TRANSMISSION IV

I'm up at the strangest hours these days, and it looks like that will allow me to post the first review of 2011, a fine occasion to draw some attention to this rare but extraordinary Porcupine Tree release.

The 40 minute Moonloop version on this album differs quite a lot from the better known 20 minute edit available on the Sky Moves Sideways. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find the similarities. The version here represents a relaxed improvisational side of PT that the band has not shown since 1997 and that is only evident here, on Metanoia and to a lesser extent on Voyage 34. The recording dates from June 1994, a bit before the similar Metanoia sessions, and though if I'm quite the fan of that album, I'd rate this Moonloop even higher. Strangely enough the album does not contain the powerful closing section "Coda" which would have made this a 5-star release for me. But really, that's the only negative thing I can think off with regards to this superb release.

The obvious references for comparison are Pink Floyd and Tangerine Dream. Not that there are any sequenced synth patterns here, but Barbieri gets a lot more space to shine then on other PT albums. With a wide array of organs, synths and sound effects he creates lush and layered spacious sounds. Chris Maitland proves why he was the perfect drummer for this incarnation of PT, his unique style gives this piece the spontaneously flowing and swinging groove it needs. Wilson is in higher atmospheres and never has played with more psych sensitivity then here.

Conclusion, this is not for PT newbies or for people that only appreciate their post-97 or later material, they might find this a complete musical non-event. But if you can do without flashing Prog action this is one worth hunting down. Recommended to fans of early Floyd, Tangerine Dream, Ozric Tentacles, GYBE, IEM and other mesmerizing spacious music.