NIL RECURRING

Porcupine Tree is widely known as one of the more influential modern progressive acts, starting as a humble psychedelic side project and progressing (ha) into a mature, full blown pretentious progressive band. Fostering a style little would have called heavy prog or metal when they started until the arrival of In Absentia in 2002, when the music really got heavy, the band has gone through a variety of musical phases, and this one of heavier, not quite metallic but almost, has sustained them for nearly a decade. This EP, titled Nil Recurring is a short work of songs not included on the band's 2007 album, Fear of a Blank Planet, which was a dark, emotive release, and one can see how these would have both fit and not fit on that album. The band never really releases non-quality material, as one can see even in the B-sides of their album. Overall, the short EP is packed full of Porcupine Tree greatness, and although it seems like a bit of a repeat from what we've seen the past few albums, it certainly still is a blast to experience.

When one looks at FoaBP and then looks at Nil Recurring, one can see both the resemblances and the differences that made this EP separate from the main album. FoaBP is a very mellow, dark, and brooding album, full of ironically angsty tracks and rather interesting lyrics. This EP is full of high energy, somewhat lighter but still quite dark, and less angsty (but still following a similar theme). The music has a jazzier feel than the album, and has some more funky and fast moving lines than the album. Overall, the EP is at many points different than the full length album, but still has the same thematic elements that make it understandable why the songs were not included on the album.

Overall, the EP is a really fantastic display of the band's prowess, whether it be the really thought provoking lyrics on some of the songs, the incredible virtuoso musicianship (mostly from Gavin), and the overall atmosphere crafted by master keysman Richard Barbieri. The EP, although it may seem like much of the same, is really a great release, and is highly recommended to any fan of the band, especially those who liked Fear of a Blank Planet. 4 stars.

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