SELLING INSINCERITY

There's not a lot to say about this album, Selling Insincerity by Abigail's Ghost, that hasn't already been said more than a handful of times in others' reviews. Their similarity to Porcupine Tree extends well beyond the fact that both bands contain a Mr Wilson. The vocals, in particular, are almost an identikit match for Steven Wilson's voice, whilst the guitars bite with the same edge found on In Absentia. The bass and keyboards, too, could easily feature on that album.

It's not to say, though, that this is an entirely unoriginal work. For one thing, it does feel like it blends influences from different points in porcupine tree's discography - there's echoes of the great band's earlier works in there too. In the blend, it does take on something of its own character.

Ultimately, this is very listenable, and it is a testament to the musicians at work here that it can stand up to such close comparison to a band of Porcupine Tree's stature.

3.5/5 rounded to 3/5