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Reviews

Porcupine Tree — Stupid Dream
(Kscope 128132, 1999, CD)

Stupid Dream Cover art

When prog-heads talk about “progressive” music the topic of songwriting does not often surface. The discussions may center around the quality of the playing, the empathy of the improvisation, or the originality of the concepts, but songwriting is often an afterthought. Porcupine Tree’s latest album, Stupid Dream, is quite simply one of the best new releases of the year, and this is primarily due to the strength of the songs themselves. This is not to say that the playing or production are not top-notch, because they are. It’s just that Steven Wilson’s melodic sense and skill in the crafting of the tunes truly sets this band apart. It is also the feature that propels Porcupine Tree beyond the comparisons with Pink Floyd. Many of the songs are influenced more by Rubber Soul or Revolver than Dark Side of the Moon. The fact that several of the songs are shorter and more accessible may have some earlier Porcupine Tree fans up in arms, but this is not The Sky Moves Sideways Part Two. Wilson has no interest in repeating his own earlier triumphs. Porcupine Tree has created their most consistent effort to date, but it is still filled with their trademarks such as soaring, epic guitar leads, Richard Barbieri’s atmospheric analog keyboard sounds, and compelling melodic hooks. Wilson has also focused his attention more than ever on vocals, with many of the songs featuring lush harmonies and also treated voices reminiscent of 60s and 70s psychedelia. There are still plenty of great instrumental passages, and this is more of a true collaborative band effort than any of their prior releases. Wilson also incorporates additional instrumental colors such as flute, saxophone, and even an orchestra at times to create additional interest. What Porcupine Tree has come up with is an album that may well achieve a classic status. It is a disc that has yet to leave my CD player, and it gets my highest recommendation. What more can I say? Go get it!

by David Ashcraft, Published 1999-11-01

When Signify was released a few years ago, it was the first album fully assembled by the now-standard line-up of Edwin, Maitland, Barbieri, and Wilson. The writing and production upped the bar from its parent The Sky Moves Sideways and brought the band to a new level. Now, with the release of Stupid Dream, guitarist / songwriter / producer Steven Wilson has taken another huge leap forward. Everything you ever loved about this band in the past is still here: the staple slide guitar, atmospheric use of samples and effects, heavily effected vocals, electronics. However, the context is different, and it seems that this has thrown off some of the die-hard prog-rock contingent who insist upon 15-minute epics with at least three long solos. Wilson has matured into an extremely clever songwriter who shows a very sensitive ear to melody, harmony, and style on every single one of the 12 tunes here. And, if that weren't enough, his guitar playing (and soloing!) is very tasty indeed. And, if that weren't enough, the production work on Stupid Dream is simply astonishing. Layers upon layers of guitars, vocals, and all manner of digital edits and effects are brilliantly assembled into a clean and cohesive whole with a signature sound so unique that the tired Floyd comparisons no longer have any merit. Even the most accessible singles like “Piano Lessons” or “Stranger by the Minute” contain clever solos and harmony work that sets Porcupine Tree far above any of their would-be peers. The final “Stop Swimming” (Wilson’s admitted favorite) is a sublime excursion into beautiful territory which wafts back and forth from major to minor, all the while pinned down by Chris Maitland’s intricate and sensitive drum work. Steven Wilson wears a lot of hats here, and he excels abundantly in every one. Stupid Dream is a colossal achievement, and by far the pinnacle of Wilson’s career to date. Pages and pages more could easily be written about this album (the lyrics, the bass playing, the flute / sax solos, the instrumental piece, the Nick Drake and Brian Wilson influence, the B-sides, etc. etc.) but suffice it to say in this short space that it’s virtually impossible to fathom how Porcupine Tree could get any better than this.

by Dan Casey, Published 1999-11-01

I have to admit that Steve Wilson’s disguised neo-progressive take on Pink Floyd used to leave me cold: that was until I heard the band’s live album from last year. I was totally surprised that much of the sterile studio approach had been discarded and replaced by a true inspirational focus on good extended playing with a strong unique presence. Stupid Dream is a direct extension of the conceptual nature of Roger Waters and company complete with the English quirkiness which three generations have come to adore. But the attachment comes cleaner with the new tracks such as “Even Less” where catchy song phrases are now much prominent along with David Gilmour slide guitar solos. A lot of the success of the disc comes from keen band arrangements which hinges on slower tempos and emphasizes strings and analogue keyboards (courtesy ex-Japan and Rain Tree Crow member Richard Barbieri). “Pure Narcotics” is the kind of track which honestly could be in serious rotation on most modern alternative stations. With a great chorus and lush backing, it’s a song you can carry with you for days. And just why isn’t this group huge in America and Europe? It’s just a small indicator of the dire state of radio that bands of this caliber (including Spock’s Beard) cannot get a fair shake from the major labels who could fill stadiums with this high class work. Whatever you do, go see these guys when they are anywhere within three states and buy the damn disc. You can afford to.

by Jeff Melton, Published 1999-11-01

Filed under: New releases, Issue 18, 1999 releases

Related artist(s): Porcupine Tree, Richard Barbieri, Steven Wilson / I.E.M., Theo Travis, Colin Edwin

 

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