Porcupine Tree - Fear ofa Blank Planet

Wed 6th Feb, 2008 in Music Reviews

There is no doubt that Steven Wilson is a genius, both in writing songs with unbelievable melodies, and playing a myriad of instruments. The band itself is tight, extremely talented and better with every record (I have nearly all of them even all of SW’s side projects). The sound coming out of my speakers is phenomenal, complex and inspiring. But I want more.

First, for perspective, here’s my slant on things. I am a big fan of Deadwing and parts of In Absentia but not so much of the band’s earlier work (with exceptions being songs like Radioactive Toy and Nine Cats). I am not a prog fan. In fact, I’m eclectic in my musical tastes enjoying everything from hard rock to bluegrass and classical but preferring songs that mix genres.

I would say my favorite all time Porcupine Tree songs are Arriving Somewhere but Not Here, Lazarus, Shesmovedon, Blackest Eyes and Trains. I even liked the much maligned Shallow. It was just a fun rock song. You don’t have to be somber and deep all the time. I was disappointed with my first listen of Blank Planet but after several more times through I was a convert and now can’t stop listening to it. I don’t mind the heavier sound the band has now and think it actually complements their music when used with purpose.

My complaints are related to the consistently long length of the songs, the dreary, repetitive and preachy lyrics, and the lack of any radio friendly songs. As other reviewers have said, longs songs do not necessarily denote quality. As an editor of words, I know that even the work of geniuses can benefit from judicial pruning. Many of the songs on this album and earlier works would be even better if they were tighter. Every once in a while a repetitive flight of electronic noodling can have purpose but most of the time its just artistic arrogance. That’s ok if you are composing music for your own edification but most artists are looking to share their creations with others and that’s when you need a little more discipline with your art.

Many other reviewers have commented on the lyrics. My take is this. Its often better to have contrast between the lyrics and music in a song. Some of the best songs ever written had heavy or sad lyrics set to a lilting melody or vice versa. A lot can also be said for subtlety in lyrical content (compared to say…a sledge hammer).

Finally, I’m sure this will be unpopular with PT fans but I am so frustrated with the fact that no one I know has heard or likes this unbelievably good band. This is primarily due to the inaccessibility of the band’s music to new listeners. I’m not asking for a sell out, U2-aping, made-for-radio piece of nothing. But babies don’t start out eating fillet mignon. I think a huge portion of the music loving world is really missing out on some great mind expanding music because they can’t get past their first listen of PT. If they were introduced to the music properly they would be right with the rest of PT fans expanding their musical horizons. Now some fans of inaccessible music like it that way so they can feel superior to others and be part of a small elite crowd. But I love sharing music with others and being elitist is not for me.

So my challenge to Steven Wilson is this. Write a song that is all PT – one with a great melody, thought provoking lyrics, catchy hooks, beautiful harmonies, unbelievable riffs, out of this world drumming, genre bending diversity and amazing sound – but make it accessible to the mainstream audience. That’s a challenge worth pursuing. Come on SW….I dare you.

Watch the clip for Fear of a Blank Planet