THREE OF A PERFECT PAIR

After the inconsistent album Beat, Crimson allowed for a two years break inbetween albums. The resulting Three of a Perfect Pair doesn't differ all that much from the preceding releases but shows a new-found inspiration. This incarnation of Crimson is far from popular with the progressive rock crowd but it isn't any less relevant or outstanding. The album is another proof that King Crimson never conformed to fans' expectations but would stick to the principle of continuing the development of rock music into new directions.

Just like Beat this album starts impressively strong. Three of a Perfect Pair and Sleepless have a lonely spot at the top of my favourite pop song list. Also Model Man is very gripping and Adrian Belew further establishes himself as an amazingly powerful singer. Sleepless brings gloomy new wave sounds into the King Crimson sound, it's a very sophisticated piece of music with amazing bass slapping and an grooving dance rhythm. Man With An Open Heart sounds similar to something from David Bowie but I can't put my finger on it.

With Nuages, the album turns into an entirely different direction, it expands the industrial music sounds that cropped up on Sleepless. It's a beautiful ambient piece, not entirely unlike Peter Gabriel's soundtrack material. As the song title suggests, also Industry continues the ambient industrial experiments. If you thought King Crimson wasn't at the top of the game anymore in 1984, then these tracks should prove you wrong. Of course this doesn't 'rock', but it is fascinating, original and amazing music.

Dig Me is one of Crimson's neurotic attacks and not a recommended listen if you have to focus on any other straining task. No Warning and Lark's Tongues pt iii are two more instrumental pieces. The name of the last one is bound to catch the attention of any old fans and the music does it justice. I miss the power from the previous King Crimson incarnation but it is good to hear them exploring their musical roots from 10 years earlier for a change.

Overall this album is almost as impressive as Discipline. Because of the balance between quality pop, industrial experiments and rocking instrumentals, it should have a great appeal to most Crimson fans.