LIGHTBULB SUN

Following the new direction of Stupid Dream the band conceived another work of art. It might still not be the Porcupine Tree that I enjoy so much, but what this album offers is definitely a step in the right direction with a great deal of sparkling moments!

I like how the band was slowly going for much shorter song structures. Where the previous release featured mostly 4-7 minute tracks this one shifted into the 3-6 minute territory. Trust me when I say that this type of transform is difficult to achieve over a short course of one studio release. After all, it took the Beatles eight albums to expand their sound beyond their 3 minute song format!

Although compositions like the album's title track or Four Chords That Made A Million might not have recruited Porcupine Tree any new fans, and probably alienated some of their long term followers, the material really shows a linear progression here. I'm surprised that the excellent wonder titled Shesmovedon went completely unnoticed in the mainstream media since I definitely consider it strong performance coming from a band like Porcupine Tree.

What I don't enjoy as much are the two longer pieces called Hatesong and Russia On Ice. I know that the former has become a huge concert favorite over the years but I can probably name a dozen much better compositions off Coma Divine that are far more superior in both the structure and delivery. This is also what drags this otherwise excellent performance down a notch for me.

Lightbulb Sun is another step further for Porcupine Tree and although it alone doesn't really explain how the band made their transition on In Absentia it definitely adds an important piece to the puzzle. Just like Stupid Dream, I wouldn't recommend this album to anyone unfamiliar with Porcupine Tree and their more well know albums. Hence, another good but non-essential release from the Wilson/Barbieri factory!

***** star songs: Shesmovedon (5:14) Feel So Low (5:18)

**** star songs: Lightbulb Sun (5:30) How Is Your Life Today ? (2:46) Four Chords That Made A Million (3:36) Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled (4:48) The Rest Will Flow (3:15)

*** star songs: Hatesong (8:26) Where We Would Be (4:12) Russia On Ice (13:04)