DEADWING

As with In Absentia, it took me a number of listens to appreciate how good this album really is. Perhaps it's just me, but the music I end up really liking is not initially that accessable on the first couple of times through. With this album, this is really true.

At first listen, Arriving Somewhere But Not Here and Shallow jump out as great songs. However, on subsequent listens, I developed a much greater appreciation for the diversity and power of Deadwing, the unique and haunting nature of Halo and the very addictive guitar riff in Open Car. But most surprising of all is the understated beauty of Lazarus. There is delicate piano throughout with very smooth harmonies. I absolutely love this song. Compared to the controlled violence and power of Open Car, Shallow, and Deadwing, this ethereal tune is a nice, and very unexpected, change of pace. There is also a bonus "hidden" remake of Shesmovedon, which is very good.

One noticeable difference between this album and In Absentia is lack of disturbing and almost punishing songs such as Strip the Soul, The Creator Has a Mastertape, and Blackest Eyes. At first, I thought I would dislike Deadwing for this reason, as this is what makes In Absentia stand out to a great extent. However, as you listen to Deadwing, it begins to blossom and the quality of the music becomes apparent. I have to say that other than Lazarus, I prefer the bulk of In Absentia to most of Deadwing. But this is still a great album. And compared to the other music out there, Porcupine Tree is a refreshing mixture of hard rock and space prog. It's like mixing the best of prog (i.e., Pink Floyd and Rush) with newer and darker bands such as Evanescence and Nirvana.

Very strongly recommended.