I had written a long elaborate comment countering most of the points made in the video, but I realized how unnecessary and redundant it is. The only thing that needs to be said is this - *not every album needs to be groundbreaking.* This album doesn't need to exist, PT has no obligations to fulfill, not to their record label and especially not to people who say shit like "I'm a bigger music fan thsn you'll ever be" It exists because 3 old rockers hung out and jammed. To some of us that's more valuable than the most elaborate prog ever written.
Agree with your sentiments, although the crazy bit of hyperbolic praise this albums is getting in the press smells funny if you’ve been a long time fan you know that’s not how it’s been for the majority of the bands career. It’s a solid album with some good tracks and much rehashed from their career. Not earth shattering but a solid listen and that’s just my opion as a long time fan. Nothing more
@@coreymcnaught Exactly! I appreciate humor and even sarcasm in reviews (I've written tons of reviews myself for a Dutch music site over the years) but I can't stomach the arrogant attitude towards anyone with a different opinion or taste in music.
@@GerardSlooven He's a narcissist who knows he is clickbaiting people into being angry at him and commenting on his video (which is good for his youtube algorithm) which is exactly what we are doing. Kudos to him I guess. A lot of his statements are frustratingly simple minded and cheap.
Chimera's Wreck is about his Dad passing away, if that's not a real place for lyrics to come from, I don't know what is. And the whole 'you don't love music' because we listen to one particular band is such a bizarre comment; does it only apply to SW projects, because I feel it only applies to SW projects. At this point it feels like you're just doing this for clout, no one steps on the same drawing pin that many times...
I'm fine with your opinion even if I don't agree, right up until you go off the deep end and claim that people who like Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson don't love music. At that point you stop being a guy with an opinion and turn into just a tiresome troll. You get back what you put out into the world.
Seriously. I think the record is fantastic and I'm only on my 4th, full, uninterrupted playthrough. I've got a music collection that astonishes most people. Cassettes, CD's, Vinyl. I listen to drum and bass, latin jazz, ambient, soundscape, technical death metal, blues, and on and on. I listen to fucking everything. I have a room in my home dedicated to listening to music. Speakers, sub, amp, record player, cd player, sound foam, and a chair at the focal point. No lights, just sound. Just music. I've spend thousands and thousands of hours in that room listening to music, by myself. Sober, tripping, crying, frustrated, joyous. Discerning. Digesting. Hearing. It's my special little place. I also make music. But at the same time, I don't love music because I like this album. :) I look forward to Darren's next review of PT or Steven's next release so I can chuckle at it again. Darren just doesn't like PT. So much so that he doesn't want you to like them either. He just can't figure out extreme enough words to say to actually seem convincing and not just bitter, for god knows what reason.
He’s had it out for the band for a long time, I’m not sure why he even bothered reviewing this as he clearly doesn’t like them and has made several videos droning on and about how much he doesn’t like them which makes his whole schtick an insufferable bore. As far as the album goes, no surprises, but it’s a solid PT album.
Enjoy a Dutch review in "De Volkskrant": As a producer and sound engineer, Steven Wilson became the conscience and memory of heavy music and especially progressive rock. He recorded albums with the Swedish band Opeth, remastered classic 1970s records from Yes to Jethro Tull, and released a series of thoughtful solo albums of his own. But his most important contribution to the survival of the better prog rock, the band Porcupine Tree, had already been retired for thirteen years, much to the chagrin of the followers. The rather sudden comeback album Closure/Continuation is therefore a gem, which also because of the title makes one hope for a new heyday for the English cult band. Porcupine Tree as a trio - bassist Colin Edwin seems to have left for good - is actually a super group. Gavin Harrison is one of the most admired drummers in the world, and keyboardist and sound designer Richard Barbieri was already part of the pioneering new wave band Japan in the 1970s. Yet at Porcupine Tree nobody pushes themselves to the fore. Especially the interplay commands admiration, no matter how ingenious the drum parts and the guitar parts are. The songs are given the space to slowly unfold and develop, like classic prog rock. In beautiful and increasingly angular songs like Of the New Day and Rats Return you hear the echoes of the old Genesis, Pink Floyd and King Crimson, but Porcupine Tree also sounds very much like itself. And that is largely due to Wilson's calm, often layered layer upon layer of vocals. The elongated tracks can sometimes sound a bit study, but Porcupine Tree never becomes clinical, because Wilson gives a soul to the music. The track Dignity, for example, is an insanely beautifully sung guitar ballad, and a tribute to vulnerable and bullied boys who stand in a lonely corner of the schoolyard: the shivers run down your spine at the chorus, and in the widely spread finale with a menacing, grumbling bass on the horizon. The album as a whole develops just as smoothly as the individual songs, with grim jazz-rock parts interspersed with catchy pop choruses and quiet piano musings like the oppressive Never Have, which rocks harder and harder, but keeps the melodic theme well. It doesn't get long-winded for a second. A glorious return of a wonderful band and a beloved genre, which will soon be heard again on the big stages: Porcupine Tree will play in Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome on November 7th. 5 stars
The album is no masterpiece, but I still enjoyed it as whole. There are some parts that didn't fit my taste, but I'd hardly call it bland and pointless. You have a different viewpoint, and that's perfectly fine. I somewhat agree with a few of your critiques. My issue comes at 20:38 when you just bluntly insult anyone with a differeing viewpoint. You bring up some tragic talking points with what you consider the downfall of the music industry, and then immediately turn around and accuse anyone that doesn't live in your isolated bubble of being musically tasteless. You desire to be taken seriosuly with your criticism, but belittle anyone that doesn't perfectly align with you.
While I am a huge fan of Steven Wilson and porcupine tree, I respect your review and will not bash your opinion, I thought the album was fantastic. Mainly it's what I needed from them. I thought the song dignity was the best track, and probably one of my favorites they ever did. They definitely rehashed previous material, I don't think it's their greatest album by any means but it was really good. It was a good review to listen to though. Steven Wilson has always stated he hated being lumped into the prog category, and there are many other bands that do it better, but it was a great trip down memory lane for me.
@@tompinks_ I agree. But it's really is difficult when the original reviewer behaves like an asshole himself by claiming that he's a bigger music fan than people who don't have the same taste in music as him will ever be.
I got on the PT train with Signify. Not sure why, but no PT has ever excited me on first listen. Yet most of them have really grown on me so I've learned to give them time. (FWIW, my personal favorites are Sky Moves Sideways for the psych era and Deadwing for the prog metal-ish era.)
I had mixed feelings after listening to it as well.. watch the video for Rats Return and re-listen to Dignity it’s shallow compared to FOABP in absentia etc. but somehow lyrically he makes it feel deep in a new way at the same time, in my take of it after I listened to the album again with better headphones I think I liked it and don’t regret preordering
I have really enjoyed the album. The ATMOS version is amazing with immersive 360 surround sound. The review on this channel is unfair, absolutely harsh and bitter. Even if it’s not a masterpiece, there are millions of albums out there which are worse - just saying. I will be watching them in concert later this year and I will ENJOY it ! Life is too short to be miserable.
I remember when I first listened Lightbulb Sun, that was the second song I heard from porcupine tree (the first being Blackest Eyes) and it gave me the real goosebumps, very few songs in my life gave me that type of feeling. The same thing happened with Piano Lessons: those two songs are my favorite tracks from Porcupine Tree. None of the songs in this new album have given me the same type of emotion, I mean, I did like Love in the Past Tense and Dignity, but they're just fine, I can't say anything more about them I guess...Maybe they didn't wanted to do something much pretending, just something that checks all the boxes ☑️, sometimes the most simple things are the most beautiful.
While I've learned to withhold judgment of prog albums until I have had some time to appreciate them properly, I tend to agree with you. I don't hear anything on the level of FOABP or In Absentia.
Closure/Continuation is brilliant, lyrically and instrumentally. The Future Bites is my favorite record of ALL TIME. Steven Wilson is on another level. KILLING IT.
Whoa, and I thought I was the odd one for really LIKING TFB very much. "Personal Shopper" is one of my alltime Wilson-Favourites, though. C/C is an instant classic and the mother of all comebacks.
