METANOIA

As Porcupine Tree grows up, we see progressively less free-form improvisations in their music, which was for long their signature, and more tightly composed and planned pieces. Since Stupid Dream, the jamming has diminished, until this year's Fear of a Blank Planet, and 05's Deadwing, and 02's In Absentia where there is not a trace of jamming. Both extremes of music are extremely pleasing, and it is good to exercise our liking of both. So it is nice when we look at back at Porc Tree's previous works in comparison to their newer albums. One of their most ethereal and free-form recordings is this here gem, recorded during the Signify sessions, released in '01, named Metanoia.

There is almost a jazzy feel to this album, similar to Bruford Levin Upper Extremities in a way. Similar again to BLUE, the main focus of this album is atmosphere, and experimenting. From the first second there is not a break from the dynamic ramblings and unplanned jams (except for the few moments of band discussions, which are hilarious and bizarre). For many, senseless droning does not appeal, but there are many, myself included, who thoroughly enjoy this genre of prog. Whether you see this as muzak or music is of no consequence: it makes as good background music as it does when truly thoughtfully listened to.

Bass and drums play a strong role in many of the songs, where bass is constantly evolving freely, and drums offer well-placed strokes. Guitar, most usually, is at the front of the stage, with completely fluid riffs, ranging from psychedelic, ethereal playing, to powerful, driving coherency. Again, both extremes are vital to the evolution of this album, and to the genuine and complete atmosphere this record produces.

It really takes an amount of patience to delve into this style of music. I myself am a massive fan of electric droning, or ambient musings, of free-form jamming, and I don't find this album particularly draining or daunting at all. Many complain that this album drags on ridiculously, but I disagree and I can marvel at its glorious beauty, and absorb is fluid coherency, and let the compelling sea of music envelop me. This is Porcupine Tree's roots, and it is this sort of music that should not be overlooked by a modern Tofu Bush fan. Whether you can't sleep at night, or you're sitting on the computer alone, Porc Tree can help.