UP THE DOWNSTAIR

At this point (of my review) this is the least reviewed true studio release by PT and to me that's a bit surprising because this is not by far their least of the nine albums. Well, that's partly true because this album consists of two almost masterpiece-like tracks (Always never and Burning Sky) and a few nice ones. Ok, the title track is pretty good as well but not as good as the two mentioned.And remember this was their spacey era and not their heavy. Having said that, Signify and Sky moves Sideways are much more psychdelic/space than this issue. I will give a short discription and ratings for the (significant) tracks.

Synesthesia: a spacy one with nice rhythm, good track (3,25*).

Always never: space combined with superb rock and skilful guitar. Wilson at his best ! (4,25*).

Up the Downstair: Instrumental track, a bit like previous but more monotonous, more spacy and less brilliant (3,5*).

Not beautiful anymore: psychedelic, somewhat weird track. Interesting but no more (2,75*)

Small Fish: ballad-like track with in the 2nd minute a theme that will come back in the next song. Sort of connected songs probably. Not really outstanding this one (2,5*).

Burning Sky: great rocking track also with nice rhythm, significant psych/space and tremendous guitar (4,25*).

Fadeaway: Another ballad, somewhat slow song. Not essential (3*)

After some maths coming to almost 3,4 so I will have to round down. Still a very good effort by Porcupine Tree, great improvement compared to the debut.

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