Been looking more forward to this than the album itself. Listened to it once, it's alright, some nice tunes, good drumming, but it's existence will probably escape my memory within a year or 2
Is it compable to phil collins in the 80s and genesis at the same time where you can hear the crossover between Phil's solo work and the bands output being more commercial than earlier works
Hi Neal. This. I'm a die hard Genesis fan. I'm a Porcupine Tree appreciator. I own half the PT catalogue. Loved Absentia/Deadwing. Blank Planet could have been a double LP. Anyway, this is true. It's the crossover thing. And what happens as a result. Tony Banks said he wanted PC to be a success, but perhaps not too much! But the PC bandwagon brought more fans to Genesis gigs. And made their 80s output best sellers. Shades of Steve with PT. Like Robert Fripp too. Or Robert Smith. The band leaders know they ultimately need their band and its brand name even if they struggle with sometimes hating the fact they need it. I'd give the new PT about a 7.5/10 for the initial 7 track LP.
Overall, I find you to be quite intelligent and entertaining… with a coy sense of humor. But this Steven Wilson issue you have really calls for some deep, professional counseling.
I cannot get over the fact that the vinyl version of this album, which I bought today (the double disc white vinyl version), only has seven tracks on it. Apparently, if I’d bought the CD I’d have gotten 10 tracks! What are they thinking about?! They could easily have put the extra three tracks onto side four of the vinyl while fitting the other seven pieces onto the first three sides. Are they taking the piss? Are they trying to get more money out of me because I now have to go out and buy the CD in order to get the extra three tracks? Look, I do like the album. But come on guys. In all fairness, the optics of this come over as a bit of a money grabbing scam…
The CD also has 7 tracks. There’s an expensive 2CD/BD version that has 3 bonus tracks and the streaming/download version also includes the 3 bonus tracks.
@@obijac : Yes, you are correct. I wasn't clear in what I was saying. My mistake. My apologies. I suppose that the point that I was trying to make is that if I want the other three "bonus" tracks", then I have to go out again and buy the deluxe box set for more than twice what I paid for the vinyl! Just for three more tracks?! Frankly, that is taking the piss out of fans. That is just exploiting the goodwill that fans have for the band. I have a lot of this band's output. I've got six studio albums, three live albums, a compilation album and an EP all on CD. I've also got two of the aforementioned CD's on vinyl as well. And I now have the new (seven track) album on more expensive white vinyl. So, yes, I am a fan. I suppose that I should also say that as an Apple Music subscriber I can listen to the full ten track album including the three "bonus" tracks on iTunes. But I know nothing about these "bonus" tracks because there is no credits/lyrics sheet. In this day and age I think that it is mean and measly to try to gouge more money from fans like this. I would not mind paying this much extra money if there was an extra CD or extra vinyl album with ten or nine or even just eight bonus tracks. That's what some artists do, like Steve Hackett, IQ, Jethro Tull, YES, Led Zeppelin and some others. But not for just three more tracks. No. That's just wrong. These three tracks could have easily been included on the standard CD and vinyl versions of the album. Maybe its not the band's fault. Maybe it's the record company. Whoever it is needs to take a long hard look at themselves.
@@Driver2616 Steven once said that 60 minutes was too long for an album because it does not hold the typical listeners attention. So I think that was why the album is only your typical 70's length.
@@spiritualarchitect4276 : I think he actually may have referenced 50 minutes as being a good length for an album. But then, to go and look for an exorbitant amount for three extra tracks is just shocking.
@@Driver2616 You get more than 3 tracks; you supposedly get the entire album in instrumental form plus a Blu-ray 5.1 version of the album and a booklet. But yeah, we are being held hostage to physically own those 3 songs on official PT hard media.
My first time listening to it, it left me missing something. I think I expected something a bit more rockier after all these years. But I suspected it needed a few more spins, since the album is not relying on hooks. And after 4 spins I've grown to really love it! It's probably on my Porcupine Tree - Top 3 by now.
Porcupine Tree.. One of those bands that I loved, got all their stuff.. But I listen to some of it now, and it seems the lyrics are those of a teenager in angst. The music itself is a virtual carbon copy of the other bands of the prog ilk. People tend to like PT and SW as he gives them what they want, even though its been done time and time again. You can grit your teeth at Darren and what he says, but if you actually listen to what he says and not "Oh he hates the band, woe woe woe" then you will realise he talks bloody sense, and is giving a fair assessment of the album. Regressive Rock at its finest, I will always go back to the 70s Prog
@Pete Marr Name one band that is putting out music that has not been done time and time again. From JJ Grey and Mofro to Umphreys Mcgee to Parcels etc. its all been done. Every band sounds like some other band from before. When i play any new music whatever the genre is to my buddys they say it sounds like. Look at The Sheepdogs, awesome band especially live, Blackberry Smoke.
I dont think Wilson is givin us what we want, I think he does whatecer he wants. I hated future bites, but I liked the new album, specially with the 3 bonus songs, it makes much more sense.
1. The lyrics are just fine. Just cause its prog doesn't mean every song has to be about the wizard of castle Xanadu. 2. What bands? I have yet to hear a band that has the same emotion and vibe as PT, unless we could direct ripoff acts like airbag. 3. You talk about regression, but go back to 70s prog. Yawn
It's one thing to say you didn't like the album, and that it was boring and copy paste. That's a valid opinion and I wouldn't convince you otherwise. But to disparage people who enjoy it and insult them completely goes against the philosophy you stated at the beginning of the video. I can disagree with your opinion but I'm not gonna say you "don't know what good music is if you don't like this album" Insulting his fans isn't an opinion. That's just being a troll. Comment on songwriting or performances, the music's popularity has nothing to do with how much you should or shouldn't like it.
I think this review is a little harsh, but I can't say I completely disagree. This album is a Porcupine Tree paint by numbers. There are bits I like, and it's unmistakably Porcupine Tree, but it's treading no new ground and feels more like throwing the fans a bone rather than a reunion born out of a surge in creativity. That said, I'm off to see them at Wembley at the end of the year, and if this album is the excuse to hear a chunk of old tunes live again, then I'm all for it.
You are an expert in music, in what position you entrusted you, you know Pink Floyd ... you don't know and that's your problem, and you rise above others!
I half wish I could say you were wrong, but it really does feel like everything after In Absentia and damn near everything from Wilson's solo career has boiled down to technical genre exercises. Probably the only point of disagreement I'd offer is that PT prior to Signify and with In Absentia really were exciting and interesting and No-Man is really elevated by Tim Bowness' vocals. That said, I'm damning with faint praise since the latest of those projects is from nearly 20 years ago. The newest No-Man is only slightly saved by Bowness' voice but isn't much musically. Maybe the ONLY album that may yet reveal itself to have some depth is Hand.Cannot.Erase. I genuinely got the sense that the subject at least lit a fire under Wilson. That said, I wish he'd stop with all the goddamn stylized titles. I'm rambling. Bottom line: you've got a point - an important one - and it really sucks.
The best part of it all is that Steven Wilson has never considered himself a prog musician, and that's your worst thing about the thing you have, and it wakes you up ...
All music is a contrivance, it's all just a question of what you're willing to accept. That being said, I've been largely "over" Steven Wilson for much of the last decade. Somewhere along the way I could see how the trick was done and magic was kind of gone for me. You're correct inasmuch as he has a thing that he does and he does it a lot. Some people seem to want that repeated experience. Nice, however, to hear Richard Barbieri back in a band sitch. I've always appreciate his textural sound sculpting. In a world without Richard Wright, he does the job for me.
I don't think many people realize that C/C isn't meant to be a great album, honestly it's better looked at as a collection of songs rather than a concept or a statement. I mean they literally said this in an interview, that their not trying to say anything. Good music doesn't need to mean anything and I think King Crimson proved this in the 80's, I mean Adrian Belew was yelling nonsense over two overlapped guitar riffs and that still made good music. Also the album goes into new territory for Porcupine Tree, it takes more of a step into alternative and incorporating elements of that into prog, I think Walk The Plank is a good example of this, it doesn't quite sound like prog at first but it still has that PT flavor throughout the song. Ultimately what I hear from this review is that the album isn't what you wanted it to be and that makes you sad or mad or something. Also at some point you mentioned that Porcupine Tree, The Beatles and the sorts aren't going to be remembered in 100 years, which is sooooooo wrong, in fact Porcupine Tree has grown more popular in the last 12 years when they weren't releasing anything or even touring. I understand that you don't like the modern music scene but shit has to change, and in my opinion it has changed for the better, rather than relying on the charts to show you what's good you have to explore and expand your taste to find what's good. Ultimately cool review, it's a very interesting take that I could criticize for being wrong in some ways but I'm too lazy to do that for every point you don't get entirely right so I'm not going to do that. Next time you can just shorten this to 'I don't like it, because it isn't what I want' and that would have the same effect.
