FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET

Porcupine Tree, the band i've heard lots about over the years but only recently got into them. I haven't heard them at their earlier psychedlic/space rock stage or even the two poppy albums. I found this album at a really cheap price which is totally surprising.

First of the cover is kinda strange (though I kinda get from the artist Lasse Holie's work with the band that it would be) of the child's emblazed blue face staring out at you. Looking through the manual the weirdness continues, and at the back I noticed in the credits that Alex Lifeson and Robert Fripp were involved too and that it would be even better.

It starts off with the title track FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET, (which conicidently was the first song I heard of theirs) its a upbeat track supported by the subtle vocals of Steven Wilson, its a really good intro to the album. MY ASHES, it cuts back the speed and the guitar goes all plucky. I really like the vocals on this song, ANESTHETIZE, onto this the epic 17 minute song which is probably my favorite Porcupine Tree song, I love the way it goes, how it proceeds along at a nice pace throughout. And with the solo of Lifeson adds a little Rush flavour to the mix. SENTIMENTAL, back to a shorter song again with its strange lyrics of not wanting to grow old and staying as a kid (a Peter Pan moment if I do say so myself). WAY OUT OF HERE, the soundscape that Fripp produces adds a nice touch to this song (took me a few listens to get used to it and enjoy it in all its glory. SLEEP TOGETHER, the final song and which is not to shabby, closes the album with continuously consistent songs and the mood of a dull future for children in this digital age.

4 stars