King Crimson
Larks' Tongues In Aspic (40th Anniversary Edition)

Apparently, realizing the futility of attempts to achieve any significant progress in the field of jazz and related areas, Robert Fripp finally moved to a pronounced rock side. The lineup change significantly rejuvenated the sound, but it is more a turn to the traditions of the debut album. A completely new line-up, with the exception of the core of the group, of course, was able to create something unexpected, and at the same time the canons were observed: recognizable ballad structures, a tough opening number, a widespread desire for experiments. The album begins with a composition that incorporates the attributes of the new KC period: an emphatically rigid guitar, an abundance of percussion, an unusually appropriate violin that has given the band's music new shades. “Larks' Tongues in Aspic. Part One ”is an absolute secret. At first it is intriguing percussion that keeps the listener in suspense. Then, a disturbing violin and guitar are played without explanation. This piece is one of the most interesting "calm" before the storms in progressive rock. Powerful riffing immediately brings to mind the golden days of “21st Century Schizoid Man”. The next instrumental then pleases the eye with the diversity of the ubiquitous percussion of Muir and Bruford's percussion, evoking associations with a fascinating action-packed detective story. The violin is exactly what the new KC would really lack for sharpening the contrasting angles, and we can see this by listening to the (very "English") solo by David Cross after the previous dynamic part. Then the violin disappears from the field of vision (hearing) for a while and returns, playing an alarming melody, which is accompanied by some voices. A new explosion, and now the music becomes similar to the jelly sample of early Pink Floyd. The theme ends with a quiet ringing. “Book of Saturday” demonstrates to us that John Wetton is a worthy follower of Greg Lake, he does not lack the beauty and emotionality of his vocal work. The guitar and the most delicate violin perfectly frame and permeate his vocals. The song has the optimal duration to slightly dilute the experimentation of the previous number, and most importantly, nothing knocks, nothing rings ... “Exiles”. The beginning is very threatening. Liberation from the burden of obscurity and enlightenment comes suddenly. We have before us a beautiful instrumental work, strong by the unity of its parts: lyric violin, wonderful acoustic and electric guitars, mellotron, the original "Crimson" style of drums. The vocals are flawless again. "Easy Money". Wetonn's voice is very quiet, but the bass is impressive. From the very beginning, vocal parts, bulky drums, guitar are well remembered. It is impossible not to mention Fripp's guitar solo, which, combined with various effects, is very consistent with the content of the song. The final part of it falls on the raging drums and percussion. “Talking Drum”. Everything African takes place within the first 2 minutes. And then - without prefaces. The intertwining violin and guitar solos accompanied by a powerful rhythm section sound amazingly modern and harsh out of time. “Larks' Tongues in Aspic. Part Two ”. The second part of this composition is already much more predictable, but no less interesting. It starts off with a hard riff in the spirit of Led Zeppelin. After 50 seconds, the melody gets a serene symphonic setting. And the 4th minute gives the music an already chaotic direction. Apparently, the struggle of opposites is the meaning of this composition. Well, great album. An interesting historical moment: in 1973 symphonic art rock and space rock culminated, and Fripp with a new team and an old name, meanwhile, mastered the already metal heights of progressive music, taking care of the heirs. It becomes clear why King Crimson is Tool's idol. As for my attitude to "Larks' Tongues in Aspic", this album still did not make such an impression on me as "In the Court of the Crimson King", but, naturally, for the fresh look and foundation of the new series of the band's albums, he cannot do not give a score close to 10 points.

One of the greatest prog rock albums ever recorded and on this audio disc sound is better than I've ever heard it. King Crimson forever

King Crimson get in their second phase and create soundscapes with their own unique way. Progressive rock at its purest.