Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another fantastic Porcupine Tree album, 21 May 2007
The latest Porcupine Tree album shows a slight change of approach compared with the previous two. A concept album dealing with the bleak existence of neglected modern youth, it manages to be heavier and proggier (in some places) and lighter and simpler (in others) than both Deadwing and In Absentia. It also fits the tradition of a concept album by being best listened to in a single sitting. The songs are still great by themselves, but each benefits from being enjoyed in the context of the whole.
As usual, the band explores a variety of shades of heaviness and complexity. A larger-than-usual proportion of slow, soft sections (including a couple of whole songs predominantly in this style) might cause some fans of heavier Porcupine Tree to lose interest, but to me the album never becomes dull and is kept alive by Steven Wilson's haunting vocal lines and imaginative soundscapes. In contrast, the album also incorporates the heaviest music the band have recorded, and they pull it off brilliantly.
The album can be quite slow-moving: ideas are never hurried, but allowed to develop over many minutes. The chorus to the longest track, Anesthetize, doesn't kick in until some seven minutes into the song, but the build-up of the introduction adds to the impact of the memorable vocal line when it arrives. There are numerous classic Porcupine Tree moments on this CD which will keep existing fans happy, and although each song is perhaps not as striking as, say, the tracks on Deadwing, there is still plenty of interest here with unique musical and vocal ideas which Wilson manages so well.
In summary, although Fear Of A Blank Planet is a slightly more challenging listen than the previous two albums it's definitely up there in terms of songwriting, atmosphere and performance. Wilson has tweaked the formula a little, and the resulting album -- while perhaps not quite matching the pure brilliance of Deadwing -- is a success well worth checking out, and a very welcome addition to the Porcupine Tree catalogue.
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28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Musical Pandora's Box, 13 April 2007
Firstly I totally agree with the previous comments that this band has earned its deserved reputation through a lot of hard working years in the industry. What is most incredible is that the quality of their output is constantly of such a high standard, and if there are any cracks they certainly aren't visible here. When you finally prise Deadwing from the HiFi you'll be greeted with a killer acoustic riff that signifies the next stage in the journey.
Definitely a "concept" album (cough...) but in perfect Porcupine Tree style, there's some very clever weaving on display here with lots of musical references to previous PT songs and shed loads of cheeky hidden reminder riffs throughout the 6 new songs. A genuine musicians paradise, but still very accessible throughout. I take my hat off to MR Wilson yet again, this could well be my album of the year and its only April.
As predicted, "Fear of a Blank Planet" is my current fav but only because of its familiar warmth (Deadwing 2?) and superb lyrics. "My Ashes" is the vocal showcase vehicle for those signature harmonies and provides a chance to gather your thoughts before diving into the main course that is "Anesthetize". This may well be referenced as the "Arriving Somewhere" of this album but to comment at this early stage would be denying the song its chance to fully unravel. I will say that its 17+ minutes are a thing of beauty. Sombre and reflective in places, and brutal in others. The intro alone had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. You know you are in for a ride and pay off is worth its weight in gold. Long songs can be a mixed bag but thankfully PT have the experience and skill to fully justify its lengthy running time. "Sentimental" was already lost in a sea of new information that simply can't be processed in such a short time. I did note the reference riff from "Trains" and I'm sure this one will be a grower. "Way out of here" starts on a misleading downer before hammering in with one of the best riffs on the album. After the first chorus the tempo is upped and we're right back on track with yet another crowd pleasing anthem. This theme is then carried over to the final track "Sleep Together". Its pounding bass lines and synth's are put to full effect and round off a fantastic album that will have you wondering where that 50mins disappeared to and skipping straight back to track 1 to start all over again.
For those new to Porcupine Tree this is truly a great time to be introduced. Fans of Deadwing and In Absentia will see this as the natural progression of an already accomplished and criminally underrated band. I strongly urge anyone interested in this genre to give them a try. They're the UK equivalent to Tool and that's highest praise I can offer.
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29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fill in the blanks., 8 April 2007
Porcupine Tree's upward trajectory towards international recognition has been slow and hard won.That they have achieved anything is remarkable bearing in mind how complex,and uncompromising their music has been. "Fear Of A Blank Planet",thankfully maintains the musical impetus.
Sounding unlike anything else around at the moment,"Fear Of A Blank Planet",builds on the musical templates of both "Deadwing",and "In Absentia" but opens out to become the bands most complete sounding album since "Signify",and the confidence and execution is nothing less than exhilerating throughout.
Beginning with the title track,it is obvious that Steven Wilson has a lot to get off his chest,and there is more than an underlying anger to his muse.The album moves neatly through this brilliant opener and "My Ashes",towards the albums centrepiece "Aneasthetize" which is probably the finest piece of modern progressive rock you will hear all year.Seventeen minutes plus of clever,forward thinking music shows just why Porcupine Tree have become such an important British band.Simply put,bands rarely get this good without a long hard slog,and Porcupine Tree are musically at a peak on this album.
Those who are curious about the band should try earlier albums like "Signify" first,but to those who are already familiar with Porcupine Tree,this album is an essential purchase.
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