THE SKY MOVES SIDEWAYS

"The sky Moves Sideways" is Porcupine Tree's first substantial step into the realm of psychedelic music. Porcupine Tree is heavier than most other space rock bands, and not necessarily in the scene of using overdrive guitars, but due more to the thrumming intensity of their music. The music on "The sky Moves Sideways" is intense in many parts and the atmospheres created are thunderous. Coincidentally there are also quieter parts to the album which are usually complemented by a slow synthesizer which creates a beautiful floating feel to the music. The best example of this is the intro to "The sky Moves Sideways part 1" which opens the album superbly. Sad though it may sound, this is probably my favourite part of the album.

After the intro the music moves into one of the few vocal passages on the album, the lyrics in this section are very fitting for the album. Every thing up to this point carries a distinctly Pink Floyd style to it, particularly the intro to the album. Porcupine tree is a little more textured than Pink Floyd as there is more happening in the music, usually. The music gradually builds intensity in this section as the crescendo builds until the psychedelically simulated sub-metal breaks out. There is a repeated flute line in this section and a couple of guitar solos. This sort of music carries on until about the 14th minute where it dies down to sublime sounding music not dissimilar to the beginning of the song.

The next few songs are very reminiscent of Pink Floyd and they all follow similar paths as the opener "The sky Moves Sideways part 1", with guitar solos and atmospheric synthesizers the whole way. "Dislocated Day" is quite a tedious song and it can really get on your nerves, the way Steve Wilson sings the lyrics is annoying. "The Moon Touches Your Shoulder" is a mellower song compared to the rest of the album and it is more a vocal based tune. "Prepare yourself" is an prologue to "The sky Moves Sideways part 2" and it is basically a 1 and a half minute guitar solo.

"The sky Moves Sideways part 2" stars off very similar to part 1, but this time it moves into louder section a lot faster. Ultimately there are several more changes in the second part and yet again it follows a similar sound to the first part. There is more of a psychedelic feel to this part and the tape effects are more prominent. There is a fantastic guitar solo around the 12th minute, which follows a section of tape-effects. "The sky Moves Sideways part 2" is ultimately a better song than the first part as it is more interesting and varies more.

The packaging of the special edition version of "The sky Moves Sideways" is among the best I've ever seen. There are two segments which fold out and in each segment there is a picture of a rocky cliff and when these sections are opened there is a CD in each, for the special edition comes with a bonus CD. On the bonus disc there is the original version of "The sky Moves Sideways" which runs for 34 minutes, for the songs were originally joined as one long epic. There is also an extra set of lyrics on this version, and some of the instrumentation is different. There are three other songs, stars die, "Moonloop" (improvisation), and "moonloop" (coda.)

This extra disc is very interesting to listen and any hardcore Porcupine Tree fan would enjoy it. I take my hat off to Steve Wilson has done a fantastic job in the production department and I also congratulate the band on the quality of the music. The instruments used in the recording of "The sky Moves Sideways" are genuine prog-grade devices.

(not including bonus disc as it isn't part of the original album) 1.of The sky Moves Sideways part 1 (5/5) 2.Dislocated Day (2/5) 3.The Moon Touches Your Shoulder (3/5) 4.Prepare Yourself (3/5) 5.of The sky Moves Sideways Part 2 (5/5) Total = 18 divided by (number of Songs) = 3.6 = 4 stars Excellent addition to any prog music collection

"The sky Moves Sideways" is a sonic experience and, like prog albums it takes the listener to fantastic far off worlds. "The sky Moves Sideways" is a very good album and it is the best Porcupine Tree album I've heard so far. I would recommend "The sky Moves Sideways" to all Psychedelic fans, young or old, everyone can enjoy this album.