Search - Porcupine Tree :: Metanoia

It's Porcupine Tree...So, You Know It's Great!

Richard Thompson | El Paso, Texas | 07/27/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have only become a Porcupine Tree fan over the last 2 years, initially turned on by the Deadwing CD. I just love this band. They are THE Best thing in Progressive Rock music today. I would honestly give this album 3 and 1/2 Stars, but 4 Stars will help the low average. As other people have described it, it is kinda "chill-out" music. If you know anything about the history of this band, especially it's founder, Steven Wilson, you will understand why this release makes since in the Porcupine Tree world. (go to wikapedia:Porcupine Tree for more info)



Steven Wilson began doing "experimental music" for himself. This first step led to an official release of his demos on cassette way back in the early 90's. Then he was urged to put a real band together. That first band included the members of Chris Maitland (drums), Colin Edwards (bass), and Richard Barberi (synthsisers) who have played with him for over a decade. The tracks on this disc are simply demos and Jam sessions by the band recorded in 1995/96 for the Signify album. Be warned: there are No lyrics, all instrumental tracks. In fact, the only voices are in studio banter between the musicians and a little bit of "taped" radio voices a la Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" and "Dark Side of the Moon".



Like a lot of people, I really like the In Absentia album, Deadwing, and Stupid Dream. There is much more straight ahead hard rock on these albums and less of the psychedelic offerings of Steven's earlier work.

But, the bottom line is, it's still Porcupine Tree. And I'm glad I have it. Every fan should purchase every Porcupine Tree offering so as to tell the band and the Record label "We Love These Guys", "Keep giving them the money to keep making Great Music for US!"



I do read all the reviews, and have been hesitant to purchase On The Sunday of Life, based on the realization it is even more "experimental" than this. I have the 2-disc Stars Die Collection, and have been told that the best of the early tracks are on it, so, for now, I'm satisfied. But, the Snapper releases always sound great and are quite a bargain. I just couldn't justify NOT picking this up for the paltry $12 price. Always support Your Band, and if you don't have it (or know about it) the 2006 DVD release entitled Arriving Somewhere... is EXCELLANT. You must get that also. You will not regret it."

I dont' really know what to make of this--sort of good-ish i

Mr. CP van Jaarsveld | Pretoria South Africa | 09/22/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I sort of enjoy this release, and as the other reviewer mentioned it makes for pretty good chilled out background music. I do however feel that Attention Deficit set a benchmark for jam session collections with their self titled album, and that comparatively this release just lacks in overall delivery. There's just not enough going on on this album to get me excited, it's all just too...polite. Porcupine tree is a great band and they are a supremely talented bunch of blokes, but be advised that this is WAY different to what they normally do and should be approached with a very OPEN mind and a large tumbler of your favourite chill-out drink. (or a fat double blader if you're so inclined...)"