INSURGENTES

It was only a question of time when Steven Wilson issues a proper solo album and here we are. Not surprisingly, this album bears some similarity to the previous work with Porcupine Tree, such as the first track of the album, Harmony Korine. Abandoner sounds first like a track by Pineapple Thief, mellow and melancholic however it grows into metallic cresciendo in the end. Salvaging is hard but a slow track and results in a jam-like ending. Veneno Para Las Hadas is again very mellow but sounds unfinished and does not lead anywhere. Can be a good break between coming to the next track, the essential No Twilight Within the Courts of the Sun. The traces of King Crimson are undeniable here and the subdued vocals creates an interesting combination. Significant other has yet another influences - dramatic post-rock. I really like all these influences in Wilson's music - melancholy, King Crimson, folk parts, post-rock, pop and post-metal/progressive metal. Only Child is a simple track in a pop/rock vein. Get all you deserve is a dramatic track again also featuring experimenting, however, it didn' manage to stay in my head even after repeated listens. The title tracks ends the album on a relaxing note. While this is hardly a bad album, it is non-essential and inferior to the next 3 albums that surpass this one with ideas, musicianship and craftmanship. Therefore 3 stars.