DEADWING

I found it interesting that PORCUPINE TREE used more mellotron on this record then any of their previous records. As a matter of fact it's not even close.They've continued down that heavy road that began with "In Absentia", only this is even heavier. Adrian Belew guests with some guitar on "Deadwing" and "Halo", while OPETH's Mikael Akerfeldt adds some backup vocals on three tracks and a guitar solo on "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here". The edition I have is a double cd with a hidden track at the end of the first disc which happens to be "Shesmovedon". Nice.The second disc is like a greatest hits album with 10 tracks including a live version of "Russia On Ice" and "Halo" on it.

"Deadwing" opens with electronics ala TANGERINE DREAM before it explodes into a full sound. Riffs are all over this one until it settles somewhat when vocals arrive 1 1/2 minutes in. Love the guitar here that reminds me of Page's guitar tone on "Houses Of The Holy". Mellotron storms in as well. Great sounding vocals 4 minutes in as it settles. A calm 6 minutes in as it turns psychedelic. Check out Belew 7 1/2 minutes in as his guitar solo goes on and on. Nice. Vocals and a heavier sound are back 8 1/2 minutes in. This is one of the best songs they've ever done. "Shallow" features a nice heavy riff that carries the song along. It settles somewhat but then kicks back in. The contrast continues. An all out assault before 3 minutes.This is heavy duty man. "Lazarus" is such a sweet song after the crushing "Shallow". I find "Halo" similar to "Shallow" another heavy rocker. The bass is great and I really like the chorus. Harrison shines bright as well.

My favourite on the album is "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here", which may be the best song they've done so far. Lots of atmosphere before the main melody kicks in before 2 minutes. Mellotron a minute later. Killer sound 6 1/2 minutes in that leads to heavy riffs. Back to the main melody after 8 minutes with mellotron. So emotional. A calm when a tasteful guitar solo (Akerfeldt) arrives. It kicks back in at 10 minutes. "Mellotron Scratch" opens with strummed guitar and percussion. Mellotron and vocals come in and are gorgeous. Piano arrives after the chorus. Heavier sound after 4 1/2 minutes. Nice. Great sound 6 minutes in as it has changed again. "Open Car" features more great bass and riffs. Some good contrasts in this one throughout. Love the chorus "Hair blown in an open car, summer dress slips down her arm, hair blown in an open car". "The Start Of Something Beautiful" has some good atmosphere to begin with. Bass and vocals start to lead the way. A fuller sound before 2 1/2 minutes. The contrast continues. Guitar grinds away 3 1/2 minutes in. Excellent sound 5 minutes in as piano then organ follows. I love this song. "Glass Arm Shattering" is a dreamy, spacey song that builds. I really like the sound after a minute. Vocals before 2 minutes.

I still like "In Absentia" the best but man this is really good. I can't recommend this highly enough.