Porcupine Tree - Deadwing
Author: Jon H.
Release Date: 04-26-2005
Label: Lava
Our Rating:
Reader's Rating:
Porcupine Tree has always surfed on the fringe of popularity by balancing on an ethereal fray of harmony-rich prog and razor sharp metal flare; which is a shame. I believe a band this talented deserves commercial success - complete with sold out areas and platinum record sales. Luckily, Deadwing continues to showcase their widely unnoticed musical chops with a tasty line-up of songs which undoubtedly combine to be Porcupine Tree’s best work to date as well as one of the strongest releases in years.
Steve Wilson’s delicate vocals and shining musical prowess once again allows the outing’s individual personalities to slink and slither into each other marvelously. On “Halo” he sings, “I'm not the same as you / 'Cause I've seen the light and I'm gaining in height now / I got a halo 'round me” in a fluttering tone that’s entirely fresh to these veteran ears. And “Glass Arm Shattering” almost demands that the listener closes his or her eyes and drift off to a better place as Wilson’s mellifluous lungs wash over superbly placed guitar licking rain drops and gorgeously soothing bass lines; collectively they cleanse your spirit of all the junk currently played on MTV.
Not since Pink Floyd has a band been able to compose such dreamy and intoxicating waves of artistic perfection. However, the true beauty found herein is the current line-up’s tactful range between aforementioned pillows of Floydian bliss and hard rocking intervals that don’t cheapen the overall and unified objective.
”Arriving Somewhere, But Not Here” delivers a 12 minute journey through a jungle of twinkling atmospheres which gradually build up and finally climax as they run headfirst into a midway riff that rocks so hard it’s as if the boys have dipped their pen in Black Sabbath’s vicious ink. “Open Car” follows in a similar vein of feisty riffs and intimidating vocal interludes which prove that the group’s skillful approach to songwriting will be difficult to match by fellow artists. And although the band has been around for quite a while, it appears that they’ve truly mastered the craft of what it means to create euphorically varied soundscapes ala Porcupine Tree.
Indeed, if (and that’s a strong if) the group has failed in the past, it’s been due to an absent solid crunch to really sink your teeth into. Thankfully, Wilson and the gang have triumphantly succeeded in that respect by delightfully grazing over an entire spectrum of musical shades and energetic gusto. It would be impossible to capture and express to you in mere words the diverse textures and sheer genius sprinkled all over this album; though it goes without saying… with Deadwing, Porcupine Tree has made a triumphant return to music with an intimidating and beautiful effort that is guaranteed to leave you begging for repeated listens.
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Reader's Comments:
:: 03:38 Thursday 6 OctI think its awesome. Its real...and beautiful. Well done to these guys for producing a moments respite to all the noise and insanity.
RareCactus :: 16:21 Wednesday 22 JunThis is not a bad album, but it's nowhere near In Absentia, Stupid Dream, or Signify... all of which are probably better starting points for someone interested in PT.
The lyrics are probably the weakest point. In some cases, having an instrumental is ok, guys! Especially if the alternative is some incoherent lyrics.
I don't know how I feel about PT's excursions into metal... I always felt like they were more of an ambient / prog rock type band, than a "rock" band. (Whatever rock means these days.) I guess it's good that they're still experimenting with stuff.
This is not a bad album, but it's nowhere near In Absentia, Stupid Dream, or Signify... all of which are probably better starting points for someone interested in PT.
The lyrics are probably the weakest point. In some cases, having an instrumental is ok, guys! Especially if the alternative is some incoherent lyrics.
I don't know how I feel about PT's excursions into metal... I always felt like they were more of an ambient / prog rock type band, than a "rock" band. (Whatever rock means these days.) I guess it's good that they're still experimenting with stuff.
Ahaha, some "intelligent" music fan you are.I bet you are some stupid musician who does not know what he's talking about.On drums you probably can't even keep time..not impressive at all.The guitar work of Brad delson is soo disgustiing..it's..it's...sorry i was pukeing cuz Linkin Park came on tv anyway..to compare PT to Linkin Park,is the dumbest thing i"ve ever heard.Dude lighten up man,yo you dun know what youtalkin bout homie..dawg...SW is a really really smart homie and he writes go0d.His playing is amazing an gud ..so shh..a curse on your house non-inteligent music fan..PWNT
intelligent music fan :: 22:27 Sunday 8 Maythis is in response to JF...
imo you need to listen to linkin park mroe and PT less. pt has no emotion. linkin park does. how am i supposed to relate to "and the world on my tv leaks onto my shoe" when my g/f just broke up with me ?!?!?! i cant! i need linkin parks intelligent and thought provoking lyrics along with their beautiful instrumentation and guitar tone... that clean tone they get on "in the end" mmm mm mm.... puts sleepwalk to shame.... anyways... i heard john petrucci isnt very good... i heard he makes music sound bland and boring... and allan handswerth or whatever... i have never even heard of him so i bet he iznt very good at all... i am prolly betterz/ you have never heard me play so u cant judge dude. dont be hatin . imo dude, listen to meteora, then lsiten to deadwing... u cant say SW is a better guitarist than brad delson... you'd have to be crazy or insane or crazy or something... iunno... anyways yah.... listen to in the sinep again and then u kno i am smart
Another more general comment...
