FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET

For much of later 2007, Fear of a Blank Planet seemed to get quite a bit of attention, and voted in many progressive polls as the best album of that entire year. At the time I had a bit of a prejudice toward Porcupine Tree after I heard some songs off Signify, and at the time I simply disliked the band. As well, I'm not exactly the biggest appreciators of alternative music, in fact the style is what makes me hate the nineties decade so much. I really didn't know what to expect from this album, and when I first heard it, one thought stuck in my mind: this is it? This is the best album of 2007? Wow, that year did suck for prog! Yes, I was indeed a bit disappointed, but first impressions are always deceiving with prog. With several attentive listenings (as well as having a knew-found appreciation for more psychedelic music from Pink Floyd), I began to see the quality in this album. First off, the drumming is sharp and simply incredible, I almost find it more enjoyable to primarily listen to the drums than the other instruments. The band's use of sound effects to create a desired atmosphere has almost achieved (but not quite) the level of Pink Floyd's, and the lyrics fit so nicely with the mood, which almost always somewhat solemn and. It's interesting - the album is full of commentary on how hollow society, especially my generation, has become, and yet after listening to the album I myself am left with a hollow feeling, as my friend jshutt experienced as well. I is a great album to relax to. It floods with soft emotion and delicacy, refraining from showing much in-your-face top-notch musicianship and focusing on composition, quite the antithesis of Dream Theater in many ways. My only main complaint with the album is that even though it has great contrast and movement in the music, the mood itself seems a bit stagnant, rarely do a I feel a sense of energy or happiness, but that may have been intentional with the album's theme. It is know, along with Paradise Lost, my favorite album of that year that I unfortunately went the whole year without. All well, it was certainly a pleasure getting to know this album, and it has made me view the band in a different light, and I look forward to checking out more of their discography. Very talented musicians, the keyboardist, guitarist, and especially the drums, were my favorite instruments to hear on the album. I just with I could have heard more from the bassist, who seems to be the least noticeable member of the band on the album. All of the songs on the album are excellent, with Anesthetize gaining acceptance into my favorite epics list. Overall, Fear of a Blank Planet was a pleasant surprise indeed, and I'd consider it a great album for any progger.