King Crimson - Thrak (1994) (@256)

King Crimson - Thrak (1994) (@256)

(Review from progarchives.com, progreviews.com)

In 1994, Fripp woke King Crimson from the netherworld once more, with another evolution in the line up, this time the formulation of six members which breaks down rhythmically as two trios to blend a very interesting construction of soundscapes. The previous band would return along with Trey Gunn, as well as Pat Mastellotto on drums. Both had played with Fripp in a collaboration with avant-garde artist David Sylvian.

The sound harkens back to the Red-period band, with aggressive instrumentals and some fiery improvisations. The new marque of this heavy instrumental music displayed more musical maturity and finer execution over mainstream heavy metal to "117 guitars almost hitting the same chord simultaneously". Expansive arrhythmic soundscapes which drew from "Frippertronics" concepts give imposing auras which were generated by the mellotron in the King Crimson of the early 70s.

The title track is possibly as overtly dissonant and aggressive as the band has ever sounded, while "VROOOM" and its pseudo-reprise are uptempo workouts that fit nicely in the band's canon. Adrian Belew returns as frontman, and doesn't miss a beat incorporating his modern-rock take on the Beatles and Talking Heads into the Crimson sound.

The lively opener "VROOOM" prooves that the band can still rev it up. The classic King Crimson formula of juxtaposing raging, rockish sections with softer, understated sections is put to use here, as is the new double trio lineup. The two drummers shine especially, with Mastelotto laying down the basic groove and Bruford dancing around him. For further evidence, check out their drum feature/intro "B'Boom".

"Dinosaur", a Belew-penned tune is about, of all things, getting older. Imagine the mid-life crisis of the world's alltime greatest fan of Magical Mystery Tour, beef up the metallic guitars, and you've got this slab of prog-pop. Heavy yet nerdy.

Welcome to the King Crimson of 90s.

Line-up :
- Adrian Belew / guitar, voice, vocal
- Bill Bruford / acoustic & electronic percussion
- Robert Fripp / guitar, mellotron, soundscapes
- Trey Gunn / stick, back vocals
- Tony Levin / basses, back vocals
- Pat Mastelotto / acoustic & electronic percussion

Track List :
01. Vrooom - 4:38
02. Coda- Marine 475 - 2:41
03. Dinosaur - 6:37
04. Walking On Air - 4:38
05. B'boom - 4:11
06. Thrak - 3:59
07. Inner Garden I - 1:47
08. People - 5:53
09. Radio I - 0:43
10. One Time - 5:22
11. Radio II - 1:03
12. Inner Garden II - 1:15
13. Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream - 4:50
14. Vrooom Vrooom - 5:50
15. Vrooom Vrooom- Coda - 3:03