Porcupine Tree
Deadwing
On Sale Now
For $10.28

Porcupine Tree’s latest disc, Deadwing, is a sonic assault on the ears. I literally couldn’t take it out of my CD player for a month. The combination of Radiohead’s beauty, Led Zeppelin’s riffage, Pink Floyd’s soundscapes and Dream Theater’s prog-rock mesh cohesively to form a band that knows how to make a monster of a rock album.

It starts off with one of Porcupine Tree’s heavier tracks, “Deadwing,” but before it gets heavy, we are treated to some introductory keyboard from Tony Barbieri. Barbieri really adds to the sound of the band, and without him, they would not sound nearly as full or textured. His work rarely shows off genuine chops, but much like Richard Wright of Pink Floyd, is an essential ingredient to the atmosphere, particularly in “Lazerus.”

The other members are equally important. Lead songwriter Steve Wilson’s melodies are consistently engaging, and he writes great songs within and outside of the prog-rock genre. This is not an easy feat. Dreamtheater write songs based more on their instrumentation and chops; Wilson never does that. “Arriving Somewhere But Not Here,” highlights solos performed by Opeth’s guitarist, Mikael Akerfeldt and “Halo” has a solo by Adrian Belew of King Crimson. Yet no solo is excessive. In fact Wilson’s solo in “Shesmovedon” is one of my favorite solos ever. It’s that perfect.

Colin Edwin and Gavin Harrison combine to form a rock-solid rhythm section. Edwin’s work is consistently great (turn up that bass) and Harrison throws in some great metal drumming into places you wouldn’t normally expect.

“The Start of Something Beautiful” is the standout track on the disc because it incorporates everything the band does well. A gorgeous bridge, well placed solos and a fantastic prog-rock, riff-heavy finish make this song the ideal starting place for any new listener. I dare you to stop there however. They’re just too good to only listen to once.

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