Search - David Cross :: Exiles

Cross Prog-ination

loce_the_wizard | Lilburn, GA USA | 06/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"David Cross flashed across the progressive music scene as a key member of the incarnation of King Crimson that delivered three high intensity albums, "Larks Tongues in Aspic," "Starless and Bible Black," and "Red" though he was more or less in a cameo role on the latter. Still, it's hard not to associate him with the classic lineup of KC that also featured John Wetton, Bill Bruford, and of course, Robert Fripp.Then he faded from public hearing but honed his craft through the years. It's worth the time to track down one of the many interviews with Mr. Cross available on-line to fill in the events between "Red" and the 1997 release of "Exiles."Which brings us to the matter at hand. Mr. Cross has delivered a progressive gem in "Exiles," a fresh-sounding, hard edged recording that showcases his skills as violinist, songwriter, and arranger. And one may wish to add diplomat, for he brings in former Crimson band mates Fripp and Wetton on a number of tracks. Although Mr. Wetton leaves his bass at home, he contributes only vocals on the tracks Exiles and This Is Your Life, still sounding about like he did some three decades earlier on the original Exiles. Mr. Fripp is clearly present with guitar in hand on Exiles, Tonk, Duo, and Troppo (just the titles alone conjure up the spirit of progressive rock). He sounds relaxed on these tracks, more as though he is part of the band instead of trying to be the beacon for the rest of the band.Back also are the two noted Crimson lyricists, Peter Sinfield and Robert Palmer-James, though Mr. Sinfield and Mr. Fripp apparently never crossed paths for those hoping for some resolution to that split. Still, we have some new lyrics from Mr. Sinfield to ponder and process. Peter Hammill is on board for vocals on a couple of tracks, and pairing his distinctive style of singing with Fripp and Cross' zinging back and forth is a winning combo. Mr. Hammill brings an edge to those songs that really meshes well with Fripp's guitars, leading one to hope that this pairing might recur.The fellows in Mr. Cross' band, Dan Maurer on drums, Mick Paul on bass, Dave Kendal on keyboards, and a couple of PC guitarists, Peter Claridge and Paul Clark, deliver consistently solid performances---giving up nothing to the hallowed guest musicians---and play with fervor and energy throughout.Mr. Cross has only improved with age, hitting the right tone throughout with sounding shrill of impatient on his violin solos and adding in a bevy of effects that respect the traditions of prog rock but are not enslaved to them.The songs here are all very good and fresh. It's certain King Crimson fans will like much of what's here, but though these songs expand the Crimson legacy, they are not governed solely by it. Exiles is not merely a cover of the 1973 version, but a complete reworking from the brooding original so that it sounds like part of a soundtrack from a sci-fi movie. Tonk and Fast are in-your-face power glides, and Slippy Slope and Troppo through in all the good prog rock elements. There are a few spots where the music seems to not quite fit the lyrics or where a few more effects seem in order or where habit governs innovation, but such are minor points. One hopes both that more music of this vein will be forthcoming and perhaps that Mr. Cross will add his distinct sounds to some future King Crimson recordings."

Undeniable masterwork!

03/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...Entirely completed musical perfomance.Especially for those about K.Crimson,VDGG and J.Wetton listeners.Returning in the age of their best works and reminding who they are.Hard to find their better CD the same year.Highly recommended with "Testing to destruction" too."

Not a Crimson fan...but overwhelmed

abruson | USA | 02/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot profess to have listened to much King Crimson, though did so a long time ago. I came across this album and was simply Overwhelmed. It reminds me of a mispent youth with the likes of Camel and Yes and Amon Duul (who remembers them). I love this album...Sit in complete darkness..with a good set of cans and lose youself to a world not of your own making....Buy it."