PT may be heavier than it was, but what is wrong with that? It is also and often very soft. The contrast of the two makes it interesting. A heavy or scary sound is just one more tool for the composer to express a feeling, just like in a movie. SW also makes extensive use of sound effects to attain this goal as well.
Obviously, it is OK to prefer the old sound. I understand that a heavy sound is not for everyone. What SW has done in the past and is doing now is his legacy.
The same kind of thing happened among Genesis fans, years ago. There was the Gabriel era fan base and the after Gabriel fan base: 2 different bands. What difference does it make now? I still listen to Nursery Crime and Foxtrot and I leave Abacab for the others. No big deal, really... And please, don't take me wrong, I am not comparing Deadwing with Abacab.
Deadwing is just great and is really worth buying...
After listening to it for a couple dozen times now, I am hooked!
And in response to the comment from the supposedly "intelligent music fan" earlier, Steve Wilson does not need to take lessons from anyone. He may not be John Petrucci or Allan Holdsworth, but the harmonies he creates are extremely rich and interesting. You've got to listen to all the instruments and vocal overdubs to understand that some of the chords created by the combination of it all is way richer than what you seem to think.
His guitar playing is unique and its contribution to the overall sound is really important. I have been playing guitar for more than 30 years now and believe me, the guy knows what he is doing.
Listen to the vocals in "Glass Arm Shattering" after the 4 minute point or the end of "Mellotron Scratch". The guy is a genius...
And yes you have to listen with an open mind... This music will make you visit places...
angst
intelligent music fan :: 10:43 Friday 29 Aproverall, i feel this album is ok, but nothing compared to their previous masterpieces, such as on the sunday of life. this album is way too arty though. i miss the tender lyrics and thumping beats from on the sunday of life. also, I feel the musicianship on this album is abit lacking. it is not quite up to the standard of linkin park, but is still able to edge out simple plan. steven wilson needs to work on his scales, and learn more chords, i am sick of diminished 7ths. imo sw should invest in some lessons from brad delson so he can learn how to play better and write better lyrics. NO MORE ANGST!!!!
penis :: 10:38 Friday 29 Aprdgfcfgbcfgd
k-dog :: 10:38 Friday 29 AprDelivering one of the most interesting listens in PT history,Deadwing shines throughout.After listening to Blackfield,I thought SW had reached his artistic height but after experiencing Deadwing,one finds he has a lot more to say.I am a fan of all the PT albums and have no bias towards any of them.Throughout the album,there is no song that sounds like the one before it.I really enjoyed Shallow but i was longing for some beautiful soaring melody and the opening notes to Lazurus played and i was taken to a whole other place.Definately the best track on Deadwing and i cannot stop listening to it.Each track on the album crys out for another listen and im sure you'd agree. I have not heard this from any other reviewers,but i can personally hear all the prior PT albums but taken to new,harder and more progressive heights.Definately a masterpiece in it's own right.WARNING:Listen with an open mind.
ashish :: 11:03 Saturday 23 AprDo NOT LISTEN TO "THOM", "SLINTER" OR "KEVIN" from the commentaries above. Yes its their opinion because they like the spacey/floydish Porcupine Tree... BOO HOO
Pt's a band who's music keeps changing, bear with it. I like ALL their albums upto date. Deadwing is a masterpiece, i recommend you give it a listen, and no its NOT a bad copy of Dream Theater, it has that PT-In Absentia flare to it...
BUY DEADWING
I will agree with everyone here, that Deadwing is indeed a change of style for PT, but certainly not a bad one. And to those who expect to hear another Signify or any other of the band's previous albums, get off it! Isn't progression moving into new areas with just a slight look over your shoulder?! Yes, perhaps there's just a little too much metal on Deadwing, but we're not talking Dream Theater, and believe it or not, metal can be quite harmonic, as some of this album proofs. To find an explanation, just listen to the Wilson produced Opeth albums, and you will know where he rightfully got the inspiration. The only finger i can put on this album is the horrible nu-metal chorus of Open Car. That one's over the line, but apart from that, this is a fantastic album. Just listen to the basslines of Halo and Start of something Beautiful, the drums overall and the blazing Adrian Belew solo on Deadwing. And Michael Akerfeldt does some great harmony vocals. But of course Wilson is still the star of this show. Perhaps it's not his best album as a vocalist, but the songwriting is still outstanding and he's developing into a riff master in the class of Jimmy Page.
