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I feel misled by the other reviews. The music is OK, but not any better than previous PT. The same pathetic lyrical content is recycled through every song: I am a bored teenager who hates my parents and wonders the mall stoned with no other purpose in life than to play XBox and feel sorry for myself. I don't know what motivated Steve Wilson to devote an entire release to this theme, but my copy is now in the round file. I recommend buying a different Porcupine Tree album if this is to be your first. I honestly enjoy Deadwing and still am interested in other material by PT and Steve Wilson.
(though you will notice that the "Trains" riff is recycled here). Steve sings "much easier to talk to my PC". or "Xbox is a god to me/ A finger on the switch/ My mother is a bitch/ My father gave up ever trying to talk to me"I'll move on to the songs as wholes. 8/10My Ashes - The softest on the album, but WILL be stuck in your head. This song builds and builds over top of steven's mediocre lyrics about a bored teenager with the curse of "there must be more", however this doesn't seem to hinder the song's ability to captivate. Fear of a Blank Planet - Reminds me a lot of Deadwing's opening title track.
A short but sweet six song Prog-assault on the mind. Which i don't mind at all being a huge Progressive metal fan. But it feels like he was catering to 17 year old basement dwelling boys who lack the necessary social skills to keep them off their PC or X box all day. The song leaves you very contemplative, not just because of the lyrics but also the instrumentals' raw power. 9/10Overall, If you listen to Porcupine tree for their fantastic and often relatable lyrics (in absentia comes to mind), then you may not love this album. And yes, the trippy pink floyd type feel remains. Well, let me just say that this album instrumentally is FLAWLESS. 8.5/10Sleep Together - Upon first listening to this song, i wasn't too impressed, and i'll blame it on reading reviews before hand that said it was unimpressive.
8.5/10Anesthetize - Almost 18 minutes long. 9.5/10Sentimental - This is my favourite track on the album. But this song contains some of the worst lyrics in my opinion ever to be released. Beautiful rolling piano instrumentals begin the song as steven sings "I never want to be old/ And I don't want dependence, Anymore". Fantastic feel, and a hooky chorus that seems to flow so smoothly, which we know is trademark Porcupine Tree.
Great fast paced acoustic guitar riff that eventually leads into some beautiful prog metal heavier riffs. My only beef with this album is the Lyrics.Steven Wilson has shown in the past to be an incredible lyricist. Awesome/ definately a hightlight. We've mentioned boredom on most songs and gadgets/ schools are mentioned again on this one. 10/10Way out of Here - Ok, the depressed teenagers must LOVE this album. It's about a terminally bored teenager on drugs.
THis lies all in the instrumentals. After more listens, i totally disagree. First listen was such an amazing experience, and it does sound like the PT we all know, but some parts are heavier than they've ever been. He's a song saver. Despite it's terrible lyrics, the song does pull through with awesome building instrumentals and some of the best drumming that we've heard from Gavin Harrison. This song has a very raw sound and eerie sound, especially in the chorus.
HOwever, if they're incredible instrumental musicianship always amazes you (much like myself) you will most like thoroughly enjoy this album. Great guitar solo from guest ALex Lifeson of Rush. For example. Great Ending. The word EPIC comes to mind. Very heavy at times.
After the halfway point, the song takes a build that proves to be very satisfying, and even orchestral instruments are used to give the song its monstrous feel. Great.
Porcupine Tree: excellent musicianship, vocals, etc. It's just not my cup-of-tea so to speak, a shade too negative for me. I love dark but negative is something totally different. I rated it three stars to be as neutral as possible since the work itself is excellent but just not my taste.
I'm getting on the PT train very late here I know, but this is just a superb record. It took me a few listens to really get into this, but I'd say FOABP is as good or better than any album Rush has released since Moving Pictures. I've been listening to Progressive Rock since I was a teenager - Rush, Yes, King Crimson, UK etc. The new bands in this genre haven't really blown me away, but I recently picked up this record and I was shocked and how great the songs are, and how tasty the playing is. I actually played this for my 12 year old nephew who also totally loves it and has it on his iPod right alongside Radiohead and some old Prog stuff I turned him on to.The "prog rock" tag isn't really desired by any band, but suffice it to say, this record (and this band) sits right in the crosshairs of that genre. But it's worth a listen by anyone who digs smart rock music.
Haunting, complex, driving, melodic.everything you expect from PT and more. I highly recommend this album, and ANY album by this band.
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