THE RAVEN THAT REFUSED TO SING (AND OTHER STORIES)

Grace for Drowning was followed in 2013 by The Raven that Refused to Sing (and Other Stories). The Raven that Refused to Sing is a fantastic album. However, I find it funny that Steven Wilson so fully embraced many of the tropes of classic progressive rock on this album, considering his derision of the term. He's called the phrase progressive rock "the p-word" and nearly goes into apoplexy if it's used to describe his music.

"Luminol" opens The Raven the Refused to Sing with a bang. It's an extremely Yes-like opening, with its Chris Squire-inspired (in-Squired?) bassline and lush Mellotrons. Steven Wilson's first vocal lines are also reminiscent of Jon Anderson's first (wordless) notes on "Close to the Edge". The song's middle section is more standard fare for Wilson: gently strummed guitar and personal lyrics, though the flute and piano demonstrate that the jazz touches are still here.

"Drive Home" is something of a mix of new and old Porcupine Tree sounds. It's got the melodicism of their late '90s output while channeling some earlier spacey elements, particularly in the closing guitar solo. "The Holy Drinker", meanwhile, continues Steven Wilson's King Crimson kick. Oppressive, jazzy, dissonant textures dominate the song's first few minutes, though the verses are surprisingly poppy.

The title track closes the album. The song sounds heartbroken, desperate, and lonely; but it's gorgeous. Wilson cranked up his usual sadness to eleven here, particularly in the first half. Beneath this mood though, hints of hope shine through. The music is deeply affecting, and this is absolutely one of Wilson's highlights as a songwriter.

Review originally posted here: theeliteextremophile.com/2019/11/24/deep-dive-porcupine-tree-steven-wilson/