King Crimson's 1973 album, Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, marked a significant shift in the band's artistic direction. This was the first album cover commissioned by Robert Fripp, following the departure of the band's lyricist and previous art director, Peter Sinfield, in 1972.
The striking cover image, chosen by Fripp, features a sun and moon design from a series of tantric symbols.
Created by Peter Douglas of Tantra Designs, the symbol represents the union of opposites. Douglas, who studied at Liverpool College of Art from 1967 to 1970, brought a unique visual element to the album that complemented its innovative sound.
A New Era for King Crimson
Musically, Larks’ Tongues in Aspic was a radical departure from King Crimson's earlier work. With Fripp as the sole remaining member from the original line-up, the new ensemble included ex-Yes drummer Bill Bruford, ex-Family bassist and vocalist John Wetton, violinist David Cross, and eccentric percussionist Jamie Muir. This line-up delivered a breath-taking mix of killer riffs, dynamic shifts, and poignant ballads.
The album features pastoral interludes reminiscent of Vaughan Williams, courtesy of Cross's violin work, and embraces a spikier, more experimental sound. Tracks like Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (Part 2) showcase the band's willingness to rock out with complex, unhinged compositions, while Muir's unconventional percussion adds unique textures and atmospherics.
Recorded at Command Studios in London during January and February 1973, Larks’ Tongues in Aspic stands as a testament to King Crimson's ability to evolve and push the boundaries of progressive rock - with visuals to match.
A New Print for King Crimson Fans
Following the huge success with fans all over the world of our last King Crimson print, In The Court of the Crimson King, we have collaborated again with the band on this new edition of prints. It is a smaller edition - just 100 - and is physically smaller too, making it a little easier to accommodate for those collectors who are running out of wall space!
READ ABOUT IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING PRINTS
