COMA DIVINE

The release of Coma Divine marked the ending of Porcupine Tree's first era and offered a perfect closing of their first chapter. I should probably start by saying that I don't generally consider myself a big fan of Space Rock and haven't really listened to all that many pre-1999 releases from Porcupine Tree. But even I cannot deny the sheer power that Coma Divine incorporates in its 100+ minutes of material.

The first thing that really amazed me with this recording was the magnificent sound quality that I honestly don't think have ever been better on any other live release. Every instrument is so well incorporated into the mix with bright sound patterns that gives us the audience an ability to even destination the smallest details that we usually wouldn't even hear on a studio release. The sound production is equally matched by the top-notch material from the band's '90s output. Everything from The Sky Moves Sideways to fan favorites like Radioactive Toy is incorporated in this hypnotic mix of an album and the final result is definitely everything a fan could ever wish for.

This is of course where my biggest problem with the music reminds me that I'm not really much of a fan of this sort of Space Rock material. Since most of the music here incorporates slow progressions and groovy interplays between the instruments it all can become a bit too repetitive and, dare I say it, bland to my ears. This ultimate tribute to the music will make fans fall into submission and definitely makes for a perfect introduction to the early Porcupine Tree material. Still I will be truly amazed if I will ever be able to get through this album in one continuous session.

I bet it would have been a real blast seeing this performance live and I can't help but feel slightly jealous at the audience present at this performance. Although my mixed opinion about the music featured on this 2-CD live album there really is no denying that Coma Divine is a masterpiece of a live recording that should be considered a must have for any fan of the Psychedelic/Space Rock genre. For everyone else this is at least an excellent addition to your prog rock music collection.

***** star songs: Signify (5:29) Dislocated Day (6:35)

**** star songs: Bornlivedieintro (1:25) Waiting Phase One (4:26) The Sky Moves Sideways (12:40) The Sleep Of No Dreaming (5:19) Moonloop (11:49) Up The Downstair (7:40) The Moon Touches Your Shoulder (5:05) Always Never (5:41) Is. . . Not (6:09) Radioactive Toy (15:30) Not Beautiful Anymore (9:39)

*** star songs: Waiting Phase Two (5:24)