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Rating: I think that for many, the members of the Stick Men trio: Pat Mastellotto, Tony Levin, and Markus Reuter, need no introduction. This album was released in 2016 and represents a further step forward in the group's maturation.
The disc begins with the title track with a dark sound suitable for the album's dark cover. And right with the first track, one of the novelties of this work is introduced, the singing. For the first time, the tracks are not exclusively instrumental. Tony Levin's voice does not fall short and fits perfectly with the noir atmosphere of the piece. The precise, hypnotic drumming of Mastellotto with the notes of Levin's Chapman stick provide the powerful propulsive drive on which Reuter's touch guitar is inserted, but despite this dark sound, the piece manages to be very enjoyable and captures attention.
The album's sound is solid, with a powerful groove and sophisticated arrangements that deserve to be listened to attentively to capture all their nuances.
Needless to say, while other influences can be detected, the Crimson King's seems the most predominant, with a direct link to the latest formations where the music is more experimental. Personally, I believe it is a very precise stylistic choice, considering them an ensemble capable of also venturing into other musical genres.
I don't think it's an easy album to review; the three "boys" have not yet tired of experimenting and continue to surprise us.
Therefore, I believe the best thing is simply to tell you to turn on your stereo, make yourself comfortable in your favorite chair, and create the right play of lights. First, though, don't forget to close the door after telling your family that you do not want to be disturbed, not even if the world were to fall apart. Once you have created all the conditions for an uninterrupted listening, let yourself be carried away by the music. And if a dark and stormy night is spying on you from the windows, all the better. Enjoy listening.
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