Yeah, I'm sure if we don't blow the earth to smithereens, Porcupine Tree/ Wilson will last. The bullshit-level of his argument really shows when it comey to the Beatles. Gone in 100 years? The friggin' BEATLES?
It's finally happened... I agree with you. Well generally speaking, not on everything. I do love most of the PT catalogue and SW albums. I didn't really think a PT reformation was necessary but being a big fan I wasn't complaining either, though not bringing back their bass player Colin was a first warning sign. I did predict the reformation when the singles and press release dropped for the last SW solo album. It was promoted as the OK computer of this generation. While the album wasn't entirely terrible, the disco elements were too cheesy, the lyrics were bad and late to the party and I don't think the album worked. I don't know how successful that album and tour was granted it was released during Covid but I knew Steven would ressurect PT after because when you promote your own album as "this generations X" you are digging your own grave. Anyway, the first single we got was Harridan. And it opens with a generic pentatonic bass riff which I the foundation for the whole song. Wow... genius. The second single sounds like an out take from a previous album. The third single got me thinking the album is going to be a dud. After listening to this album twice, it has some elements that remind of me why I love the band and why I think they have some great ideas. But the majority of this album sounds like b-sides with really unimaginative riffs, lazy hooks, a lot of the songs don't sound finished they just kind of end abruptly like they didn't know how to finish the song. Many of songs sound like left over ideas from the Deadwing album. My opinion might change with time but as a long standing fan of the band I have little interest in spending more time with this album.
I think that Steven Wilson is a highly talented musician and after being a solo artist for some time it’s a difficult to get back into what the Porcupine Tree sound is supposed to be.You can’t be honest in creativity without upsetting the Apple cart.I have watched many interviews with SW and I admire his progressive stance on being someone to take risks with soundscapes.It was never going to be the older sound.Listen to it a few more times and you’ll get it?.
I don't mind the odd PT/SW product but honestly haven't any great urge to seek it out. Heard one of the singles and it was the same as everything he's done. Think I've reached a point where most music seems uninteresting.
Is it possible Steve Wilson and PT exist purely so we have this video content from you, there's no other reason. On a separate note those reviews on that poster are just plain ridiculous, is it a case we don't wanna admit that prog rock might be in a coma so let's celebrate this guy
I think that when you say that it's not progressive in the end you are saying a true thing, but i think that there are good songs also if it has the style of In Absentia, because i liked that album and i like other songs with that style. That part of of drum and bass in chimera's wreck is very cool for example, and progressive, even if the song has the same style of other songs made by them
I read DK Music's review of this album and someone recommended watching your review, so I did. Firstly, my intro to PT was when I was given a free CD of Stupid Dream in around 2000. I was hooked. Lightbulb Sun was a great follow up and In Absentia certainly took things up a level popularity wise. I think they peaked with Deadwing honestly although Anesthetise is essential. I was not into the change of Solo albums although HCE was great especially after watching the doco on Joyce Vincent. Yes, I also have gone a bit stale on Wilsons overhyped and adulation and TFB was a total slap in the face. I listened to Harridan clip when it first came out and it didn't grab me like Blackest Eyes did at the time. I hear you don't like Riverside also.Will check later. I rank them much higher than Porcupine Tree in all departments. Love Fear and The Time Machine was really a brave and charming progression. Just the sound of Piotrs guitar moved me. However, I can understand a bad review from you on Wasteland as that album defo missed Piotr and overall it was mediocre also but a relief to many fans that the band didn't fold altogether. Mariusz solo ambient stuff however is absolute crap and cannot be heard by my ears a second time. I am curious as to your thoughts of Pineapple Thief. I caught onto TPT early (2001) and loved all their albums up to Someone here is missing. However as soon as Gavin Harrison joined, the band are immediately involved in the top drawer of Prog bands. Yet, the music of TPT with GH has turned into constantly dull boring pop music and fans are raving. I don't understand honestly. Bruce Soord is a more humble and genuine soul to SW. I have met both personally. One thing I can't agree on is you quoting the Beatles won't be remembered after 100 years. I am not a Beatles fan boy, but I think a better example would have been One Direction, Take That, Oasis, Foo Fighters etc. Bands that immediately sell out stadiums worldwide in a flash but are bigger than they should be.
Steven Wilson always says that the secret to his music is that he really doesn't give a f**k about what people expect and want from him, he simply keeps doing what he loves. I agree with him, and I guess he won't give a f**k about your opinion. In 10 yrs time people will remember Porcupine Tree, but nobody knows who you are NOW.
Some people just enjoy moaning way more than just appreciating someone's effort, liking it or not. What's the point? To explain someone he shouldn't like something he does? Or to give an approval to someone who doesn't like it already?
What point? It's regurgitation and that voice is awful. Compared to the previous catalogue it's awful, people need to get real. I bet your not playing this in a year.
As a big SW fan for years, I’ve often been curious about your contempt for him. I feel that he’s willing to do a lot of different things, which for me include many more hits than misses. To the Bone is brilliant, Future Bites is interesting and the last No Man record is probably my favorite piece of music from the last few years. But to your point, the automatic reverence from reviewers and fans alike does come across as some sort of brainwashing. There is nothing new or exciting about this new release. It has some moments, as any 48 minute piece of work from folks with the talent of these guys should. But it’s retreaded same old same old ground. Can’t help but feel like it’s a money grab and bone he threw to his former mates… just kind of going through the motions. I typically don’t agree with you on SW subject matter… and find a lot of your commentary humorous… but sadly, I’ve gotta agree with you on this one. Cheers
Good for you Darren . I lost interest in them when they released Deadwing . For me their best work (overall) was behind them . And I was watching them in pubs , church halls etc. from '97 and even saw them in Holland , so I'm not a Jonny Come Lately. Nice one D. We don't always agree - but I'm with you on this.
Thanks! I was aware of them at the end of the 90s via Wilson’s involvement with Fish and Marillion. I heard No-Man’s Flowermouth when it was released because a certain guitarist was on it, but that left me unimpressed too.
I have been a fan of this band for many years after I bought the album signify when it came out many years ago and I have championed this band all the way as each album they released was better and interesting and they are great musicians..than they released the incident back in 2009 and decided to call it a day and Steven went off with his solo career and the others did various side projects which were interesting and good ...than out of the blue word breaks out porcupine tree are back minus Colin Edwin..now the story thickens because they then tell us they are revisiting demos left over from the incident album and bringing them into this new project..now I'm scratching my head..they made no music together in 15 years have a 2 year period of COVID where they could have took time came up with complete new material and new concept etc .but now we get this album closure/continuation..well I have to be honest and it's just my opinion but this is very poor indeed ..it totally lacks direction and has no classic content of PT which is all over .. stupid dream/in absentia/fest of blank planet etc..it's like they trying to hard with this to prove a point..there is nothing that grabs my attention with it and I have listened to it 3 times and sorry it's not a grower at all ..I still firmly believe Steven was stung badly after future bites album as big tour was in production etc than COVID struck and financially I think he took big hit with this and needed to bounce back big knowing COVID would be over and his solo career was not going to bounce it bk big time but this would and you can tell by the your and places they playing that this is the money earner than when finished it's back to solo and no more porcupine tree...I'm sorry I love this band but this should have not happened without Colin Edwin who I feel his presence would have steered this project to a better porcupine tree album...just my opinion take it or leave it..
Colin Edwin didn't want to know, he's left it behind and so should the others, it's all about money and the album is a stinker. The price of the deluxe edition for what you get and the design is bloody awful. Fans who love this and paid for that, deserve what they got, silly fools. It's very sad but also funny.
Nope, this album is not a disappointment to me. Only if there was a way in entropy to turn my love in reverse, but the changes are insignificant according to our tests.
