David Cross - (1994) Testing To Destruction

(Review from progarchives.com, gepr.net)

David Cross is the lone bearer of the sound/tone of Larks Tongue era King Crimson. Heavy, brash, and powerful. Cross assembled a fearless group to perform this off- shoot of the King Crimson family tree. Vocalist/bassist John Dillion sounds like a cross between John Wetton's strained baritone and Roger Waters' manic delivery, which can at times, be either pleasant or grating, depending on the tune. Paul Clark, on guitars, is the perfect foil for Cross's fierce violin excursions. Razor sharp leads intertwine on nearly every track giving the solo spots a fusionesque edge. Sheila Maloney's keyboards add depth to the rhythm section with colorful chording and repeating motifs. Sheila rarely takes the lead, her sonic space fleshes out the overall textures. Dan Mauer keeps everything on track and consistently shifts between powerhouse bashing and odd metered grooves.

The opening track, "Learning Curve", makes a strong statement. Cross wastes no time in bringing his violin to the forefront over an interesting bass/drum combo. Great lyrics and scorching vocals pull you right in. "Calamity" shifts and slithers between sweet ambience and spiraling solo workouts. It has an infectious melody and very good dynamic shifts between restrained, tension-building vocal sections and explosions of rock power.

"Tripwire" is the most accessible song on the album. Thirty-five years ago it would have garnered a lot of airplay. Almost Asia sounding with heartfelt vocals, catchy hooks and strong melodies.

"Abo" is probably the album highlight: it opens with some ambient samples and abstract percussion, moving through a nice vocal section to an impressive instrumental blowout; here the pulsing bass line, repetitive riffing, gradually increasing intensity and finally the wordless falsetto vocals show definite zeuhl influence.

Five tracks are studio recordings and four are recorded live at Floz Club, Berlin, October 1993.

Track List :
01. Learning Curve (6:33)
02. Calamity (8:59)
03. Welcome To Frisco (Live) (6:49)
04. The Affable Mister G. (4:14)
05. The Swing Arm Disconnects (Live) (7:15)
06. Tripwire (4:44)
07. Cycle Logical (Live) (3:43)
08. Testing To Destruction (Live) (1:56)
09. Abo (12:22)

Line-up :
- David Cross / violins
- John Dillon / vocals and bass
- Sheila Maloney / keyboards & vocals
- Paul Clark / guitar
- Dan Maurer / drums