Arriving Somewhere

Porcupine Tree is an experimental rock band from Great Britain. Their music melds elements of psychedelic rock, electronica and neo-progressive rock with vocals influenced by The Beach Boys. Originally a solo project for Steve Wilson (vocals, guitar) success on the indie scene led to the development of a full band. Led by Wilson, the band also includes Richard Barbiera (keyboards), Colin Edwins (bass guitar) and Gavin Harrison (drums).

In Absentia is their first release on Lava/Atlantic after years with independent labels Delerium and Snapper. At the same this album is both their most cohesive and accessible to date. While featuring some of their heaviest songs it also has beautiful and intricate sections as well. Influences subtly heard in this album include Pink Floyd in the lighter psychedelic songs and Radiohead.

The opening of the first track is a blazing industrial rock section full of energy that grabs the listener and informs the long-time fan that Porcupine Tree will continue to move forward and expand their sound by introducing new elements to it. The lyrics of “Blackest Eyes” act as an introduction to the album giving you a sense of what is to come. After the first track, the album moves into the psychedelic with “Trains” and even drops most of the percussion for “Lips of Ashes”.

“Sound of Muzak” bluntly portrays how Porcupine Tree–and most progressive rock fans–views popular music. Lyrics include, “The music of the future will not entertain / It’s only meant to repress and neutralize your brain” and “The music of rebellion makes you wanna rage / But it’s made by millionaires who are nearly twice your age.” Even on their first major label release they aren’t afraid to lay it out there.

With “Gravity Eyelids” the music turns dark with an ambient intro reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails. The instrumental section is solid industrial rock with electronic sound effects swirling throughout. A highlight is “.3″ which is mostly an instrumental track. Combining a driving bass line and live string section arranged by Dave Gregory, it makes for a truly transcendent moment on the album.

The gentle and depressing “Heartattack In A Layby” is very close to some of Porcupine Tree’s older works in feel being lushly orchestrated with layered vocals running counter to each other. The song most likely to become a single is “Strip the Soul.” It is the most straight forward song on the album and combines elements of Tool and Nine Inch Nails while remaining distinctively Porcupine Tree.

With In Absentia Porcupine Tree has found a brilliant medium between accessibility and progressive music. Subtly layered, intricately written, at times heavily distorted and others simply beautiful this album comes with the highest of recommendations from this reviewer. I can’t wait for the tour.

For audio sample and more info check out the official website www.porcupinetree.com.