FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET

Porcupine Tree has really blown me away with this album. I don't think it's their best, but I think it's definitely way up there. Overall, the sound quality BLOWS ME AWAY. It almost sounds live and it feels like they're playing right next to me. Here's my breakdown of the songs: 1. Fear of A Blank Planet - A very catchy song which immediately captured my attention with the assertive guitar riffs. It reminded me a lot of Deadwing. Highly enjoyable, but not particularly groundbreaking. 2. My Ashes - This song is ok. I like it, but it's nothing special. I don't think I would go out of my way to listen to it on its own but fits well within the album. It seems a little bit weaker when taken out of its context. The electronic effects are intriguing. 3. Anesthetize - I did not like this song when I first listened to it but as with most great PT songs, it grew on me until I developed a kind of manic obsession with it. The intro is fantastic and the drumming is phenomenal. As one person pointed out, PT's drumming in this album hearkens to the almighty king of drums Phil Collins. The song is a little bit weak towards the middle, however it finishes strong and leaves you wondering. In my opinion, this is one of PT's best songs. 4. Sentimental - Love the piano throughout this whole song, especially the beginning. Wilson does an excellent job of creating the sentimental feeling through the music. 5. Way Out Of Here - I really enjoy the quietness of the beginning of this song and Wilson's yearning tone "...and I realize it's getting late." While I like the cacophany of sounds in the refrain, I can see why many people say that it's over the top. 6. Sleep Together - The intro to this song is so creepy, it fits the mood perfectly. The lyrics are a little blah but I find Wilson's begging tone so forceful and effective. The orchestral end is the best part though...it leaves you feeling out of breath and asking for more. I know some people think Steve Wilson is trying to grab the attention of teens with this album. If he is, I think he's doing a pretty poor job. This music is not going to appeal to the majority of teenagers, especially not the theme. I would agree that PT's music has gotten more "accessible" over the years, but the music is still far from being mainstream enough to appeal to teens. I would know, since I am 17. I'm the only person my age who loves Genesis and PT. As for FoaBP's theme...I think it's fabulous. It's scary for me because I see it every day: people who walk around like they're anesthetized and I can relate to it. Maybe that's why I am so attracted to this album, because I feel disconnected from a society that I watch warily from the sidelines. It's great that someone has described this crisis through music. This album isn't for the faint of heart. It's a beautiful work and I am constantly glad that I was blessed to stumble upon PT.