STUPID DREAM

Porcupine Tree

Heavy Prog

4.00 | 1515 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

"Porcupine Tree" is not my favourite band but I have liked most of their albums (rated with three stars for the majority). So, what's up with this "Stupid Dream" ?

A very good and diverse opening number : spacey intro, hard to heavy riffs, cristal clear vocals, symphonic mood. "Even Less" holds it all. Could this be the launch a very good "PT" album ? It sounds so during "Piano Lessons" as well. A bit on the poppy side of their repertoire, featuring a sweet and candid melody. Nice and fresh.

I don't know if this has something to do with its title, but "Pure Narcotic" just makes me feel asleep. A soft acoustic ballad. Too soft. "Baby Dream" is also very much in this style but it is a better rock ballad. But don't worry this "PT" album also holds : "Slave Called Shiver" which will wake you up. A song that fully belongs to their harder edge. Extremely strong and welcome (like "This Is No Rehearsal").

The second highlight of this album is "Don't Hate Me". Hypnotic atmosphere, melancholic vocals, superb and ambient keyboards. A great song full of psychedelia. More in the vein of their early days songs. Real cool. From the same vein and fully from their classical style, "Stranger By The Minute" is very catchy. Somewhat similar to ""Piano Lessons" I guess. I like it very much.

"PT" brings us back to the most melancholical music with "A Smart Kid". Just vibrant and so emotional. When "PT" creates like this, they are just outstanding. But I can't be as positive about "Tinto Brass". A useless instrumental track which sounds too much as an improv. Shouldn't have sit there while "Stop Swimming", the closing number, is a soft "au revoir".

Again this is a good album. At times brilliant (four songs), but not enough to make it a four star recording. Three then.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 | 2007-9-26

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