GRACE FOR DROWNING

I am sorry to say that the first few listens of 'Grace for Drowning' was mainly an experience of disappointment and a sence of wanting more from a truly great artist that has proved his worth time and time again. There are a few special moments but on the whole I felt this album lacked any substence, or anything memorable that makes me want to return to it anytime soon. When 'Insurgentes' was released I listened to it without too much expectation. As far as I was concerned Porcupine Tree were the main project so the solo album would be more experimental and have a different sound. How wrong could I be?! 'Insurgentes' had me hooked from day 1, with great ambience, great mix, great production and powerful tracks that make you go back for more. Rarely does an album give me the same shivers of excitement that say the likes of the Floyd do. Then came 'Grace for Drowning'. I can only describe it as the same as insurgentes - if you take out all the memorable stuff. Too quiet, too samey, no edge.

So why 3 stars? It's well packaged - the music is good - there are some good moments, but overall very average.