THE CONSTRUKCTION OF LIGHT

With longtime members Bill Bruford and Tony Levin gone, King Crimson's sound took a shift. Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Pat Mastelotto, and Trey Gunn tried to bring back their 1980s vibe, but without Bruford and Levin, the music often feels overly technical. Belew's usually energetic vocals seem muted here, which adds to the album's disconnected feel.

The Construkction of Light by King Crimson showcases the band's impressive skill, but it can come across as cold and mechanical, making it harder to connect with. While the intricate guitar work, solos, and intense drumming highlight the musicians' technical abilities, the album's lack of warmth often leaves listeners feeling distanced.

The album opens with "ProzaKc Blues," a heavy, bluesy track with gritty vocals that make it stand out. Its slick riff and loose vibe give it a strong groove, making it one of the more approachable songs on the record. Next is the title track, "The Construkction of Light (Parts 1 & 2)," featuring the band's signature interlocking guitar style, where Belew and Fripp trade intricate notes. Although technically impressive, it can feel cold and detached, more focused on precision than connection.

Then, "Into the Frying Pan" offers a mix of relaxed verses and heavier riffs. Belew's vocals here add some warmth, allowing the music to loosen up a bit. This track gives listeners a moment to enjoy the energy instead of just technicality, briefly capturing a balance the album often lacks. However, this doesn't last long. "FraKctured," a dense, nine-minute track inspired by "Fracture" from Starless and Bible Black, quickly shifts back into overly technical territory. Despite its complexity, it feels exhausting and emotionally distant, emphasizing the album's main flaw: a focus on technicality over feeling.

"The World's My Oyster Soup Kitchen Floor Wax Museum" brings some humor, with playful lyrics and odd wordplay from Belew, creating a lighter, more experimental tone. Still, it may feel disjointed to some listeners. Then comes "Larks' Tongues in Aspic ? Part IV," an intense instrumental piece with interlocking guitars and complex rhythms reminiscent of previous "Larks'" tracks. However, it can feel repetitive and lacks the depth of earlier installments.

"Coda: I Have a Dream" changes the tone with darker lyrics from Belew addressing world crises, offering a rare reflective moment. Yet, this introspective shift can feel out of place compared to the album's complex, instrumental focus. Finally, the album closes with "Heaven and Earth," blending calm ambiance with powerful middle sections before gently fading out. This track's mix of atmosphere and intensity hints at what the album could have achieved if it focused more on emotion.

Overall, The Construkction of Light doesn't tarnish King Crimson's legacy, but it stands as one of their more challenging works?impressive yet distant. While tracks like "ProzaKc Blues," "Into the Frying Pan," and "Heaven and Earth" show the band's potential for balance, much of the album prioritizes technical skill over emotional depth, despite that this is a King Crimson record listening as it entirely is a tiring exercise and can leave you exhausted.

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