THE OVERVIEW

Over the years, Steven Wilson has cemented himself as one of the most forward-thinking artists in progressive music. With The Overview , his latest release, Wilson once again crafts an ambitious sonic journey, that, unfortunately feels more like a collection of loosely connected ideas rather than a fully realized concept.

The album consists of two sprawling tracks, "Objects Outlive Us" and the title track "The Overview" each divided into multiple sections. At its best, The Overview delivers the pristine production and meticulous attention to texture that have long been hallmarks of Wilson's work. The layers of synthesizers, guitar passages, and dynamic drumming create an immersive soundscape that occasionally recalls the experimental edge of Grace for Drowning. However, the compositions themselves lack the cohesion that has made Wilson's best albums so compelling. Many sections feel isolated, fading out abruptly before an unrelated new idea begins, making the overall experience somewhat disjointed.

One of the most irritating aspects of The Overview is the inclusion of spoken-word passages in the second track. While spoken segments can serve as effective narrative devices when used sparingly, the monologues here feel indulgent and ultimately detract from the momentum of the piece. The time spent on these sections could have been better utilized for instrumental development, which is frustrating given the talent of the musicians involved.

Another notable issue is Wilson's increasing reliance on falsetto vocals, a stylistic choice that worked well in previous records like To the Bone but feels misplaced here. His natural voice has always been one of his greatest strengths (although I do not consider him a great singer), and its limited presence on this album makes the vocal sections feel less impactful. The contrast between his breathy high notes and the album's more textural, expansive moments often feels inconsistent rather than intentional.

The Overview is not without its merits. The production is, as expected, immaculate. Every sound is carefully sculpted, painting a vast sonic landscape. Textures shift seamlessly from warm analog synth washes to cold, mechanical pulses, creating an undeniably captivating atmosphere even when the songwriting falls short. Additionally, the musicianship shines through in moments, particularly in the expressive keyboard solos by Adam Holzman and the "Frippian" guitar work of Randy McStine by the end of the first track. These solos stand out as some of the album's most engaging moments, adding a much-needed spark to an otherwise uneven composition.

Overall, The Overview is a mixed bag. It showcases Wilson's technical prowess and sonic craftsmanship but lacks the structural integrity and emotional weight of his strongest works. While longtime fans may find moments to appreciate, the album ultimately feels like a project that was either rushed to completion or not fully conceptualized before execution.

Nonetheless, even a mediocre effort by Wilson still stands well above most progressive rock releases today, proving once again that, for better or worse, he continues to push boundaries in his own unique way. One can only hope that his next effort will see a return to the sharper songwriting and cohesion that made albums like Hand. Cannot. Erase. and The Raven That Refused to Sing, modern prog classics.

Music: 2 stars

Lyrics: 3 stars

Execution: 4 stars

Emotion: 2 stars

Production: 5 stars

Artwork: 2 stars

Average: 2.83

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