ON THE SUNDAY OF LIFE...

Porcupine Tree's first album is a quirky offering that will not appeal to everyone, but is still an album that does have some merit. Scattered throughout the 18 tracks are a few great songs, plenty of atmospheric pieces and some just plain oddities.

The stand out is the 10 minute epic "Radioactive Toy". Looking past the flat and lifeless percussion supplied by the drum machine, there's a window into many of the elements that made Steven Wilson a success further down the line - great composition, mood, and lead guitar. It's a track that can hold its head high among many of PTs greatest songs.

"It Will Rain For A Million Years" is another very good track. Beginning with some atmospherics and a haunting guitar, it coalesces into a simple but catchy song across almost 10 minutes.

I also enjoy the spoken word "Space Transmission" for sheer weirdness, as an alien voice relates a brief and ominous account of its existence.

Although not a patch on later PT masterpieces, this is still worth a look for fans and for those looking for a bit of a fun, psychedelic experience.