Artist: Porcupine Tree
Label: Lava Records
Release Date: 4/26/05
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Title: Deadwing Artist: Porcupine Tree Label: Lava Records Release Date: 4/26/05 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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3 | ||
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5 | ||
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5 | ||
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Abyss's Review:
This is my first experience with Porcupine Tree on CD. My only real contact with the band was in a live setting, when they opened for Opeth in support of their previous CD In Absentia. That album caused quite a stir amongst metalheads with a prog streak running through them, and as a result I was bombarded by friend after friend telling me how good this band was. I finally saw them in concert and was for the most part underwhelmed. Sorry.My first listen of Deadwing, solidified that view, and I expected to be writing a review saying that while I respect the band, they're not really my thing...blah blah blah. And while there is little doubt that this type of music really isn't my thing, it did start growing on me after I got a few spins under my belt. I'm still not overly blown away, but I do have a new appreciation for the band, and I find myself (when I'm in the mood anyway) more compelled to listen to this record than I ever thought I'd be.
"One word review: Pleasant." First off, I'm not entirely sure this is what I'd call a progressive band. While they do have an obviously progressive slant, they strike me as more of a modern rock type band. This album is very pop oriented in many ways, but at the same time it is also far from mainstream. The only truly progressive aspect to the album is the fact that it, like almost every other album in the genre, could easily shave fifteen minutes off the playing time. As much as I'm beginning to dig this album, I still find myself bored from time to time.
But the compositions are engaging, even some of the songs I would not have expected myself to like. Case in point: One of my favorite songs is the ballad "Lazarus," which is a simple number that utilizes a pretty melody and truly beautiful (almost haunting) runs on the piano.
So I'm coming along for the ride. I still think this band's been a little overhyped (at least among my friends), but I'm much more willing to let them plead their case and try to get me fully on board. One word review: Pleasant.
Death's Review:
Having formed over a decade ago as a Spinal Tap-esque send-up of 70's progressive rock, Porcupine Tree have evolved into something more and are now a major label band. They have carved out a sizeable niche over the last couple of years consisting of elitist heavy rock fans, progressive rock fans looking for a modern era band to latch on to, and Opeth fans who aren't afraid to go one step mellower. For those who don't already know the Porcupine Tree sound, think Pink Floyd mixed with Coldplay, King's X, later-era Life of Agony, and the less metal elements of Opeth (e.g., Damnation). Personally, I think it sounds great, and after just a few listens, I'm liking this album even more than their last release, 2002's In Absentia, an album I actually liked a lot. The progression moves further forward here, and Deadwing is full of tight, low-distortion riffing, interesting song structures and songwriting, and subtle dynamics. In sum, this is an album by professional musicians, professionally recorded, performing music that is mature and yet intense at the same time. For those of you willing to delve into the world of progressive hard rock, this is absolutely worth your time. If you give it a few listens, you may even decide to agree with my assessment that this is without a doubt a great rock record.
"In sum, this is an album by professional musicians, professionally recorded, performing music that is mature and yet intense at the same time."
Hel's Review:
If you are wondering why on earth Metal Judgment is reviewing Porcupine Tree, then it is likely you are not the type of person who will appreciate this record. It seems that most people who are likely to enjoy PT already know all about them. If however, you like the slower more atmospheric side of the metal spectrum, and you have never heard of the band before, then you are in for a treat.
"It is complex and uplifting, yet often you can feel there is something darker dwelling under that placid water." If you are immensely skeptical, consider beginning with “Arriving Somewhere But Not Here” – the twelve-minute epic will give you much to ponder. Still, pretty much anywhere is a good place to start, and it is an album that deserves to be listened to from start to finish. Granted, some of the melodies on this disc distinctly evoke flowers and sunshine. And that is a pretty un-metal thing. But the fact remains that good music is universal, and so it is with Porcupine Tree.
Deadwing is the kind of album you put on when you just want to let your mind drift away and think of nothing at all for awhile. An excellent album for just getting lost in. An album that is innocuous enough to play around Grandma, and you can still rock out from time to time without anyone noticing. It is complex and uplifting, yet often you can feel there is something darker dwelling under that placid water.
It is catchy and universally palatable, while being utterly addictive as well. Porcupine Tree may be for all metalheads, but maybe it should. Porcupine Tree is certainly a band that every musician should be able to appreciate. Moreover, it is a nice break, both from the usual music you may listen to as well as from the world.
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