INSIGNIFICANCE

I acquired this by purchasing the album Signify, where it came as a bonus disc. Unfortunately, my copy is missing the track "Door to the River" for a reason I know not. Luckily, I know the version which appears on the Metanoia album (which clocks in at 4:42, whereas this one is merely 4:20) and will conduct my review under the influence that that song is slightly altered from the version I know.

This isn't nearly as malevolent as the album itself, and I find it much more accessible. There are more acoustic numbers, which is always great, with loads of emphasis on vocals and lyrics. This little trip is light and smooth. The new edit of Sever, called Sever Tomorrow here, is very, very similar in many respects. And this new version of Signify, tied with the excellent Hallogallo is very, very well done. It sounds rather acoustic, much smoother and coherent, and possibly even better than the original. In fact, those aren't the only two songs that feel linked, or fade into each seamlessly. Many songs do, and that's a rare thing with a mere collection like this. I'm always surprised at the production standards Porcupine Tree have.

After the first few songs, being mainly structure acoustic tunes, we move into a more psychedelic section beginning with the end of Wake as a Gun II. Neutral Rust, and Dark Origins, are all dark-ish numbers bordering ambient. Then the album finishes with a very pretty rendition of Nine Cats, originally appearing on their debut album. Overall, it's really a great alternative to Signify, but slightly less coherent and cohesive than the original album.