ANESTHETIZE

I want to start by stressing the fact that I am a big Porcupine Tree fan, like most of my fellow reviewers here at Prog Archives. I think Steven Wilson is one of the best songwriters in progressive rock. The rest of the band, especially Gavin Harrison, are brilliant musicians. Gavin's playing reminds me of Bill Bruford's, and I think Bruford was the best drummer in rock history! I'm impressed with the Anesthetize DVD concert. Therefore, I'm going to give it 4 stars. It's definitely very good, but not a masterpiece I think.

I don't watch a lot of recordings of live concerts. The thing is, a live concert should be an interactive experience. The band does not enough of that on this DVD. On the VH1 cable network I recently watched a Live from the Download Festival 2009 special, where Iron Maiden were the headliners. The band stomped on most of the younger groups that preceded them. Bruce Dickinson, who is in his 50's like the other members, was running around the stage, talking to the audience, and getting them worked up. Steven Wilson is clearly emotionally involved with what he's playing here, but not addressing the audience beyond introducing the songs.

As for the set list, appreciation really depends on personal choice. This DVD contains some of my favorite PT songs, but "favorite" is an entirely subjective decision. I agree with many of my fellow reviewers that "Anesthetize" is better than "Arriving Somewhere". I too find the camera work on "Arriving Somewhere" a little distracting. The slide show in "Anesthetize" is cool, but I care more about the band. Since this is a Steven Wilson production, "Anesthetize" is impeccable from a technical standpoint. The band is beyond reproach. I just expect a little bit more from a live concert.