You just can't go wrong with Stick Men. The band is made up of Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto and Markus Reuter. The sound always has links to modern King Crimson, but it's also unique from that. This new set has some especially strong music on it. While everything here is strong, there are some highlights. This is an EP that runs just half-an-hour. That said, didn't someone once say that you should leave 'em wanting more? It's successful at that. In fact, the list of contenders is getting crowded, and I'm a little hesitant to include something this short, but it is strong enough that it might still make my "best of 2022" list.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2022  Volume 4. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2022.

Heavy and dark in tone, this is fast-paced and crazed. It's a real powerhouse number. Just when you think they can't take any higher, they crank it out and intensify things to new levels.