FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET

A bit darker than past releases with some twisted metal riffs here and there. Yet the recognisable elements of PT’s music are intact. We have a bit of everything in here. The title track sounds as an decent outtake form “Dedwing”. “My Ashes” and „Sentimental” are two typical mellow songs with memorable melodies (especially the latter with its catchy guitar part). “Way Out Here” heavy textured and has an upbeat chorus that will make the crowd jumping on concerts. “Sleep Together” is excellent with its industrial-like keyboard work and strings at the end. There is also a 17minute track that Wilson used to hate so. My only complaints are about Steven Wilson’s singing: he uses his high pitched vocals more often than he should. Lyrics are also quite obnoxious at times. Anesthetize sounds like compilation of (very good nonetheless) underdeveloped tracks, rather than one composition. And the guests’ performances are sadly forgettable, bringing very little to the music.

(These are actually my personal complaints and I’m sure most fans will scratch their heads asking “what the hell is he whining about?”. Actually, if you’re a fan already, little chances are you will not like “Fear of a Blank Planet”. Newcomers won’t be scared off neither.)