Compiled from the Porcupine Tree support slot in October 2006, this is a snapshot of the duo grappling with the task of combining the harmonic ambiguity of Soundscapes with some straight ahead rock grooves. With so much of Robert’s public work being taken up with ‘scaping in recent times, it’s almost a novelty to hear him rocking it up like he does on Time Groove from Boston and Queer Jazz NYC.
Despite all the technology involved this is a pared-back sound compared to previous projeKcts, and there's a tentative, exploratory quality about much of the music; two players in search of that often elusive moment, an intriguing aspect which provides much of the tension and appeal.
As well as the big set pieces there are some little jewels to be found in small places; the Frippertronics-like ending of Berklee Strut and the beginning of End Time Boston. Of this gig the Boston Herald commented “With Belew pounding on an electronic drum kit, Fripp tore into a set of improvised sound sketches, mixing in hints of electronic programming under his searing guitar explorations.”
To these ears the pick of the bunch though comes from the Keswick gigs which push some of the ideas and themes investigated in the P6 series a little further. As ever Fripp’s own commentary on the performance is more circumspect. “An enjoyable performance. Probably, we played well, but I have no idea.”
Compiled from the Porcupine Tree support slot in October 2006, this is a snapshot of the duo grappling with the task of combining the harmonic ambiguity of Soundscapes with some straight ahead rock grooves. With so much of Robert’s public work being taken up with ‘scaping in recent times, it’s almost a novelty to hear him rocking it up like he doe...
I’m puzzled by the previous reviewer’s complaint of "distortion in the drum beats" -- I don’t hear any distortion through my speakers (headphones either). Maybe the reviewer’s speakers were blown, or he just isn’t used to the sound of electronic drums. Anyway this is hypnotic stuff -- great beats, great atmospheres, and great guitar solos. I just replaced my old mp3 files with FLACs and it sounds even better (and still no distortion). Essential. --Chris DeVito
Written by Joseph Aiken
Distortion ruins these grooves
The grooves here are spectacular. What I don’t get about the sound is the distortion in the drum beats, it sounds like some kind of digital clipping. It’s worst in the Boston gig, but it’s also in the others. It’s obviously intentional, and this effect makes this music very, very fatiguing. The music itself is something I could listen to over and over again, were it not for this unecessary distortion. I just don’t get thi...
The grooves here are spectacular. What I don’t get about the sound is the distortion in the drum beats, it sounds like some kind of digital clipping. It’s worst in the Boston gig, but it’s also in the others. It’s obviously intentional, and this effect makes this music very, very fatiguing. The music itself is something I could listen to over and over again, were it not for this unecessary distortion. I just don’t get this aspect of the music and don’t understand why this effect was chosen, although it does make anything which follows it sound better (I know they were an opening act!?!) Too bad, ’cause they’re the hottest licks I’ve heard in a while...
Written by James Steele
Missing Song
I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the Keswick show. It was particularly enjoyable because I had been downloading and listening to many of the "churchscape" performances prior to this date. I was probably the first one to buy this download, perched like a hawk on the web server waiting for it to become available. Naturally there are performances missing here due to the release being a compilation. There is one particular song from Keswick that I was hoping to h...
I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the Keswick show. It was particularly enjoyable because I had been downloading and listening to many of the "churchscape" performances prior to this date. I was probably the first one to buy this download, perched like a hawk on the web server waiting for it to become available. Naturally there are performances missing here due to the release being a compilation. There is one particular song from Keswick that I was hoping to hear again, and it is not present. I was just a humble little participant in the experience of this concert- listening and watching with rapt attention; yet it occurred to me that the song in question may have been becoming (at least to Mr. Fripp) one of those occassions where "sometimes gravity wins" as he has put it. In response to this, he cut though the V-Drumming with the heaviest guitar riff I have ever laid ears on. It was as if the frustration was being released, and in doing so a completely new path was being forged... a new experience being created. I miss this song. I’ve waited over half a year, hoping that the P6 shows would become available in their entirety. Is there any chance whatsoever that either the full Keswick show or this particular track (for which I have no title) will be offered for purchase?
Written by Hector Hurtado
Lounge music for the schizoid men
What can i say about this projekct? They made an excellent show as the opening act for Porcupine Tree. It’s sounds like the title of my review, kind of lounge music for schizoid men. Belew prepares the ground, in a very quiet and relaxin’ form for the awesome soundscapes of Mr. Fripp. Buy this concert now!!!!!!!! PD: hope to see the Greater Crim sometime in the future here in Caracas, Venezuela.
