An incomplete Conundrum gets the first gig of the Double Trio's last European tour underway. The band are in fine mettle as they plough through a classic setlist that touches upon almost every period of Crimso's long history. For the first time in 22 years, 21st Century Schizoid Man finds itself part of a KC concert though it suffers from a few first night jitters.
That said there's an intense focus audibly present on the other old warhorses such as Red and Frame By Frame that reminds us how good this incarnation were at interpreting the more mature parts of the KC repertoire.
It's a joy following Bruford's percussive musings on tracks like Dinosaur as Pat lays down the big beats, and clearly the two drummers are enjoying themselves during B'Boom. The collective improv in Thrak is an object lesson in how to build up the intensity from a standing-still position. Listen out for Fripp's neat signing-off solo at the end of a barn-storming Neurotica and the gorgeous Fripp/Gunn duet in the middle section of 3OAPP.
An incomplete Conundrum gets the first gig of the Double Trio's last European tour underway. The band are in fine mettle as they plough through a classic setlist that touches upon almost every period of Crimso's long history. For the first time in 22 years, 21st Century Schizoid Man finds itself part of a KC concert though it suffers from a few fir...
In this performance it seems like the guys are playing it safe, getting the hang of the touring thing again. There are a few moments where various players totally lose the plot, but at the same time, this is some of the hardest music ever written and performed. Those few moments are overshadowed by glittering moments of greatness. Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream is especially funky. Eighties tunes like Neurotica and Sleepless are extra shiny with Trey Gunn’s thick coat of glossy goodness added to ...
In this performance it seems like the guys are playing it safe, getting the hang of the touring thing again. There are a few moments where various players totally lose the plot, but at the same time, this is some of the hardest music ever written and performed. Those few moments are overshadowed by glittering moments of greatness. Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream is especially funky. Eighties tunes like Neurotica and Sleepless are extra shiny with Trey Gunn’s thick coat of glossy goodness added to the mix, and his parts come through very well in this recording. When the band comes out for the encores and Adrian says, “This is the first time we’ve played this song in 22 years,” the hairs on the back of the neck prickle with anticipation. And when the first chord of Schizoid Man descends, the body shivers with goosebumps of delight. Feisty versions of VROOOM and LTIA II top off this splendid return of KC.
