Customer Reviews

Level Five

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

...Is it worth it though? I would say yes. I loved Heavy ConstrucKtion, but the version of ConstrucKtion of Light on Level Five is superior for a few reasons, the most important of which is that Pat Mastelotto's drum kit sounds like more of an acoustic drum kit. Like I said, Heavy ConstrucKtion was great, but at times I tired slightly of what sounded like a purely electronic kit. This is a welcome change, and makes King Crimson sound infinitely heavier (more appropriate for the tour with Tool from which the tracks on this album are taken).

Dangerous Curves and Virtuous Circle (tracks 1 and 3) sound like improv to me, and King Crimson never disappoints with their improv. They seem to be creating a more ambient, melodic mood with these 2 tracks than other live improvs. Level Five (track 2) is the new structured composition, and is the most worthwhile track on the disc. Dark and brooding, heavy and lurching, it shows why King Crimson is Tool's daddy, and why father and son decided to tour together (I heard that Danny Carey even sat in on Red and Frame by Frame some time on tour, it would have been amazing to hear that on this disc). That being said, the track Level Five sounds (to some small extent) like a synthesis of some of the ideas explored in Larks' Tongues pt. IV and FracKtured. Still sounds good and surprisingly fresh though.

A great version of The Deception of the Thrush appears here as well (my favorite is on Disc 3 of Heavy ConstrucKtion though), which benefits endlessly once again from Pat's new drum kit. A nice bonus improv at the end as a pleasant surprise.

Ultimately, I would say that the best reasons to buy this album would be to hear Pat's better sounding kit, and Trey Gunn's Warr Guitar (which is FINALLY balanced nicely in the mix to the point where you don't have to strain a little bit to focus on it). Robert Fripp and Adrian Belew are in top form as well. The band seems to have moved to the Level (Five) of synthesis between songwriting and instrumental chops appropriate for King Crimson's fifth major incarnation.

OK, I'm a snob (or an old fart) and I own every Fripp/Wetton/Bruford Crimson disc. I love the mid seventies Crimson, but this disc rocks! It's awesome in every respect. Anyone who enjoys intense, improvisational, electric music will be impressed by this disc. A must have!

Whatever the controversy has been around the various incarnations of King Crimson, the thing that had completely vanished from their music since the "Lark's Tongues" days is finally back. On "Level Five" we are again allowed to hear beyond the instruments to something extra-musical, and possessing a convulsive beauty. The lads have opened their ears again, and their instruments are playing much more than lots and lots of notes. This is thoughtful, intricate, passionate and interesting music that actually advances. King Crimson looks set to take another defining step.

Great document of live King Crimson performances. Three new and two old compositions from "TCOL" and "ProjeKct's Four" -"The ConstruKtion Of Light" and "Deception Of The Thrush" are in new and interesting interpretation's. But new compositions are absolutely fantastic. this is One of my favorite live KC cd.
All tracks are superb, but especially my favorite
is "Dangerous Curves"."Level Five" is complex and show's us how heavy KC is. Mr.Robert Fripp, my favorite guitar player ever and how old he is and and what a cool kind of music he
plays:)),when other musicians geting older, Mr. Fripp i can say is- forever young.That
is a distinguishing feature of Fripp among others (One of the necessary thing i
think). Fripp is guitar genius and band prooves his status: GREATIST BAND IN THE UNIVERSE. with the geniune musicians
like adrian Belew, Trey Gunn and Pat Mastelotto, this line-up is match to King Crimson's
millenium's music.Hey someone,(lover of music) if you still dont know about this fantastic "Level Five" cd,put aside your other cd's and listen! I guarantee smile on your face and delight.

"Could you turn the lights down, please? In fact, turn them off... then you can watch how really bad we can play"

That's the phrase that Adrian Belew spills out at the beginning of Dangerous Curves. Of course, the band assaults you right after that with an instrumental sonic storm reminiscent of past glories, only with a darker mood. No bad playing whatsoever, only pure darkness.

