STARS DIE: THE DELERIUM YEARS 1991 - 1997

I had heard so much about this group PORCUPINE TREE that the urge to listen became overwhelming. Well, I finally had my chance to hear for myself what all the fuss was. I can understand why people that love progressive-rock would really enjoy listening to this band. They are the entire package. These four talented gents manage to create music that is an amalgamation of rock, jazz, progressive, and just a sprinkling of pop to smooth the edges a bit, but the amount is miniscule mind you. Progressive is unquestionably the key term when describing their music.

The influence of PINK FLOYD (70s) is strong, how could it not be if you are playing music that is in any form progressive? Some folks may scoff at me for saying this . I was reminded of OZRIC TENTACLES more than once while absorbing some of their more elongated musically journeys. They happen to be one of my favorite bands so it was very gratifying to hear that association in their music.

This beautifully packaged set served as a fine introduction for me to this superb band. What you will get is two CDs of previously unreleased tracks, new mixes, and assorted rarities with a 40-page booklet in a box, and the icing on the cake is the wild cover depicting the falling star. Music filled with otherworldly soundscapses is what highlights this pleasure ride upon the wings of music. Their musical statement does not seem to lack in any area whatsoever; in fact, I do not think it could be any more poignant. Most of what you will hear is long instrumental runs including some strange sexual connotations stuck in here and there to catch you off guard, which prompts you to ask yourself "What was that all about?" Then that is what they want to do, make you wonder and think about the meaning of their songs. They lure you in without mercy with acquiescent and prolific keyboards layered for maximum effectiveness, and then suddenly bring you to a climatic zenith with cascading sheets of powerful guitar chords and billowing keyboards accented with a rhythm section that is hitting on all its cylinders. After that, you get a jolting push back down to an earthly plane to force you to feel the emotional tides the music puts you on. That should suffice in bringing you to where you would like to go while listening to music, it sure worked well for me.

There is a lot of music on these two CD's, it took me a few days to take it all then finally sit down and convey my thoughts. I will most definitely seek out more recordings by this group. I agree with the press I have read thus far, they are one of the very best in their genre.