FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET

Porcupine Tree has to be the biggest name in progressive rock today- or at least the most well liked by all prog fans. Fear of a Blank Planet came with high expectations from everyone. Does it hold up to the hype?

The album opens up with The self titled track. A, rocking, catchy opener, reminiscent of past songs such as "Blackest Eyes" and "Shallow" This one may be the better of the three- but still not worth of 5 stars. 3.5/5

The next track is "My Ashes" which is a step backwards towards the album gaining any kind of momentum. It seems as if too many band these days have a rocking song, followed by a ballad, back and forth, back and forth. "My Ashes" is a fairly weak and forgettable track, with most of the focus on a lazy chorus that reminds all Porcupine Tree fans of Backfield. 2.5/5

Then comes what seems to be everyone's favorite track, "Anesthetize." The track is wonderful from the beginning- Gavin Harrison with a sweet beat on the drums, followed by nice vocals by Steven. The song does a great job of foreshadowing its heaviness that lays in the not-so distant future- with great guitar work and an excellent atmosphere. My only gripe about this song is that Alex's guest solo is a bit short. (As the whole album is too short) This song is excellent- definitely one of the best ever done by the Tree. Gavin Harrison, why don't you drum like this more often? It's ok to show off!! 5/5

"Sentimental" is amazing. It's touching, soft, and beautiful. Their best ballad ever. 5/5

"Way out of Here" is next, a song that catches everyone's attention due to the guest star. (Fripp) I find that the song jumps a bit too early into the chorus- and does not really go anywhere interesting. The lyrics are a bit creepy- almost a bit cliché' It's a good song, but no GREAT. 3.5/5

"Sleep Together" is the last track, keeping the sort of "creepy" vibe that was carried throughout the album. This song does not do much for me. The chorus is a bit annoying- and the keys used in the song give it a bit if a "haven't I heard this before?" type of feeling. Perhaps it's the feeling I get when I hear this song- a very depressed, sullen feeling. I just don't wish to listen to all of it some of the time; rather, reach for a different CD from the rack. Not a very good closer/last impression.

This album is somewhere in the land between good and excellent- but FOR SURE not a masterpiece like many say.