If there were any lingering doubts that
King Crimson
was back in fine form after the 2014
Live at the Orpheum
teaser, they can all be dispelled with the release of the entire show from November 20, 2015 in Toronto. The set list is a fan's dream and includes songs that haven't been played live in decades.
Setting expectations high, "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Pt. 1" starts the show proper and the band maintains a similar level of excitement throughout the entire two-plus-hour set. The three-drummer frontline is able to cover anything the amazing
Jamie Muir
/
Bill Bruford
pairing brought to the table as well as raising "polyrhythmic" to a whole new level.
Mel Collins
' winds sound great on classics like "Larks' Tongues" but also add a new dimension to newer tracks like "Level Five" and "The ConstruKction of Light." The twin guitars sound fantastic, and
Tony Levin
is just incredible. Most of the new songs are pieces for the three drummers, but "Radical Action..." is the first new piece for the entire band and it's cut from the same cloth as tunes like "Red" or "Larks' Tongues, Pt. 2."
Once the music starts, the set is presented exactly as it was played; no editing. The set list is great, the band is in top form, and the sound is perfect. You really can't ask for much more from a live recording. ~Sean Westergaard