FUTILE

Entry number 19 (!) in the long list of Porcupine Tree collectables, "Futile" brings a few interesting musical gems to table which will doubtless please fans of the peerless "In Absentia", but will definitely not be the one you'll be reaching for when a PT mood strikes.

Concerning the new music, "Orchidia" and "Drown With Me" are quite good, fitting right into the style of "In Absentia" with menacing sound effects and heavy guitar; the live version of "Hatesong" is excellent as well, featuring a savage guitar solo. The track "Futile" is the weak link, offering nothing especially noteworthy compared to the other new tracks. And that's about it. A can't give so limited a disk much more than a "for the fans" rating-- but I am sure fans will still enjoy. I did.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 2