OCTANE TWISTED

There didn't seem to be much in the way of fanfare when this live PORCUPINE TREE album was released. Usually it's big news but i've talked to people who didn't even know about this one. Maybe it's because "The Incident" just didn't go over well with most PT fans and this live double album is from that tour. Maybe it's because Steven Wilson has been concentrating solely on his solo project and therefore so have most PT fans. Who knows ? I read an interview with Wilson recently and he didn't evven want this released because he felt it wasn't there best performance on the tour, but he says he was out voted by the other members.

The music here is from their Chicago show except for the last three tracks on disc two which were from Royal Albert Hall in London, England. I must say that I love this recording. Now like Conor I too am a big fan of the studio version of "The Incident" and also like him I saw them on this tour so it brings back good memories. I saw them in Toronto and it was an amazing show. In fact the pictures in the liner notes even bring back memories even though these pictures were from a different venue. It's because it's the same stage setup and light show. These photos are fantastic by the way. So clear and vibrant much like the sound quality.

Man it's hard to pick out highlights because everything was done so well. A big suprise for me at the concert was hearing "Stars Die" for the first time in concert as well as "Dislocated Day". Two amazing tracks from "The Sky Moves Sideways". Also in my opinion the versions they did of "Hatesong" and "Russia On Ice / "The Pills I'm Taking" were the best i've heard. They did the long version of "Even Less" from the "Recordings" album which was cool. I admit i'm not a big fan of "Bonnie The Cat" but "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" more than made up for it.

As for the song-cycle known as "The Incident" i'm still blown away by this and will never understand the negativity towards it. The heaviness that comes and goes on "The Blind House" is incredible. Love that tune. "Great Expectations" is emotional and so is "Kneel And Disconnect". Gulp. "Drawing The Line" is one that still hasn't completely won me over but "Time Flies" sure has. "Your Unpleasant Family" is funny. "Octane Twisted" kicks ass while "The Seance" always has been a track i've really enjoyed. More emotion on "I Drive The Hearse".

So overall this is probably closer to 4.5 stars for me. PT now have an extensive live catalogue that covers most of their material, and they are great in concert !