LIGHTBULB SUN

Porcupine Tree is one of my favorite bands because they're capable of reinventing their sound and incorporating many styles while maintaining interest. I rate songwriting much more highly than technical ability as well, and this fact also has much to do with my love for the band's music. Lightbulb Sun was a continuation of the sound that PT used in Stupid Dream, which involved a more poppy sound, yet still maintained a tint of progressive. From what I can tell, this album does not seem to have as a cohesive, unified theme as Stupid Dream does, but there are some recurring themes and motifs throughout the album's lyrics and subject.

The music on this album ranges from slightly dull to captivating and even at times beautiful. This new poppy flair is not a detriment at all to the band's style and musicianship, instead even allowing the songwriting to shine even more than on their more progressive songs. Beginning strong with the title track, Lighbulb Sun, this album seldom ceases to impress, segueing nicely from song to song. Some low points, however, include How Is Your Life Today? and the chorus to Four Chords That Made A Million, a song that is fairly repetitive but is otherwise interesting instrumentally. Russia On Ice, Hatesong, and others rank up there with some of PT's better works.

I'd pick Stupid Dream over this album because that album reaches greater heights and does not fall into holes as deep as this one does at times. Nevertheless, for fans of the band, this album is a worthy addition.