WARSZAWA

With the success of XM, Porcupine Tree decided to delve into the archives again for a second release on their own Transmission label. Warszawa comprises a 70+ minute show that was broadcast on Polish radio in 2001. So no In Absentia here, but the majority of songs are from the nearest release at the time, Lightbulb Sun. The rest of the show is somewhat of a 'Greatest Hits', with songs such as Voyage 34, Signify, Even Less etc. The Lightbulb Sun songs sound vibrant, and the older songs sound arguably better live than they do on the albums: Slave Called Shiver sounds especially powerful, and the guitar is more prominent in Stop Swimming which makes the song even more beautiful. Overall, this is an excellent set. The crowd do not feature too prominently, and the 70+ minutes of music showcases Porcupine Tree doing what they love - playing live. How could we begrudge them that? They do it so well.