"Level Five" is a live album by King Crimson which was sold as a limited edition exclusive release during their 2001 tour. I wonder in which dates this recording was taped, as the liner notes don't specify the venue or date. Clearly, this is not a complete show (with the CD clocking under 46 minutes in total), but don't let that stop you: good things come in small packages. Thankfully, the nice people from DGM/Inner Knot decided to put this and 2003's "EleKtriK" (Live In Japan) in print for the general buying public.

Of all 5 songs here, 4 were re-recorded for their next studio album, 2003's "The Power to Believe". Only Dangerous Curves and Level Five kept their titles, while Virtuous Circle and The Deception Of The Thrush would be re-christened as The Power To Believe Pt. II and III respectively. The ConstruKction Of Light was included as the title track from their previous studio album from 2000.

Here the music is dark and creepy. It takes some time to get used to this kind of music if you are not a fan of the late 90's/early 00's Crimson, but the rewards are immense. The music has many nu-metal undertones, combined with musical virtuosity and a particularly challenging sense of melody and harmony. Just as if this band was back in their 1973/1974 incarnation, Fripp and co. play almost by telepathy, making the different passages sound both improvised and composed (if that sounds like a contradiction by itself, you should listen by yourself to understand what I mean). Most of the tracks are segued seamlessly, providing a sense of continuity that makes you forget that probably the material from this show was not culled from a single performance.

Not for everyone, sure, but a gem for anybody who already got used to the dark(er) Crimson of the early 2000's, or whoever loved the astounding improvisational abilities of the 1973/1974 incarnation. Highly recommended.

This album offers us a glimpse into King Crimson future, Nuovo Metal. And what a fine future it is!
The album begins with the Dangerous Curves (new). It is the most appropriate beginning for KC experience, live or recorded. This instrumental starts with beautiful soundscapes during which the main rhythm becomes louder and more intense. The beast is now unleashed! Then the album explodes into metal-heavy uncompromising Level Five (also new), pierced by fast touch guitar thrills from Trey Gunn. The third track is a heavenly beautiful Virtuous Circle (again new). It combines jungle beats, grooby bass line, beatiful guitar from Robert Fripp and creates a very mystical atmosphere. A sensual experience. This song smoothly transforms into a fine version of Construction of Light. The fifth track is Deception of Thrush, very spiritaul. In my opinion, it is the best version out of all ever recorded. Trey Gunn plays the most beautiful solo at the end that will take you away form this world. There is also a hidden track, at least on the DGM release.
This album is an absolute MUST!

"Japanese Version featuring Different Tracks from the USA Mail-order Only Release."

Not quite, the US mail order release had the same exact tracks, with a price tag of $16. Anyway, this is a great release from KC's Level Five tour which just completed the end of last year. With a few new songs, not available anyplace else yet, this is a must-have for Crim Fans. The new song "Level Five" is more than enough reason to own this masterpiece along with all your other masterpieces by KC.

The tracks are exactly the same as the "mail order" only release several months ago from DGM. The only difference, is this one cost over twice as much. Level Five is a must have for Crims, as it contains some brand new material not available anywhere else. The cut "Level Five" is mindblowing, to say the least. Too bad for you, you didn't order the US release. You would have saved a lot of money.

Almost like a bootleg, one only notices the muddy sound at first, but quickly adjusts. It is particularly noticeable in side-by-side comparisons of other performances of the same songs. Yet this is a rare document of the tour where the great King was mere opener to the upstart Tool, and contains some of the earliest manifestations of some works that would re-appear, somewhat transmogrified, later. Worth the price if only for the very creative and humorous mix of "Dangerous Curves".

After the wonder of "Heavy ConstruKction", "Level Five" comes across as an encore of improvisational technique. The versions are lengthy masterpieces of the studio albums indicated. Since this is live material we expect some embellishing on the core concepts. But my! these arrangements are so totally beyond their original meanings. While this is labeled an EPCD, 46 min. with 6 cuts (don't forget the 'hidden' improv) is a real deal for under $10. And if you don't know KC this is a chance to find out.