Live at the Wiltern, 1995

Commencing in the usual fashion, Fripp unspools his sonic magic on a moody and ethereal "Introductory Soundscape" that concludes rather abruptly during the count-in to the hard-hitting instrumental "Vrooom Vrooom" that ignites evenly on all six cylinders. Belew then greets the crowd, informing them of the auspiciousness of the occasion before concluding with the portentous comment "thanks for coming to watch the fireworks." The contents of the nearly two-hour gig reach as far back as the 1972-1974 lineup with the instrumentals "The Talking Drum" which segues into "Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Part II)," as well as "Red" from the long player of the same name. Otherwise, the majority of the set list is divided between selections from THRAK (1994) -- their latest, not to mention first studio effort in a decade -- and highlights from throughout the three albums by the '80s re-formation. There is a timeless quality to Belew's writing as evidenced by the juxtaposition of more established tunes such as "Frame by Frame" or "Matte Kudasai" with his concurrent contributions "Dinosaur," "One Time," and the blissful "Walking on Air" -- the latter being unquestionably among his greatest compositions with the combo. Enthusiasts are treated to an extended ending as Fripp's angelic soundscapes resound for several minutes, providing a benediction of sorts to both attendees and participants alike. The other side of King Crimson's sonic fortitude can be heard in their unmatched abilities as instrumentalists. In addition to the aforementioned updates of "Red" and the "The Talking Drum"/"Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Part II)" pairing, worthy of repeated listening is the edgy and challenging "Vrooom Vrooom" opener, and the spacy, percussion-intensive "B'Boom," as are the awe-inspiring omniscience of "Thrak," and the concluding coupling of "Vrooom Vrooom" with "Coda: Marine 475," which are uniformly rendered exuding passion as the sextet give the proverbial 110-percent as their parting gift.