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Title: Still the standard bearers for true progressive rock
Review: While the move to a more metallic approach may be in part an attempt to reach a younger audience, it is by no means a callous one: the band sounds inspired and invigorated. One suspects the power percussion of Pat Mastelloto is just more suited to a heavier style than Bill Bruford's jazzier grooves. Guitarist Adrian Belew remains Fripp's best hiring move: still providing smiles among the many shadows, and his voice sounds stronger. The usual daunting instrumental passages are some of the Crim's most interesting in years. And while the songs aren't quite at the level of the gems on Thrak (save for the cheekily witty "Happy With What You Have To Be Happy With"), "Eyes Wide Open" is simply lovely. Not sequenced quite as effectively as it could have been, but still multi-dimensional listening, a rarity these days.
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