King Crimson

Forever evolving, in constant evolution, this legendary band have created a new sound — moulding atmospheric soundscapes with "alternative” rock, classical Mozart-esque discipline, organics with futuristic off-measure space drumming along with various electronic components that add up to something that is highly accessible, universal and yet defies expectation. The Power To Believe, co-produced by Machine (Hed Planet Earth, White Zombie) is somewhat of a concept album, albeit an emotional and subconscious one, which on the surface is occasionally and slightly interspersed with a vocal haiku that speaks of frailty, loyalty, holding on, respect and fear. And in a responsible composer's fashion, throughout the album the listener is presented with melodic moments that are both elating and frightening. Sounds of beauty that can then be dropped like Dante Aligheiri into a dark metallic pit of mystery and uncertainty, as excellently portrayed in tracks like "Elektrik" and "Level Five,” a Black Sabbath-meets-Tool rollercoaster that always reminds one that there is consequence to every action. And texturally plenty of drama furthers this virtue and adventure — from sudden electrical low-end arrhythmia bass drum pummels to mysterious digitally treated prehistoric-like guitar and bass noises. Crim are now highly exotic and yet are at their most palatable and accessible, genre-speaking. The long improvised-like ambient groove instrumentals appeal to the drug and jam culture, while bizarre pop songs on the album like the dark "Facts Of Life" and the existential guide to making a modern hit song "Happy With What You Have To Be Happy With,” ground the band with younger folk. TPTB is by far the band's best album in over thirty years — a true powerful musical force that obliterates the brain and puts it back together with an adhesive of adventure.