FUTILE

I am thoroughly impressed with this EP. I was quite wary of the format, being in a download only style, and I prefer to own physical copies of the albums. However, as I looked at it, I decided that five Porcupine Tree songs I had never heard might be worth it. And it certainly was.

Collapse is the only disappointment I had, with it being merely a different version of In Absentia's Collapse the Light into the Earth, but it still is a very good track. It gives this EP a nice intro, and a haunting sense that will remain throughout the CD length.

Drown with Me is a stunning song with nice harmonies and vocal layers, filled with glistening acoustic guitars. This is a fairly unique Porcupine Tree song, at least to my mind, though it certainly could have fit very well on In Absentia.

Orchidia is a neat little instrumental piece somewhat in the vein of Wedding Nails (also off In Absentia) with chilling guitar chord work and great drumming from Gavin. The guitar soloing throughout is quite tasty.

Futile is one of the heaviest pieces the band composed, ranking up there with Strip the Soul and Deadwing. The halting guitar riff is definitive Steven Wilson, and it really works in this context. The chorus is nice and distorted. At one point, even, the music drops off and the guitar kicks in all sick like, and there honestly is no point in Porcupine Tree's musical history where a death growl could have been more appropriate (and I do not really like death growls, but it certainly would have fit here, and been pretty neat).

Hatesong is Hatesong, only in this context, live. It's played well, but there is not much that needs to be said about it that is not said about the original version of Hatesong.

Chloroform is a quirky closer, driven by a tom-heavy drum bit throughout and a dark ambiance underneath. Very creepy in terms of mood, with haunting vocals sitting over the top. Another great, great track that probably would have improved In Absentia.

In short, if you like anything from Porcupine Tree from Stupid Dream on, this is a great album to go for. Especially if you really like In Absentia.