It’s difficult to imagine when Steve Wilson actually sleeps. The Porcupine Tree lead singer is not only the driving force behind PT, this year he produced his own solo album, Insurgentes; collaborated in No-Man, an experimental rock outfit; AND writes music with friend Aviv Geffin for their band Blackfield. He is possibly the hardest working man in music.
So you’d expect that quality to dip at times in Steve’s many finger-poked pies?! Not a chance. Porcupine Tree’s latest is one of their best yet. It’s accessible, yet delightfully different from anything else out there. They are a metal band. They are a prog rock band. They are tender, yet sharp and emotive enough to surprise you. The Incident is a natural progression of a band 22 years in the making; and one that are starting to appeal to the masses. OK at 23rd in the weekly album charts, Coldplay they are not (god forbid), but Wilson and the gang appear to have discovered a more successful path for their sound.
The latest album takes the listener on a journey from Occam’s Razor to I Drive The Hearse. Songs are at times soft, beautifully capturing your imagination, but then blend into an instrumental dramatic, dark world setting a scene of both discomfort and intrigue in your mind. Time Flies resonates of their most popular track Trains; with strong strokes of acoustic guitar blended into a light strumming to toy with your memory. It’s difficult to not drift into times past, and 11 minutes in length, you’ll be sure to pinch yourself out of nostalgia. Without doubt Drawing The Line is the biggest potential hit from the album. From its gentle, unsettling glockenspiel start; to its effective, catchy chorus, the song throws you into its world. Wilson demands he’s “I’m shutting you out, I shutting you out, and I have no doubt”, assertively grabbing your attention, forcing your neck to nod your head in agreement of what is a brilliant track.
But there are still heavy doses of the classic heavy affecting Porcupine Tree. The Yellow Window’s of the Evening Train is strangely uplifting, godly almost, but the underlying eeriness remains. While Octane Twisted proves that Wilson and the gang don’t need vocals to force their feelings on the listener. The 5 minute track feels like a soundtrack, but not background music. It is strong, forceful and draws from a younger more atmospheric Porcupine Tree. Circle of Manias is Wilson journeying into his love for heavy metal, thumping and thrashing their guitars, stamping his musical feet and making a very loud noise. Porcupine Tree’s influences are diverse – The Incident is a brilliant product of this eclectic taste.
This group are not trendy. They do not wear skinny jeans. They do not have a cool band name. They’re not looking to fall out of nightclubs or start fights with other’s in the industry. They simply love making music. Music that is different. Music that stands alone.
Bored of the norm?! Then give Porcupine Tree a try.
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It’s difficult to imagine when Steve Wilson actually sleeps. The Porcupine Tree lead singer is not only the driving force behind PT, this year he produced his own solo album, Insurgentes; collaborated in No-Man, an experimental rock outfit; AND writes music with friend Aviv Geffin for their band Blackfield. He is possibly the hardest working man in music.
