VOYAGE 34 - THE COMPLETE TRIP

What is it? A compilation of extended psychedelic compositions with strong electronica characteristics reflecting a drug-influenced trip.

Sound (3 stars) ? Steven Wilson is good at crafting soundscapes and arranging competent instrumental performances throughout this disc. The sound production is as strong, if not better, than 'On a Sunday of Life'. As usual, the keyboard sounds from any Porcupine Tree album never fail to disappoint, focusing on evocative imagery (especially on Phase IV) and avoiding a dated sound despite being nearly 3 decades ago. Drum machines are a better fit in the more ambient passages, but distract when providing a steady rock beat. The guitar soloing performances are some of the best from Steven Wilson, sadly hidden in this mediocre album. One major problem preventing a higher rating is the blatant copying of David Gilmour's guitar tones and motifs from 'Pink Floyd - The Wall' throughout the first two compositions. If that sounds distracting, wait until you get to hear it.

Song (2.5 stars) ? The ebb and flow compositional style is worth a higher rating than 2.5 stars, but none of the four compositions warrant such extreme song lengths. It is as if Steven Wilson wrote songs and stretched them to no end. There is also that blatant copying of David Gilmour's guitar riffs from 'Pink Floyd ? The Wall' that scream out a lack of inspiration during the first two tracks and thus are not enjoyable to go through, regardless of the good qualities that may be present in them. Phase III is less derivative (but overstays its welcome) while Phase IV is inspired, focusing on minimalistic ambient music to an extent not often heard by Steven Wilson. Overlong and could lose a few minutes? Sure, but after what came before, I'll take it at its current state.

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