Forget about anything that PT did before and listen to Deadwing with a new pair of ears, I'm sure that's what Wilson wanted us to do with every album he ever made.
yes it;s much different, yes it's not as elaborated as signify, it's not as melodic and catchy as stupid dream , is not so progressive like the sky moves sideway... but it;s fresh, new , crude and full of new ideas and great songs. the most fascinating thing about this barnd is that it changes so much, if you can't keep up with them... don't blame only their music. signify is still my favourite album but i really enjoy and appreciate beautiful melodies and fantastic riffrs and drums on deadwing... it's like a new spirit new band... and i love this new band as well.
Thom :: 05:06 Wednesday 6 AprIn Absentia Part. II.
The PT fans belong to two different groups now, those whick are with the band before they put out In Absentia, and the ones which were fans of the band before Wilson became a whore.
I mean, Deadwing is a good album, it just is a step back if compared to previous albums, such as Signify, which remains as the band's best CD to date.
Buy it if you are a newbie to PT. Buy Signify, the Voyages, Stupid Dream, Coma Divine and Lightbulb Sun if you are looing for REAL Porcupine Tree music!
This album is simply amazing.
Kevin :: 17:22 Tuesday 5 AprSnif... I'm a fan of Porcupine Tree since more 10 years. I love the work of Steven Wilson, his talent and his genius. Unfortunately, I'm very disappointed by this record, far the worst of the band... Simply, the first bad work to date of Steven Wilson. Obviously the weakest PT album in the history!!
How could you love it when you had heard the previous PT's albums or Blackfield or No-Man?!? I don't understand the review text of kludge magazine...Have you really heard Deadwing (or the other precedent (previous) works of Steven Wilson) before to tell : "which undoubtedly combine to be Porcupine Tree’s best work to date as well as one of the strongest releases in years..." ?!?!? Bad comment!! I don't understand...
Deadwing is very poor...Nine songs without passion, fantasy, with awful lyrics...I don't recognize Steven Wilson...Where was gone my favorite band PT?!? In comparison with previous albums written by Steven Wilson, this recors seemingly written by someone else...
I am really genuinely disappointed in Deadwing...:-(
there's no any ambient expressions, not any colourful passages... Just a simple album with simple melodies and a disturbing metal sound...Not a Porcupine Tree style...Unfortunately...
I know that Steven Wilson can do much better! I love his musical world, but HIS! Not a bad copy of Dream Theater or metalic bands...Please Steven, come back, with your genius, into the real and unique world of Porcupine Tree!
Snif...
Obviously the weakest PT album in the history. Without passion, fantasy, with awful lyrics...Steven, what has happened? I begin to wonder is this trip really necessary! shallow, shallow give it to me give it to me...what the hell is that?? some kind of ...silverchair or incubus maybe? there's no any ambient expressions, not any colourful passages, only not interesting hard rock. Remember "slave called shiver"? It's far from that! not mentioning earlier songs...but if you really want to do some hard rock, do it with class!!
Jimmy :: 14:28 Friday 1 AprI've been waiting for this for a good while now. I'm in no way unimpressed with or dissapointed with Deadwing at all. There's really no way you can be. I find all their different styles of songwriting to be fulfilling... rangin from the bass driven instrumentals to the soothing acoustics and all the others. I wasn't expecting it to sound too much like any of the other cds that I'm prone to listen to repeatedly. I was just hoping the songwriting was of the same caliber that it has been, and to my ears, it is, so I'm happy. After the first couple listens and just because of the current mood I'm in the favorite song would be Lazarus for now. Beautiful.
If you're hoping this sounds like a specific Porcupine Tree style... you're listening to PT for the wrong reason.
it's a shit...I don't believe to my ears!!! It's a shame...
Albert Toby :: 02:44 Monday 28 MarWith Deadwing, Porcupine Tree again takes the listener on an incredible musical trip, varying from from beautiful and fragile soundscapes to catchy riffs and cannibal drums, intertwined with the best vocal harmonies you have heard in a long, long time. Steven Wilson's vocals are among the best he's ever done and the sonic quality of this recording is beyond believe. The album has a great flow and is just chokful of highlights. Hard to choose a favourite, but "The Start Of Something Beautiful'' has one of the the most breathtaking passages since Genesis "Firth of Fifth'' - all in all this album should become the defenitive breakthough for this amazing band. Probably the best band you have never heard.
bill :: 18:26 Sunday 27 MarA disappointing album. Not nearly as ethereal as Stupid Dream, not nearly as aggressive as In Absentia, and nowhere near as good as either.
It's sad listening to them try to be Radiohead/Coldplay.
Undoubtedly one of the top releases of the year. "Glass Arm Shattering" is one of the most beautiful and impressive songs I've heard in my life. "Shallow," "Lazarus," and "Halo" all sound like potential radio hits. "Mellotron Scratch" is delightfully haunting and desperate, much like "Heartattack in a Lay By" from their previous album. Don't hesitate to buy it when it is released in April!
Mercury Fall :: 02:22 Sunday 27 MarOutstanding work! Give you a chill down your spine at every listen! This is a masterpiece. GO AND BUY IT!!!
adam :: 11:13 Saturday 26 Marcant wait to hear it