### Porcupine Tree: Nil recurring

#### 18/10/07 || Euthanatos

Well-known as they are in the U.K., Porcupine Tree only started getting real worldwide acknowledgment after “In Absentia”, which was, I confess, when I came to know them, and love them, as well. One of the more interesting bands, if not the only one, in “prog metal/rock”, Porcupine Tree definitely sets the bar high when it comes to writing creative music.

“Fear of a Blank Planet”, their latest release, was a somewhat difficult album to comprehend and endure to some people, and curiously the band now releases “Nil Recurring”, a short EP consisting of tracks that did not make the album, and what is even more curious, these tracks are really, really good and a lot more straight-forward/conventional, at least in that wacky prog sense.

The first track, “Nil Recurring” is a six minute plus instrumental, which surprisingly doesn’t get boring, with your usual brilliant performance from Gavin Harrison being the highlight, as well as an outstanding showing from keyboardist Richard Barbieri. Also worthy of not is King Crimson’s Robert Fripp’s participation in it.

“Normal”, the following number, is stunning; a mezzo-acoustic song which had some drawing a parallel to Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” because of its many alternating moods. Fabulous lyrics, probably among the best I’ve ever seen from Steven Wilson, great vocal lines, amazing harmonies all-around. A perfect song.

“Cheating the Polygraph” follows somewhere along the same twisted lines, although it is a tad heavier than “Normal”, but, still, with plenty of mellow moments as well, where we can appreciate Wilson’s soothing tones. Another very interesting song that would fit perfectly in “Fear of a Blank Planet”.

The longest and final track of this EP, “What Happens Now” is the one that resembles most the fore-mentioned album, with its spacey atmosphere and many effects. Again, never a dull moment, always something pops up to keep your interest.

Hardly fair to call this an EP, really, as Porcupine Tree has released four plentiful and top-notch tracks that certainly deserved the light of day.

The cover: It’s a boy and a girl, both in their teens, the girl looking at the boy, while the boy is looking forward. I actually like it, different, reminds me of alternative 90’s covers.

9 wishes of being a little sentimental out of 10.

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

- Tracklist
- 01. Nil Recurring
- 02. Normal
- 03. Cheating the Polygraph
- 04. What Happens Now?