Introduction

Red Krayola's vibrancy -- and continuing relevancy -- can perhaps be traced not only to Mayo Thompson's own vision of engaging pop music head-on in recent years, but also to the band's ever-evolving cast. On Introduction (a curious title since RK has been kicking around in one form or another since 1967) Mayo Thompson teams with longtime members Stephen Prina and Tom Watson. John McEntire (who in this band is actually considered a longtime member) recorded and mixed the set, and bassist Noel Kupersmith and accordionist Charlie Abel fill out the group. Thompson and cohorts make a move toward pop -- a sharp turn, in fact -- that was only hinted in the beautiful piano parts on 2004's Japan in Paris in L.A. Actually, Introduction is the most accessible album Red Krayola has ever issued. It's song-oriented and sparse. After a spoken word intro, Thompson folds "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" into a darkly prophetic weave, a point of engagement with how far not only music but culture have not only broken the circle but shattered it... - All Music Guide