It's true that it's shifted, but Steven Wilson does what he wants, records what he wants, whether he likes it or not, or no one, but Stevna doesn't mind, it bothers the rest of us, you ... and that is the question of this world, of this time. And no one will do anything about it, we will all be the music that comes out listening or we won't listen to it. Nobody plays on the charts today if you are not a meanstrem and Steven Wilson has never been and will never be ....
Love that someone isn't afraid of not reproducing the "happy all the time" type of culture we are living right now, especially when it comes to video reactions: everybody's happy, that's for sure (Sparks wink). I laughed a lot . Thank you, a true PT fan(I've seen PT 8 times in concert; it will be 9).
you said there is a load of bands that do expermient music, could you name youre favorites? no atempt to be a smart ass i am intrested in what you would recomend
Bon album progressif qui alterne des morceaux planants (Dignity) digne de Pink Floyd et plus percutants crimsonniens ( Harridan, Tree population) Vraiment ces trois musiciens virtuoses maîtrisent leur art et semblent intouchables sur le plan de la composition créativité rigueur perfectionnisme guitariste bref artiste complet pour Steven Wilson; atmosphère troublante magique pour Richard Barbieri aux claviers et technicité punch et rythmique déconcertante pour Gavin Harrison à la batterie. J'ose espèrer qu ils vont continuer sur leur lancée Pourquoi pas avec la force tranquille de Colin Edwin tout en toucher avec sa basse mais sacrément efficace ? Pourquoi pas ausi avec la participation de Nina Tayeb suppléant la voix pop de SW dans les parties métales et on pourrait alors se prendre à rêver qu'ils pourraient tout jouer ; partir d une ligne épurée et déployer la richesse des possibles. Ainsi l album deviendrait oeuvre d'art ; ainsi il ne tomberait pas des mains malgré plusieurs écoutes, la surprise serait au rendez vous . L 'oeuvre doit être originale non ? A l' image du dernier album de Tool : Fear inoculum....
Hi from Russia, I love Steven Wilson's music, but Closure/Continuation didn't impressed me, I mean it just don't give any emotion, just sadness for all fans from his first albums, it's very sad, I have know about Porcupine Tree like 1 year ago, and I really was excited for news that Steve want to record another album, but I really dont get it, it just an illusion, not album. The only one track I really liked is Dignity, that's all.
you needed to give it a score out of 5- something to make you points more tangible. i'm feeling a light 1. there was some mild positivity for the drumming.
Oh how I’ve been awaiting this review, I know nothing about SW or PT and I never will. I just come here for the comedy in the review and the butthurt SW fans in the comment section.
I only come here for the amusement, knowing full well that Darren will bash PT any chance he gets. What DL still does not get is that people like what they like. They do not need originality ever time out. They just need something that matches what they like. Is this a great PT album? Out of their 15 studio albums, I would rank it at #11. But I’m weird, I listen to the older ones more. The bargain bins where I live are ruled by Radiohead and U2. Will Pt join them? I would not count on it.
👍 Like your review. Don't understand your problem with this album, band or even Steven Wilson, but I don't have to. You don't like it, I do like it. Keep up the good work 💪
This is not the top, we don't know anyone who is the top, but it's great, and those who don't want to hear it will start MTV and don't understand anything ...
Gave me a good laugh man. It's just fine. It's "good". It's not amazing or groundbreaking. There are universes of music that are more interesting, more emotionally arresting, more ingeniously composed. It's just "good".
Another completely honest review musicians who have thousands of fans didn't take the risks to make something different or new did not take advantage of their skillset.grant
I spend almost half hour having a good time. I have almost the same fellings about that album and i'm amused by defenders of this music, claiming "ya don't know what 'Good Music' is, you're bad tasted bad boy" and other blah, blah, blahs.
This album is not worthy without the 3 bonus songs, so I understand what you say after listening to the standard versión. Now, Hand cannot erase and Raven that refused to sing are masterpieces. The guy has his style, is unique and deserves the praise, specially in a time Were music is mostly shit!
I don't think his solo work is even in the same ballpark as the Porcupine Tree material. Nothing off his solo albums grabbed my attention and everytime I tried to get into it, the music just fell flat (looking at you "personal shopper"/latest example). SW is just a bit too bland (to my ears) when he's not writing guitar oriented music. To say they are the same is like saying Lulu and the Black Album are basically the same because they share the same songwriters. Anyways despite all that I don't see a "problem", as artists should just do exactly what they want to. I'm always up for more music, even if it may not resonate with me. I think the new album has some strong songs and falls off a bit towards the end. That's about it.
Thank you for the intro 😆 I have always suspected that this album was to advance his solo carreer. A SW album sold as a PT album, just to end the debate. Because sentiment sells. 🤷♂️ if you like it, fine. I'm just not convinced. I will say that the photographs they used for the single covers are very interesting. But other than that...
Sorry Darren, you do have it wrong. You just don’t like people named Steve or Steven. Everyone has an opinion which is great. However, your opinion is not necessarily any better than anyone else’s. I listened to what you had to say, you started with some observations and developing criticism that turned to cynicism, humorless cynicism at that. Maybe take some time off and find your passion. You are kind of like the critic in ratatouille. I do admit I am starved for quality music today, even with all these streaming services. Anyway, take care.
Don't think he is saying his opinion is better than anyone else. Just being honest rather than overly praising something to appease fans/record labels.
You should see the other comments on other RUclips channels about this record. ‘One of the greatest of all time’. 🤡 I’m with you Darren - just don’t get it.
Much of the album is online. Listen and make your own decision. If you dislike it don’t listen anymore. I am not offended or enthralled with the album but t do like it. Ironically the bonus tracks are the better songs. You couldn’t make me read the SW book however. I like the ambience but agree there aren’t many hooks. There aren’t any in Stravinsky either. I strongly disagree with the whole SW is evil aspect in your assessment of the album but if you don’t like it that’s fine. I would suggest throwing some shade at the circus know as 2022’s version of Yes. ruclips.net/video/d2Z8ehgJZIs/видео.html It is appalling and I like and have seen the 70’s version. The music on this link is truly terribe. Close To The Edge is one of my favorite songs but the link above deserves people’s rancor.
Closure/Continuation is excellent. Love it so far. Real music, real art, real album from top artists in their fields. I might be more okay with this opinion formed apparently in one day or before the release if I hadn't looked the other videos this clown is making. He likes Obi-Wan Kenobi by Disney Plus. New woke Star Wars???? Disney Plus???? Really??? He thinks it is great that lazy Pink Floyd-members manage to record one hastily recorded rough 3-minute demo after about 30 years with abysmal "singer" and then this non-song gets a physical CD-single/vinyl release.This is apparently the best thing ever. Really????
Everybody's entitled to have their own opinion and if you think it's shit, fine. I'm not going to bash you for it. Only thing is you say this is progressive music and not actually showing any sign of progress. But Steven Wilson does not consider himself to be a progressive (rock) artist. That's a label that other people put on him. So if he does not see himself als progressive why should it be hold against him if his music isn't? Besides that, most (progressive) music is not really progressive. That doesn't necessarily make it bad music.
Well, I definitely enjoyed this album decidedly more than you did, 😂but props for being willing to speak your mind. That said, it's always tempting to make a fetish of 'going against the grain,' and aspects of this review are reminiscent of SW's own occasional (and annoying) pseudo-cultural-critic tendencies. It seems like you're looking for something that was never going to be there, because you're maybe paying too much attention to the noise of the advertising machine.
Hello Darren! I liked you're álbum! Very Pixies style for me, and Man Down you sound like Lou Reed is sing behind that song. Why dont you release in LP! You're not profesional, but you got very well on you're own. Have a nice day, Darren.
Hi Darren,just loved this review and i have to say your views are just....there's just so much hype and bullshit about this new album. Its not about the music just sales and i guess this will sell in bucket loads. For me its just boring dull regurgitated lift music and does not fire me up in anyway and how many formats and versions....who gives a F**K. What has happened to the ART of music. Looking forward to seeing all the negativity your bound to get in the feedback.....musical lemmings....have we lost all sense of reality!!!....listen to some VDGG people...ha ha ha
I feel you. It's not progressive, but it would be forgivable if it was interesting, and it isn't. PT stopped being interesting many, many years ago (the last albums I liked from them were "The sky moves sideways" and "Signify" so we're talking 1996 here). But it's ok - anybody can have a bad album, or ten. It happened before, it happens now. But the real problem here is the meaningless, opportunistic press reaction: an average, boring album made by numbers praised as "Groundbreaking" and "Pioneering" - oh please🙄
@@ileutur6863 I've tried to like more of their albums. I just couldn't. It wasn't like I decided I wouldn't go further for the sake of being a snob. Those above-mentioned albums sounded fresh to my ears, even if they were recycling some floyd/hawkwind vibes. The later ones sounded soulless or generic - like the last one. They don't resonate with me.
