON review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Bern
• Report this review (#81752)
• Buy KING CRIMSON music online with PA partners
• Show all KING CRIMSON MP3/Stream
• Go to KING CRIMSON page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to In the Wake of Poseidon page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for KING CRIMSON related discussions