PAUL ALESSANDRINI CHRONICLE MAGAZINE ROCK & FOLK February 1972 No. 61 Page 79 4. Album 33 RPM 1971 Ref: 013 6396 Island No indication on the cover, no names of musicians, only appear those of Robert Fripp and Sinfield, as composers of different pieces of this disc. We could have seen there, if it was simple measure of economy-Philips France, a desire to impose beyond the personalities of the group members, a sound, a musical specificity "King Crimson" which confirms disk drive, musicians musicians. And it around Fripp core, Sinfield: King Crimson continues to be "traditional" and that in the perfection, sophistication present in even the most grotesque aspects of the work. A convergence of music experience extends smoothly, intelligent synthesis of genres, modes. Evocation, renaissance theme that is facing changing climates carefully delimited writing music: the most complete count of voice, bass bow, lush orchestral parts, saxophone to Pharoah Sanders or Gary Bartz ( Mel Collins), drives the electric bass, organ saturated "Ratlegien" Vivaldi reminiscences (Prelude) and even the Beatles pastiche ("Ladies On The Road"). The all component work, since there is consistency, and no room for set pieces, solos. The music is written, finally staged without the possibility of determining a new direction. This is its strength, its amazing accuracy. King Crimson disk is different from the group that performs on stage; here no part of funky music; rather the requirement of rigor, the blueprint. Without doubt, the most characteristic example of this pop that wants to prove his own musical richness: the instrumentalists are only the "vehicles" of musical proposals Fripp and Sinfield, which itself consists without taking part in the development practice. If there is in "Islands" the idea of fullness, travel, this will be through the world of music, the disc becomes a monster fascinating bastard because preserving unity in all plots of visited music. It is also dangerous because music reveling in its preciousness, claiming totally like one desire, its own finality. The official announcement of the separation of Robert Fripp Sinfield and the rest of the musicians probably will mark a turning point in the musical direction of the group. Still, this disc more than the previous one, is the quintessence of the whole process of King Crimson. This torque-Fripp Sinfield.
