FUTILE

I have to thank Martijn (evenless) who not only sent me this EP, but downloaded the artwork that came with it. This is an EP that is as good as it is rare, in fact it's probably the best EP i've heard from PORCUPINE TREE so far. I think part of the reason I like it so much is the fact that these non-album songs were recorded during the "In Absentia" era, my favourite PT record.

"Collapse" is a short intro track that was originally to be the opening song on the "In Absentia" album. Piano and reserved processed vocals create a melancholic mood. "Drown With Me" is my favourite tune on here. Strummed guitar opens the song,soon to be joined by synths, drums then vocals before a minute.The bass makes some noise and electric guitar comes in before 1 1/2 minutes. Just an awesome sound ! The guitar takes the lead briefly before 3 minutes, then we get some harmonies before the guitar returns a minute later. "Orchidia" is a heavy instrumental that opens with riffs.The guitar comes blazing in as riffs come and go. Check out the wah wah guitar after 1 1/2 minutes. Harrison is amazing on the drums.Themes are repeated.

"Futile" opens with heavy and fairly slow riffs as drums pound. It settles a minute in as vocals arrive. Aggressive vocals and sound before 2 minutes. The contrasts continues. Piano before 4 minutes as some sinister bass comes in before 4 1/2 minutes. "Hatesong" is a live version recorded in Philadelphia in 2002. Love the deep bass to open and the synths that come and go, especially 3 minutes in just before Steven sings yeah, yeah, yeah... The guitar is wound out after 4 minutes, and we get more great synth work from Richard before 5 minutes. Classic PT. Scorching guitar 7 1/2 minutes to the end. Incredible version of this song. "Chloroform" opens with drums as bass and synths come in early. Vocals follow and are very mellow. A fuller sound before 2 minutes with organ.This contrast continues. Blistering guitar after 3 1/2 minutes. Keys 5 minutes in with lots of atmosphere and it ends as it began.

For me nothing less then 4 stars will do. A valued recording.