GRACE FOR DROWNING

It has been years since listening to an album has been so gratifying. With this effort Steven Wilson reached a great balance between the ethereal sound of his earlier work with the heavier recent work of Porcupine Tree. Reminiscent of King Crimson (I hear mostly Red and Lizard), the dissonant chords, rythmic chanting, and wind instruments are placed interspersed with jazzy progressions as well as catchy melodious segments. This makes the album very varied, yet everything flows wonderfully, making this double album easy to listen in one sitting.

Production is impecable and the drumming impressive. Wilson's voice is, as always, pleasant and appropriate for his themes.

I will confess to having seen Steven Wilson last Sunday; It is hard not to associated the emotion from such a wonderful concert with the quality of the music as I wrote this review, from the clear sound to the carefully placed lighting, backdrop, and just perfectly balanced participation by all the musicians. I will close by saying that after this effort I consider Steven Wilson more than just a talented interpreter and a composer, a true artist.