Signify

by

Porcupine Tree

Edit

Perhaps saying Porcupine Tree is the 'best band in the world' is a little strong; they have some pretty strong competition out there. And I didn't say the best band of all time, because someday, perhaps somebody better will emerge. But if you are a fan of progressive, thoughtful, briliantly executed and flawlessly produced music, you will do no better than PT.

The early albums, ON THE SUNDAY OF LIFE, and VOYAGE 34, THE COMPLETE TRIP are very psychodelic in nature, evoking LSD trips and magic mushroom imagery, (I'm guessing, as I've never actually done that myself). Inevitable comparisons with Sid Barret and early Pink FLoyd will be made. In fact, the specter of Pink Floyd will follow PT's work through much of their catalog, including UP THE DOWNSTAIR, never more evident than in THE SKY MOVES SIDEWAYS, and up to SIGNIFY. It should be stressed that PT is not a clone band, trying to be like.... Steven Wilson has a unique and distinctive style that blends many influences, from techno dance, space ambient, progressive blues, and alternative rock; into absolutely brilliant compositions. The later albums, STUPID DREAM and LIGHTBULB SUN move the band further away from their influences and into their own catagory, by which other bands eventually will be compared.

I have been searching for a great contemporary progressive band for years; many of the offerings out there are good, but leave me unsatisfied and wanting more. Marillion, Spocks' Beard, Dream Theater, Flower Kings, etc... all good bands who, for me seem to fall just short of the mark. The old standard bearers like Yes, Roger Waters, King Crimson and Jethro Tull are still making some very good music (or releasing the same old music, like Floyd), but they don't seem to be able to capture the sparks that made them great way back when.

However, Porcupine Tree has fully pleased and satisfied my expectations with each new release. I find that I can't get enough and cannot wait for the next album. It baffles me that they are not better known in America - given their consistent level of excellent music, I would expect that Porcupine Tree would be a household name. Yea, as far as I'm concerned, they are the best band in the world today.

Steven Wilson never sits still. "Signify" is a move in a pleasant direction. There's still some of the atmospheric stuff that marked earlier works such as "The Sky Moves Sideways" and "Up the Downstair" but there are also slightly more upbeat -- musically if not lyrically -- ballads. "Sever," not written by Wilson, is one of the highlights in my opinion. "Dark Matter," the moody closer to disk one, is another of the best song. The bonus CD contains demos and unreleased stuff. Among the most enjoyable is the acoustic version of "Nine Cats." You could sing along to it with your kids without a worry.