king Crimson - In the Wake of Poseidon - VG/VG+

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King Crimson's In the Wake of Poseidon (1970) is a significant album in the progressive rock genre, showcasing the band's ability to blend complex musical structures with poetic lyrics. Here's an overview:

Background and Context

In the Wake of Poseidon is King Crimson's second studio album, released in May 1970. Following the groundbreaking success of their debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King (1969), the band faced the challenge of maintaining their innovative approach to music amidst lineup changes. Guitarist Robert Fripp and lyricist Peter Sinfield remained the core members, while other key contributors from the debut album, like Greg Lake, Michael Giles, and Ian McDonald, were either on the verge of departure or had already left. Despite these changes, the album managed to retain the band's distinctive sound and artistic vision.

Musical Style and Themes

The album is often seen as a continuation of the musical and thematic ideas introduced in In the Court of the Crimson King. It blends elements of rock, jazz, and classical music with complex time signatures, shifting dynamics, and poetic, often mystical lyrics. The themes of the album explore human conflict, existentialism, and the contrast between chaos and order, often drawing from mythological and literary references.

Tracklist

1. "Peace – A Beginning" - The album opens with a brief, serene a cappella piece, setting a contemplative tone before launching into the more complex tracks.
2. "Pictures of a City" - A dynamic and intense track, reminiscent of "21st Century Schizoid Man" from the previous album. It features heavy guitar riffs, jazzy saxophone lines, and lyrics depicting urban chaos and alienation.
3. "Cadence and Cascade" - A softer, more melodic piece with acoustic guitar, piano, and flute. The lyrics, sung by Gordon Haskell, offer a gentle and introspective contrast to the intensity of the previous track.
4. "In the Wake of Poseidon" - The title track is a grand, orchestral piece that echoes the epic style of "Epitaph" from the debut album. It features lush mellotron, powerful vocals, and lyrics that explore themes of conflict and destruction, using the figure of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, as a metaphor.
5. "Peace – A Theme" - An instrumental interlude with a peaceful, meditative guitar melody, providing a moment of calm amidst the album's more intense compositions.
6. "Cat Food" - A quirky, jazz-infused track with off-kilter piano and playful lyrics. The song features a more experimental approach, highlighting King Crimson’s willingness to push the boundaries of rock music.
7. "The Devil's Triangle" - An ambitious, instrumental suite inspired by Gustav Holst's "Mars, the Bringer of War" from The Planets. The piece builds in intensity, creating a sense of foreboding and chaos, with its repetitive motifs and dissonant harmonies. It is divided into three parts: "Merday Morn," "Hand of Sceiron," and "Garden of Worm."
8. "Peace – An End" - The album closes with a reprise of the "Peace" theme, this time combining the earlier elements into a fuller composition that reflects the album’s overarching themes of conflict and resolution.