My most played PT albums are 'Metonia' and 'Moonloop', mostly because I can read to them. The first one has the haunted house atmosphere of 'Signify', while the other expands on the theme of 'Sky'. You would probably like those two, as they are birthed out of the two you mentioned.
Finally someone is honest with this album, so far I couldn't believe all the praise the album was getting, crazy. Barbieria atmospheres are gone, Harrison is very weak. I really like PT's distorted guitars and he's not here, that's more personal. The bass also died. This is not progressive, maybe they wanted to leave prog and I accept it, but even as a rock it's bad. It is an album that lacks guts, cold, without inspiration, where is the experimental PT? Quiet songs are silly. I can't find melodies anywhere, it's just anything. PD: I love PT but this is shit.
I had written a long elaborate comment countering most of the points made in the video, but I realized how unnecessary and redundant it is. The only thing that needs to be said is this - *not every album needs to be groundbreaking.* This album doesn't need to exist, PT has no obligations to fulfill, not to their record label and especially not to people who say shit like "I'm a bigger music fan thsn you'll ever be"
It exists because 3 old rockers hung out and jammed. To some of us that's more valuable than the most elaborate prog ever written.
I totally agree, thank you for this observation.
Agree with your sentiments, although the crazy bit of hyperbolic praise this albums is getting in the press smells funny if you’ve been a long time fan you know that’s not how it’s been for the majority of the bands career. It’s a solid album with some good tracks and much rehashed from their career. Not earth shattering but a solid listen and that’s just my opion as a long time fan. Nothing more
I could say it to all his videos.....
“ I’m more of a music fan that you’ll ever be. “
That’s cute!
What a tool to make that statement.
Very narcissistic statement indeed.
@@coreymcnaught Exactly! I appreciate humor and even sarcasm in reviews (I've written tons of reviews myself for a Dutch music site over the years) but I can't stomach the arrogant attitude towards anyone with a different opinion or taste in music.
@@GerardSlooven He's a narcissist who knows he is clickbaiting people into being angry at him and commenting on his video (which is good for his youtube algorithm) which is exactly what we are doing. Kudos to him I guess. A lot of his statements are frustratingly simple minded and cheap.
Chimera's Wreck is about his Dad passing away, if that's not a real place for lyrics to come from, I don't know what is. And the whole 'you don't love music' because we listen to one particular band is such a bizarre comment; does it only apply to SW projects, because I feel it only applies to SW projects. At this point it feels like you're just doing this for clout, no one steps on the same drawing pin that many times...
I'm fine with your opinion even if I don't agree, right up until you go off the deep end and claim that people who like Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson don't love music. At that point you stop being a guy with an opinion and turn into just a tiresome troll. You get back what you put out into the world.
Seriously. I think the record is fantastic and I'm only on my 4th, full, uninterrupted playthrough. I've got a music collection that astonishes most people. Cassettes, CD's, Vinyl. I listen to drum and bass, latin jazz, ambient, soundscape, technical death metal, blues, and on and on. I listen to fucking everything. I have a room in my home dedicated to listening to music. Speakers, sub, amp, record player, cd player, sound foam, and a chair at the focal point. No lights, just sound. Just music. I've spend thousands and thousands of hours in that room listening to music, by myself. Sober, tripping, crying, frustrated, joyous. Discerning. Digesting. Hearing. It's my special little place. I also make music. But at the same time, I don't love music because I like this album. :)
I look forward to Darren's next review of PT or Steven's next release so I can chuckle at it again.
Darren just doesn't like PT. So much so that he doesn't want you to like them either. He just can't figure out extreme enough words to say to actually seem convincing and not just bitter, for god knows what reason.
He’s had it out for the band for a long time, I’m not sure why he even bothered reviewing this as he clearly doesn’t like them and has made several videos droning on and about how much he doesn’t like them which makes his whole schtick an insufferable bore. As far as the album goes, no surprises, but it’s a solid PT album.
You must be a barrel of laughs with a demeanor like yours, at least criticise with a smile
Enjoy a Dutch review in "De Volkskrant":
As a producer and sound engineer, Steven Wilson became the conscience and memory of heavy music and especially progressive rock. He recorded albums with the Swedish band Opeth, remastered classic 1970s records from Yes to Jethro Tull, and released a series of thoughtful solo albums of his own.
But his most important contribution to the survival of the better prog rock, the band Porcupine Tree, had already been retired for thirteen years, much to the chagrin of the followers. The rather sudden comeback album Closure/Continuation is therefore a gem, which also because of the title makes one hope for a new heyday for the English cult band.
Porcupine Tree as a trio - bassist Colin Edwin seems to have left for good - is actually a super group. Gavin Harrison is one of the most admired drummers in the world, and keyboardist and sound designer Richard Barbieri was already part of the pioneering new wave band Japan in the 1970s. Yet at Porcupine Tree nobody pushes themselves to the fore. Especially the interplay commands admiration, no matter how ingenious the drum parts and the guitar parts are.
The songs are given the space to slowly unfold and develop, like classic prog rock. In beautiful and increasingly angular songs like Of the New Day and Rats Return you hear the echoes of the old Genesis, Pink Floyd and King Crimson, but Porcupine Tree also sounds very much like itself. And that is largely due to Wilson's calm, often layered layer upon layer of vocals.
The elongated tracks can sometimes sound a bit study, but Porcupine Tree never becomes clinical, because Wilson gives a soul to the music. The track Dignity, for example, is an insanely beautifully sung guitar ballad, and a tribute to vulnerable and bullied boys who stand in a lonely corner of the schoolyard: the shivers run down your spine at the chorus, and in the widely spread finale with a menacing, grumbling bass on the horizon.
The album as a whole develops just as smoothly as the individual songs, with grim jazz-rock parts interspersed with catchy pop choruses and quiet piano musings like the oppressive Never Have, which rocks harder and harder, but keeps the melodic theme well. It doesn't get long-winded for a second.
A glorious return of a wonderful band and a beloved genre, which will soon be heard again on the big stages: Porcupine Tree will play in Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome on November 7th.
5 stars
The album is no masterpiece, but I still enjoyed it as whole. There are some parts that didn't fit my taste, but I'd hardly call it bland and pointless. You have a different viewpoint, and that's perfectly fine. I somewhat agree with a few of your critiques. My issue comes at 20:38 when you just bluntly insult anyone with a differeing viewpoint. You bring up some tragic talking points with what you consider the downfall of the music industry, and then immediately turn around and accuse anyone that doesn't live in your isolated bubble of being musically tasteless. You desire to be taken seriosuly with your criticism, but belittle anyone that doesn't perfectly align with you.
I was expecting the review almost as much as the album itself. Thanks for posting!
This is the best album since In The Court of Crimson King by King Crimson. Dark side of the moon of our generation…
While I am a huge fan of Steven Wilson and porcupine tree, I respect your review and will not bash your opinion, I thought the album was fantastic. Mainly it's what I needed from them. I thought the song dignity was the best track, and probably one of my favorites they ever did. They definitely rehashed previous material, I don't think it's their greatest album by any means but it was really good. It was a good review to listen to though. Steven Wilson has always stated he hated being lumped into the prog category, and there are many other bands that do it better, but it was a great trip down memory lane for me.
He listened to the standard version without the bonus songs so I cant blame him.
@@pedroquintanilla3821 you can see in the beginning he listened to all ten tracks
@@pedroquintanilla3821 But he think his work is more original and far better songwritting .....come on. Get a listening at his work
@@tompinks_ I agree. But it's really is difficult when the original reviewer behaves like an asshole himself by claiming that he's a bigger music fan than people who don't have the same taste in music as him will ever be.
@@theomindschrddr7983 Indeed - mediocrity ALWAYS looks down on talent...
