SIGNIFY

Quite different compared to the first 3 albums which are strongly psychedelic, this fourth Porcupine Tree's album is lighter in compositions. The guitar sound is heavier (which I like it better) and to me it is like a transition of the sound of early PT to the later albums.

These are tracks that to me make the good part of the album:

'Signify' is an instrumental track, with a firm guitar riff as intro and nice solo in the middle to end part. This is one of the best PT sound to me.

'Waiting Phase One' is a nice song with several phrases of melodic guitar works. 'Waiting Phase Two' has more soundscapes, mainly guitar, percussion and synthesizers. Both tracks are enjoyable, but not too much progressive elements.

'Sever' is another pretty song, with a nice hook in the chorus. I enjoy the combination of psychedelic in the intro and easier part in the chorus and ending. The phrase 'Coma Divine' that is used for their 1997 live album, appears in the lyrics of this song.

'Idiot Prayer' is kind of blend of techno-pop and soundscape, with a catchy guitar solo. After hearing some of PT albums, this kind of jamming is perhaps becoming one of PT signatures.

'Dark Matter' perhaps has the best composition in this album. It flows beautifully from a calm intro, vocal section and gets a bit heavier sound and faster pace in the guitar solo section.

Each of the other tracks indeed has its own unique sound, but to me most of the soundscapes are lack of theme and progressive elements. Anyway, I like the PT sound better that the previous albums, particularly the heavier guitar sound, and also because of less techno element. Peace.