I’m not a big fan of a twin drummer approach to be honest. The last time I saw King Crimson I remarked that the three drummers on stage were taking turns at playing what Mike Giles did with one drum kit, of course embellished, but nevertheless distracting. There can be no doubting the musical pedigree of the assembled company of players to realise guitarist Mark Wingfield’s distinctive and atmospheric visions, but I found the music overly cerebral and virtuosic in places. The Moon June notes refer to the difficulties in categorisation which is not an issue per se, although I felt the coalescence of five such gifted musicians somewhat claustrophobic at times despite the elevated level of inventiveness that lay beneath. For that reason, I gravitated towards tracks like ‘Pursued in the Snow Lit Forest’ and ‘Stormlight’. Having said all that, connoisseurs of the bass guitar in particular are spoilt for choice, and this meritorious recording has rightfully already gained many admirers. It can be listened to in full on Bandcamp.
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