THE INCIDENT

I have been listening to this album quite a few times (at least ten) before posting this review, and I have to reckon that it is quite a good album. I won't enter into the discussion of the "concept" though.

What's available on "The Incident" is a softer approach than their latest releases. Catchy melodies are present ("The Blind House"); but we all know that Steven is a really gifted song writer. Since I was not really found of their more metal oriented music, I can only be pleased with this release.

An upbeat / pop / catchy song as "Drawing The Line" is definitely one of the very good moments available: a typical PT song: a mix of tenderness and wilder parts. One of the highlight. On the contrary of the title track that holds elements I don't like from this band: heaviness mainly; since there are some melodic vocal sections and the closing guitar play is just gorgeous.

Like in most "concept" albums, there are several very short parts which aren't too convincing IMO (except the very good opener). Still, the finale of "Your Unpleasant Family" holds a superb and Floydean guitar break. But "Circle of Manias" sounds too heavy metal to my taste.

My highlight from this work is the long "Time Flies": it holds so many great breaks! It reminds me of the very early "Genesis" and Floyd of course. The vocal parts are truly moving and the whole is outstanding to be honest. One of the great PT songs for sure. Nice wink to the Beatles ("Sgt. Pepper") and Jimi ("Are You Experienced") in the lyrics as well (the opening phrases actually).

There are also some Crimsonesque influence during the complex and heavy "Octane Twisted". Quite well achieved piece of music. A total contrast with the quiet, mellow, melodic and beautiful "I Drive The Hearse". Another moving song from this album.

I wonder why the band released a two CD version since the whole of the music could have perfectly fit onto one (seventy-five minutes). Maybe because Steven considered that they didn't fit within the "suite".

The second CD doesn't explore the spacey and moving parts of the first disc, and could have been skipped IMHHO (except the last song).

The usual PT sound for "Flicker", some scary and heavy metal feel during "Bonnie The Cat", a mellow rock ballad ("Black Dahlia"). Fortunately, the longer and closing "Remember Me Lover" holds more texture and is quite enjoyable.

In all, this album is one of my preferred PT ones for quite a while. I am rounding this one up to four stars (from seven out of ten).

Share this PORCUPINE TREE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to ZowieZiggy
• Report this review (#242635)
• Buy PORCUPINE TREE music online with PA partners
• Show all PORCUPINE TREE MP3/Stream
• Go to PORCUPINE TREE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to The Incident page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for PORCUPINE TREE related discussions