### Porcupine Tree: Fear of a blank planet

#### 07/11/07 || The Duff

Many people saw Porcupine Tree’s “Deadwing” as a departure for the band, claiming that the music was too accessible, and even the songwriting lacking the many elements that made previous offerings such stalwarts within the sub-genre. I can’t see what the issue with the album’s reception was, but as much as I enjoyed “Deadwing”, I could definitely identify it as a setback when compared to the stellar, and probably first album to really put the band on the map, “In Absentia”. Thankfully for most, “Fear of a Blank Planet” sees Porcupine Tree returning to their more melancholic vibe, in all its dark and twisted glory.

What I find very attractive about this album is how ambitious it is, as it contains six tracks, none of which fall under the five-minute mark. Album centre-piece, “Anesthetize”, clocks in at over fifteen minutes, and although may well not be perfect (the mellow outro seems a little forced), combines some of PT’s heaviest moments along with their most bleak sounding material to date, as well as Gavin Harrison’s boldest, most outstanding drum-work. The rest all seems to comprise a similar concoction of mellow prog/hard rock/techno-y percussion/atmospheric synth with the exception of the final track, which follows a more electro-goth kind of vibe, yet doesn’t veer too far off from the album’s steady flow – this is far more conceptual an effort than “Deadwing”.

Steven Wilson’s lyrics have always been a highpoint to any Porcupine Tree effort, and his pessimistic outlook on today’s society, the tedium he associates with everyday life, as well as the occasional lament over a past lover or two nicely complements the commonly unhopeful music. His vocals are as gloomy as ever, often supported by many vocal effects that to some may appear to be a crutch, to others a necessity that provides additional atmosphere – he has never been an exceptional vocalist, yet his weak, vulnerable and desperate approach delivers on “Fear of a Blank Planet” to outstanding effect.

Overall, an amazing album that is more than worthy of your time.

9 returns to form out of 10.

- Information
- Released: 2007
- Label: Atlantic Records
- Website: www.porcupinetree.com
- Band
- Steven Wilson: vocals, guitars, piano, synth
- Richard Barbieri: guitars
- Colin Edwin: bass
- Gavin Harrison: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Fear of a blank planet
- 02. My ashes
- 03. Anesthetiza
- 04. Sentimental
- 05. Way out of here
- 06. Sleep together