I got on the PT train with Signify. Not sure why, but no PT has ever excited me on first listen. Yet most of them have really grown on me so I've learned to give them time. (FWIW, my personal favorites are Sky Moves Sideways for the psych era and Deadwing for the prog metal-ish era.)
I had mixed feelings after listening to it as well.. watch the video for Rats Return and re-listen to Dignity it’s shallow compared to FOABP in absentia etc. but somehow lyrically he makes it feel deep in a new way at the same time, in my take of it after I listened to the album again with better headphones I think I liked it and don’t regret preordering
Listen the whole álbum including the bonus tracks, it makes much more sense!
I have really enjoyed the album. The ATMOS version is amazing with immersive 360 surround sound.
The review on this channel is unfair, absolutely harsh and bitter. Even if it’s not a masterpiece, there are millions of albums out there which are worse - just saying.
I will be watching them in concert later this year and I will ENJOY it ! Life is too short to be miserable.
I remember when I first listened Lightbulb Sun, that was the second song I heard from porcupine tree (the first being Blackest Eyes) and it gave me the real goosebumps, very few songs in my life gave me that type of feeling. The same thing happened with Piano Lessons: those two songs are my favorite tracks from Porcupine Tree. None of the songs in this new album have given me the same type of emotion, I mean, I did like Love in the Past Tense and Dignity, but they're just fine, I can't say anything more about them I guess...Maybe they didn't wanted to do something much pretending, just something that checks all the boxes ☑️, sometimes the most simple things are the most beautiful.
While I've learned to withhold judgment of prog albums until I have had some time to appreciate them properly, I tend to agree with you. I don't hear anything on the level of FOABP or In Absentia.
I get the feeling Darren's just doing this for the sake of clout now
I listened to this album yesterday and as you say it is bland and it left no impression on me. A very honest review.
Closure/Continuation is brilliant, lyrically and instrumentally. The Future Bites is my favorite record of ALL TIME. Steven Wilson is on another level. KILLING IT.
That’s pretty funny
Whoa, and I thought I was the odd one for really LIKING TFB very much.
"Personal Shopper" is one of my alltime Wilson-Favourites, though.
C/C is an instant classic and the mother of all comebacks.
Been looking more forward to this than the album itself. Listened to it once, it's alright, some nice tunes, good drumming, but it's existence will probably escape my memory within a year or 2
Is it compable to phil collins in the 80s and genesis at the same time where you can hear the crossover between Phil's solo work and the bands output being more commercial than earlier works
Hi Neal. This. I'm a die hard Genesis fan. I'm a Porcupine Tree appreciator. I own half the PT catalogue. Loved Absentia/Deadwing. Blank Planet could have been a double LP. Anyway, this is true. It's the crossover thing. And what happens as a result. Tony Banks said he wanted PC to be a success, but perhaps not too much! But the PC bandwagon brought more fans to Genesis gigs. And made their 80s output best sellers. Shades of Steve with PT. Like Robert Fripp too. Or Robert Smith. The band leaders know they ultimately need their band and its brand name even if they struggle with sometimes hating the fact they need it. I'd give the new PT about a 7.5/10 for the initial 7 track LP.
Overall, I find you to be quite intelligent and entertaining… with a coy sense of humor.
But this Steven Wilson issue you have really calls for some deep, professional counseling.
Never!
I cannot get over the fact that the vinyl version of this album, which I bought today (the double disc white vinyl version), only has seven tracks on it. Apparently, if I’d bought the CD I’d have gotten 10 tracks!
What are they thinking about?! They could easily have put the extra three tracks onto side four of the vinyl while fitting the other seven pieces onto the first three sides.
Are they taking the piss? Are they trying to get more money out of me because I now have to go out and buy the CD in order to get the extra three tracks?
Look, I do like the album. But come on guys. In all fairness, the optics of this come over as a bit of a money grabbing scam…
The CD also has 7 tracks. There’s an expensive 2CD/BD version that has 3 bonus tracks and the streaming/download version also includes the 3 bonus tracks.
@@obijac : Yes, you are correct. I wasn't clear in what I was saying. My mistake. My apologies.
I suppose that the point that I was trying to make is that if I want the other three "bonus" tracks", then I have to go out again and buy the deluxe box set for more than twice what I paid for the vinyl! Just for three more tracks?! Frankly, that is taking the piss out of fans. That is just exploiting the goodwill that fans have for the band.
I have a lot of this band's output. I've got six studio albums, three live albums, a compilation album and an EP all on CD. I've also got two of the aforementioned CD's on vinyl as well. And I now have the new (seven track) album on more expensive white vinyl. So, yes, I am a fan.
I suppose that I should also say that as an Apple Music subscriber I can listen to the full ten track album including the three "bonus" tracks on iTunes. But I know nothing about these "bonus" tracks because there is no credits/lyrics sheet. In this day and age I think that it is mean and measly to try to gouge more money from fans like this.
I would not mind paying this much extra money if there was an extra CD or extra vinyl album with ten or nine or even just eight bonus tracks. That's what some artists do, like Steve Hackett, IQ, Jethro Tull, YES, Led Zeppelin and some others. But not for just three more tracks. No. That's just wrong. These three tracks could have easily been included on the standard CD and vinyl versions of the album. Maybe its not the band's fault. Maybe it's the record company. Whoever it is needs to take a long hard look at themselves.
@@Driver2616 Steven once said that 60 minutes was too long for an album because it does not hold the typical listeners attention. So I think that was why the album is only your typical 70's length.
@@spiritualarchitect4276 : I think he actually may have referenced 50 minutes as being a good length for an album. But then, to go and look for an exorbitant amount for three extra tracks is just shocking.
@@Driver2616 You get more than 3 tracks; you supposedly get the entire album in instrumental form plus a Blu-ray 5.1 version of the album and a booklet. But yeah, we are being held hostage to physically own those 3 songs on official PT hard media.
My first time listening to it, it left me missing something. I think I expected something a bit more rockier after all these years. But I suspected it needed a few more spins, since the album is not relying on hooks. And after 4 spins I've grown to really love it! It's probably on my Porcupine Tree - Top 3 by now.
I had quite low expectations for the album, but I thought it was a pleasant surprise. Not a fan of the bonus tracks though
Porcupine Tree.. One of those bands that I loved, got all their stuff.. But I listen to some of it now, and it seems the lyrics are those of a teenager in angst. The music itself is a virtual carbon copy of the other bands of the prog ilk.
People tend to like PT and SW as he gives them what they want, even though its been done time and time again.
You can grit your teeth at Darren and what he says, but if you actually listen to what he says and not "Oh he hates the band, woe woe woe" then you will realise he talks bloody sense, and is giving a fair assessment of the album.
Regressive Rock at its finest, I will always go back to the 70s Prog
@Pete Marr Name one band that is putting out music that has not been done time and time again. From JJ Grey and Mofro to Umphreys Mcgee to Parcels etc. its all been done. Every band sounds like some other band from before. When i play any new music whatever the genre is to my buddys they say it sounds like. Look at The Sheepdogs, awesome band especially live, Blackberry Smoke.
I dont think Wilson is givin us what we want, I think he does whatecer he wants. I hated future bites, but I liked the new album, specially with the 3 bonus songs, it makes much more sense.
1. The lyrics are just fine. Just cause its prog doesn't mean every song has to be about the wizard of castle Xanadu.
2. What bands? I have yet to hear a band that has the same emotion and vibe as PT, unless we could direct ripoff acts like airbag.
3. You talk about regression, but go back to 70s prog. Yawn
It's one thing to say you didn't like the album, and that it was boring and copy paste. That's a valid opinion and I wouldn't convince you otherwise.
But to disparage people who enjoy it and insult them completely goes against the philosophy you stated at the beginning of the video. I can disagree with your opinion but I'm not gonna say you "don't know what good music is if you don't like this album"
Insulting his fans isn't an opinion. That's just being a troll. Comment on songwriting or performances, the music's popularity has nothing to do with how much you should or shouldn't like it.
Just take a minute and listen to the music that guy is making and your anger will vanish. Thank me later.
