SIGNIFY

I simply don't get it - what's all the hugger-mugger about? Not only are PT a fairly late entry into prog, but this album is incredibly "late in the game" to be anything other than a fairly good amalgam of Floydian and other influences. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that soundscapes, heavy rhythms and special effects do not always equal "prog," much less "good" prog. / The album starts off with a shamelessly Floydian track, complete with opening "narration" and echo-y effects. The title track is little more than a heavy, straight- ahead quasi-metal jam. As for "Sleep of No Dreaming," I find it hard to classify, except to say that it is a relatively nice song. "Pagan" is a collection of sonic textures, "Waiting Phase One" is a pretty song (but not "prog"), and "Waiting Phase Two" is another Floydian space-jam. Happily, the album gets a bit better from here. "Sever" is a stand-out track, a powerful, compelling composition with more "oomph" and originality than anything before it. "Idiot Prayer" is a "driving" Crimzo-Floydian jam, much more successful than the prior ones. "Every Home is Wired" is an interesting idea well-executed. "Intermediate Jesus" is another largely Floydian instrumental. "Light Mass Prayers" is an Eno-ish ambient composition. Then there is "Dark Matter" - a Parsons/Floyd-type composition, it is without question the best track on the album: if everything had been this solid and compelling, this album would have rated at least one more star, if not two. / If you like "soundscape"-type prog with heavy Floydian influences, you will truly appreciate this album. If not, you, like me, will wonder: "What's all the fuss?"