INSURGENTES

"Insurgentes" is dark, atmospheric and melancholic. Then again would you expect anything else from a Steven Wilson solo album ? I don't know if i've ever heard an album sound as good as this, and i'm talking about sound quality here. Now I know i'm a fan of dark, atmospheric and melancholic music, I mean SINKADUS and ANEKDOTEN are my heroes along with PORCUPINE TREE, but Steven has made an album here that while it boasts lots of variety, it also maintains that melancholic mood throughout. I'm also completely blown away by how powerful this is at times.The contrasts of sad beauty with violent energy is breath-taking. Lots of noise, drones and electronica as well. Some have compared this to the latest NINE INCH NAILS or PORTISHEAD records and for good reason.

"Harmony Korine" is the song that was instantly a favourite for me, it didn't need to grow on me at all.The keys and Gavin's drumming sound great to open as Steven comes in vocally before a minute. When the fuller sound comes in it's incredible ! There contrasts continue. When it kicks in each time it's so uplifting and emotional. "Abandoner" opens with this electronica sound with a beat as reserved vocals and keys come in. Lots of atmosphere after 3 minutes when the vocals stop. It builds to a powerful wall of sound. "Salvaging" opens with guitar drones as this heavy bass line comes in with drums. Vocals join in almost speaking the words. Guitar noise comes and goes. When the vocals stop before 3 minutes it seems to get heavier. Killer sound ! Vocals return.It settles with strings after 5 minutes.This reminds me of Post-Rock. A heavy and dark wall of noise comes in around 7 minutes to end it.

"Veneno Para Las Hadas" opens with what sounds like a Post-Rock mood to me. A beat comes in with piano then reserved vocals.This is sad and beautiful. It becomes emotional 2 1/2 minutes in when it brightens. I can't help but be moved. Theo Travis plays the clarinet here. "No Twilight Within The Courts Of The Sun" is the first song where I thought of PORCUPINE TREE. It's during the intro that I was reminded of them with the drums, bass and guitar sounds. It's building as the guitar rips it up after 2 minutes, a blistering attack ! Check out Harrison too ! A calm after 4 minutes as whispered vocals come in. It kicks back in then settles again after 5 minutes with keys, bass, guitar and drums. Great section. It explodes back in one more time to end it. "Significant Other" is a brighter tune to start out. Even the vocals seem happy, ok not really. Haha. Some guest female vocals that are so angelic on this one. It becomes powerful after 1 1/2 minutes then settles back as contrasts continue. It really kicks in after 3 minutes. Tony Levin plays bass on this song.

"Only Child" has a good beat with some fat bass lines as vocals join in.This song gets better as it plays out. Lots of bottom end in this mid paced tune. "Twilight Coda" opens with lots of atmosphere. A fuller sound arrives after 2 minutes. Killer atmosphere on this one. "Get All You Deserve" is another song with plenty of atmosphere as piano is slowly played. Fragile vocals join in. It also gets fuller 2 minutes in. Check out the atmposphere 2 1/2 minutes in. It kicks in at 4 minutes and it builds to an explosive wall of sound. Amazing ! "Insurgentes" is simply a beautiful, sad song with piano and reserved vocals early. Harmonium later and some 17-string bass koto.

No weak or even average tracks here.Trying to pick a top three was impossible for me. I've seen this get a 10 out of 10 and a 5 out of 5 in a couple of music magazines.You can add me to that list.