I think this review is a little harsh, but I can't say I completely disagree. This album is a Porcupine Tree paint by numbers. There are bits I like, and it's unmistakably Porcupine Tree, but it's treading no new ground and feels more like throwing the fans a bone rather than a reunion born out of a surge in creativity. That said, I'm off to see them at Wembley at the end of the year, and if this album is the excuse to hear a chunk of old tunes live again, then I'm all for it.
I like you, Steve. You have a functioning critical faculty! 👍
You are an expert in music, in what position you entrusted you, you know Pink Floyd ... you don't know and that's your problem, and you rise above others!
I half wish I could say you were wrong, but it really does feel like everything after In Absentia and damn near everything from Wilson's solo career has boiled down to technical genre exercises.
Probably the only point of disagreement I'd offer is that PT prior to Signify and with In Absentia really were exciting and interesting and No-Man is really elevated by Tim Bowness' vocals. That said, I'm damning with faint praise since the latest of those projects is from nearly 20 years ago. The newest No-Man is only slightly saved by Bowness' voice but isn't much musically.
Maybe the ONLY album that may yet reveal itself to have some depth is Hand.Cannot.Erase. I genuinely got the sense that the subject at least lit a fire under Wilson. That said, I wish he'd stop with all the goddamn stylized titles. I'm rambling.
Bottom line: you've got a point - an important one - and it really sucks.
Do you have the Space 1999 Eagle behind you. I haven't seen that since the 70's.
The best part of it all is that Steven Wilson has never considered himself a prog musician, and that's your worst thing about the thing you have, and it wakes you up ...
Wrong the album, whilst not their finest work is still a fantastic listen. And no you most certainly do not know music more than anyone else.
I am really considering to call it one of their, if not THE best.
Need a little more time, right now I am overhyped as fuck.
Remember. This is the same guy who said that One Hot Minute is better than Blood Sugar Sex Magic.
All music is a contrivance, it's all just a question of what you're willing to accept. That being said, I've been largely "over" Steven Wilson for much of the last decade. Somewhere along the way I could see how the trick was done and magic was kind of gone for me. You're correct inasmuch as he has a thing that he does and he does it a lot. Some people seem to want that repeated experience.
Nice, however, to hear Richard Barbieri back in a band sitch. I've always appreciate his textural sound sculpting. In a world without Richard Wright, he does the job for me.
I don't think many people realize that C/C isn't meant to be a great album, honestly it's better looked at as a collection of songs rather than a concept or a statement. I mean they literally said this in an interview, that their not trying to say anything. Good music doesn't need to mean anything and I think King Crimson proved this in the 80's, I mean Adrian Belew was yelling nonsense over two overlapped guitar riffs and that still made good music. Also the album goes into new territory for Porcupine Tree, it takes more of a step into alternative and incorporating elements of that into prog, I think Walk The Plank is a good example of this, it doesn't quite sound like prog at first but it still has that PT flavor throughout the song. Ultimately what I hear from this review is that the album isn't what you wanted it to be and that makes you sad or mad or something.
Also at some point you mentioned that Porcupine Tree, The Beatles and the sorts aren't going to be remembered in 100 years, which is sooooooo wrong, in fact Porcupine Tree has grown more popular in the last 12 years when they weren't releasing anything or even touring. I understand that you don't like the modern music scene but shit has to change, and in my opinion it has changed for the better, rather than relying on the charts to show you what's good you have to explore and expand your taste to find what's good.
Ultimately cool review, it's a very interesting take that I could criticize for being wrong in some ways but I'm too lazy to do that for every point you don't get entirely right so I'm not going to do that. Next time you can just shorten this to 'I don't like it, because it isn't what I want' and that would have the same effect.
Yeah, I'm sure if we don't blow the earth to smithereens, Porcupine Tree/ Wilson will last.
The bullshit-level of his argument really shows when it comey to the Beatles.
Gone in 100 years? The friggin' BEATLES?
It's finally happened... I agree with you. Well generally speaking, not on everything.
I do love most of the PT catalogue and SW albums. I didn't really think a PT reformation was necessary but being a big fan I wasn't complaining either, though not bringing back their bass player Colin was a first warning sign.
I did predict the reformation when the singles and press release dropped for the last SW solo album. It was promoted as the OK computer of this generation. While the album wasn't entirely terrible, the disco elements were too cheesy, the lyrics were bad and late to the party and I don't think the album worked. I don't know how successful that album and tour was granted it was released during Covid but I knew Steven would ressurect PT after because when you promote your own album as "this generations X" you are digging your own grave.
Anyway, the first single we got was Harridan. And it opens with a generic pentatonic bass riff which I the foundation for the whole song. Wow... genius.
The second single sounds like an out take from a previous album. The third single got me thinking the album is going to be a dud.
After listening to this album twice, it has some elements that remind of me why I love the band and why I think they have some great ideas. But the majority of this album sounds like b-sides with really unimaginative riffs, lazy hooks, a lot of the songs don't sound finished they just kind of end abruptly like they didn't know how to finish the song. Many of songs sound like left over ideas from the Deadwing album. My opinion might change with time but as a long standing fan of the band I have little interest in spending more time with this album.
I`m kinda glad i don`t need to listen to yet another PT album thanks to you Darren, Time to pull out some ANthony Phillips
I think that Steven Wilson is a highly talented musician and after being a solo artist for some time it’s a difficult to get back into what the Porcupine Tree sound is supposed to be.You can’t be honest in creativity without upsetting the Apple cart.I have watched many interviews with SW and I admire his progressive stance on being someone to take risks with soundscapes.It was never going to be the older sound.Listen to it a few more times and you’ll get it?.
I don't mind the odd PT/SW product but honestly haven't any great urge to seek it out. Heard one of the singles and it was the same as everything he's done. Think I've reached a point where most music seems uninteresting.
Eh, I get it
A small channel trying to be controversial to grow
Not falling for it, peace out
Lol
Is it possible Steve Wilson and PT exist purely so we have this video content from you, there's no other reason. On a separate note those reviews on that poster are just plain ridiculous, is it a case we don't wanna admit that prog rock might be in a coma so let's celebrate this guy
I think that when you say that it's not progressive in the end you are saying a true thing, but i think that there are good songs also if it has the style of In Absentia, because i liked that album and i like other songs with that style. That part of of drum and bass in chimera's wreck is very cool for example, and progressive, even if the song has the same style of other songs made by them
I read DK Music's review of this album and someone recommended watching your review, so I did. Firstly, my intro to PT was when I was given a free CD of Stupid Dream in around 2000. I was hooked. Lightbulb Sun was a great follow up and In Absentia certainly took things up a level popularity wise. I think they peaked with Deadwing honestly although Anesthetise is essential. I was not into the change of Solo albums although HCE was great especially after watching the doco on Joyce Vincent. Yes, I also have gone a bit stale on Wilsons overhyped and adulation and TFB was a total slap in the face. I listened to Harridan clip when it first came out and it didn't grab me like Blackest Eyes did at the time. I hear you don't like Riverside also.Will check later. I rank them much higher than Porcupine Tree in all departments. Love Fear and The Time Machine was really a brave and charming progression. Just the sound of Piotrs guitar moved me. However, I can understand a bad review from you on Wasteland as that album defo missed Piotr and overall it was mediocre also but a relief to many fans that the band didn't fold altogether. Mariusz solo ambient stuff however is absolute crap and cannot be heard by my ears a second time. I am curious as to your thoughts of Pineapple Thief. I caught onto TPT early (2001) and loved all their albums up to Someone here is missing. However as soon as Gavin Harrison joined, the band are immediately involved in the top drawer of Prog bands. Yet, the music of TPT with GH has turned into constantly dull boring pop music and fans are raving. I don't understand honestly. Bruce Soord is a more humble and genuine soul to SW. I have met both personally. One thing I can't agree on is you quoting the Beatles won't be remembered after 100 years. I am not a Beatles fan boy, but I think a better example would have been One Direction, Take That, Oasis, Foo Fighters etc. Bands that immediately sell out stadiums worldwide in a flash but are bigger than they should be.
Steven Wilson always says that the secret to his music is that he really doesn't give a f**k about what people expect and want from him, he simply keeps doing what he loves.
I agree with him, and I guess he won't give a f**k about your opinion.
In 10 yrs time people will remember Porcupine Tree, but nobody knows who you are NOW.
Ha ha ha! People don't know who Porcupine Tree are now, you clown.
