VOYAGE 34 - THE COMPLETE TRIP

This is one of the few items in PT's catalogue that I wouldn't generally recommend. It can still largely appreciate it but I guess it will be way too lengthy, self-indulgent and pointless for many other people.

Phase I & II are extended space rock jams with fine guitar improvisations. Rather then a compelling listen by their own merit, it's a tribute to Floyd, Hawkwind, Neu! and Tangerine Dream. For most PT fans, these phases are the preferred trips because they are closest to the main PT sound of that period. I think they are ok but nothing special really.

As you may have noted from other reviews, Phase III is the most debated phase. Usually it's much criticized but it's probably the most relevant addition to your Porcupine catalogue. It stays clear of the rocking elements that made the previous phases a bit dragging. Instead it goes for a credible ambient techno flavour. It's the grooviest trip on the album, citing Klaus Schulze with its slowly building lush sonics. There are some spacey guitars in the background that remind me of Tangerine Dream's Edgar Froese.

Also Phase IV stays in cosmic dream stratospheres and elevates my enjoyment album another notch. Be warned though, for people that need constant flashing action in music, this will be another "nothing happens here" track, but if you can appreciate the art of abstract music, this is a 4 star moment.

Phase II was the very first track I heard from PT. It left me pretty much unmoved and it took me a few more years till I gave the band another try. Needless to say this shouldn't be the first album you should hear from the band. Of course it's still good enough on itself to deserve a 3 star average. Later on in his career, Wilson would reserve this kind of kraut tributes for one of his other musical persona called I.E.M.