Some people just enjoy moaning way more than just appreciating someone's effort, liking it or not.
What's the point? To explain someone he shouldn't like something he does?
Or to give an approval to someone who doesn't like it already?
Every song on this album is strong. He changed his voice, doing a lot more of falsetto (as he did in his solo work). You just miss the point
What point? It's regurgitation and that voice is awful. Compared to the previous catalogue it's awful, people need to get real. I bet your not playing this in a year.
@@stuartraybould6433 Dude, that's one of their best works and Steven's Vocals are amazing through and through here.
@@sidnew2739 Dude! Really, that one word says everything, who talks like that!
@@stuartraybould6433 Did your lobotomy hurt, dude?
@@sidnew2739 Really! You are obviously only about 10 years old and your balls still haven't dropped yet 😜
Still a fantastic album, still grows.
As a big SW fan for years, I’ve often been curious about your contempt for him. I feel that he’s willing to do a lot of different things, which for me include many more hits than misses. To the Bone is brilliant, Future Bites is interesting and the last No Man record is probably my favorite piece of music from the last few years.
But to your point, the automatic reverence from reviewers and fans alike does come across as some sort of brainwashing.
There is nothing new or exciting about this new release. It has some moments, as any 48 minute piece of work from folks with the talent of these guys should. But it’s retreaded same old same old ground. Can’t help but feel like it’s a money grab and bone he threw to his former mates… just kind of going through the motions.
I typically don’t agree with you on SW subject matter… and find a lot of your commentary humorous… but sadly, I’ve gotta agree with you on this one.
Cheers
Good for you Darren . I lost interest in them when they released Deadwing . For me their best work (overall) was behind them .
And I was watching them in pubs , church halls etc. from '97 and even saw them in Holland , so I'm not a Jonny Come Lately.
Nice one D. We don't always agree - but I'm with you on this.
Thanks! I was aware of them at the end of the 90s via Wilson’s involvement with Fish and Marillion. I heard No-Man’s Flowermouth when it was released because a certain guitarist was on it, but that left me unimpressed too.
This vid stopped me from being an eclectic. Thank you!!
Fucking love it, don't you ever change Mr Lock.
Oh......you have a wife and a family who you love and who loves you ......Failure ??
No Darren you're not.
I’m just parroting what I’ve been called over the years. But thanks for the kind words! 👍
I have been a fan of this band for many years after I bought the album signify when it came out many years ago and I have championed this band all the way as each album they released was better and interesting and they are great musicians..than they released the incident back in 2009 and decided to call it a day and Steven went off with his solo career and the others did various side projects which were interesting and good ...than out of the blue word breaks out porcupine tree are back minus Colin Edwin..now the story thickens because they then tell us they are revisiting demos left over from the incident album and bringing them into this new project..now I'm scratching my head..they made no music together in 15 years have a 2 year period of COVID where they could have took time came up with complete new material and new concept etc .but now we get this album closure/continuation..well I have to be honest and it's just my opinion but this is very poor indeed ..it totally lacks direction and has no classic content of PT which is all over .. stupid dream/in absentia/fest of blank planet etc..it's like they trying to hard with this to prove a point..there is nothing that grabs my attention with it and I have listened to it 3 times and sorry it's not a grower at all ..I still firmly believe Steven was stung badly after future bites album as big tour was in production etc than COVID struck and financially I think he took big hit with this and needed to bounce back big knowing COVID would be over and his solo career was not going to bounce it bk big time but this would and you can tell by the your and places they playing that this is the money earner than when finished it's back to solo and no more porcupine tree...I'm sorry I love this band but this should have not happened without Colin Edwin who I feel his presence would have steered this project to a better porcupine tree album...just my opinion take it or leave it..
Colin Edwin didn't want to know, he's left it behind and so should the others, it's all about money and the album is a stinker. The price of the deluxe edition for what you get and the design is bloody awful. Fans who love this and paid for that, deserve what they got, silly fools. It's very sad but also funny.
I listened to it a bit last night before heading out to the pub.
Turned it off after the second track.
Dull.
Nope, this album is not a disappointment to me. Only if there was a way in entropy to turn my love in reverse, but the changes are insignificant according to our tests.
It's true that it's shifted, but Steven Wilson does what he wants, records what he wants, whether he likes it or not, or no one, but Stevna doesn't mind, it bothers the rest of us, you ... and that is the question of this world, of this time. And no one will do anything about it, we will all be the music that comes out listening or we won't listen to it. Nobody plays on the charts today if you are not a meanstrem and Steven Wilson has never been and will never be ....
Love that someone isn't afraid of not reproducing the "happy all the time" type of culture we are living right now, especially when it comes to video reactions: everybody's happy, that's for sure (Sparks wink). I laughed a lot .
Thank you, a true PT fan(I've seen PT 8 times in concert; it will be 9).
Once you understand that this is satire, it becomes that much more fun to laugh along with :D
Also, Darren I hope you don't mix with those M50's ;)
Indeed! The m50’s are as overhyped as Steven Wilson :)
@@bjrnsjohnsen1278 They're fine cans just the last thing you'd ever want to use for mixing.
I fell the exact same way about Marillion.
Yeah…poor man’s Genesis…
you said there is a load of bands that do expermient music, could you name youre favorites? no atempt to be a smart ass i am intrested in what you would recomend
You can be a smart arse. I don’t mind! But I’m not here to make personal suggestions to Steven Wilson fans. I’m on a hiding to nothing, methinks! 😂😂😂
And you can tell us musicians who have the courage to change something, record something new and that's fine ... please tell us a name.
SW is great,I would willingly sell my house and all my belongings to help SW/PT
Bon album progressif qui alterne des morceaux planants (Dignity) digne de Pink Floyd et plus percutants crimsonniens ( Harridan, Tree population) Vraiment ces trois musiciens virtuoses maîtrisent leur art et semblent intouchables sur le plan de la composition créativité rigueur perfectionnisme guitariste bref artiste complet pour Steven Wilson; atmosphère troublante magique pour Richard Barbieri aux claviers et technicité punch et rythmique déconcertante pour Gavin Harrison à la batterie. J'ose espèrer qu ils vont continuer sur leur lancée Pourquoi pas avec la force tranquille de Colin Edwin tout en toucher avec sa basse mais sacrément efficace ? Pourquoi pas ausi avec la participation de Nina Tayeb suppléant la voix pop de SW dans les parties métales et on pourrait alors se prendre à rêver qu'ils pourraient tout jouer ; partir d une ligne épurée et déployer la richesse des possibles. Ainsi l album deviendrait oeuvre d'art ; ainsi il ne tomberait pas des mains malgré plusieurs écoutes, la surprise serait au rendez vous . L 'oeuvre doit être originale non ? A l' image du dernier album de Tool : Fear inoculum....
I understand perfectly what a review is. And that moment there is when I stop watching
Still better than Americana
Are you trying to hurt my feelings? 😂😂😂
You are definitely not more of a music fan than I am. I DO music for a living mate.
That’s funny!
Hi from Russia, I love Steven Wilson's music, but Closure/Continuation didn't impressed me, I mean it just don't give any emotion, just sadness for all fans from his first albums, it's very sad, I have know about Porcupine Tree like 1 year ago, and I really was excited for news that Steve want to record another album, but I really dont get it, it just an illusion, not album. The only one track I really liked is Dignity, that's all.
you needed to give it a score out of 5- something to make you points more tangible. i'm feeling a light 1. there was some mild positivity for the drumming.
You review albums by Blur, Penguin Cafe and Lorde. You display an intense cynicism towards Steven Wilson and Roger Waters. Subbed 👍
Thank you! I will only disappoint! 👍
Oh how I’ve been awaiting this review, I know nothing about SW or PT and I never will. I just come here for the comedy in the review and the butthurt SW fans in the comment section.
I only come here for the amusement, knowing full well that Darren will bash PT any chance he gets. What DL still does not get is that people like what they like. They do not need originality ever time out. They just need something that matches what they like. Is this a great PT album? Out of their 15 studio albums, I would rank it at #11. But I’m weird, I listen to the older ones more. The bargain bins where I live are ruled by Radiohead and U2. Will Pt join them? I would not count on it.
👍 Like your review. Don't understand your problem with this album, band or even Steven Wilson, but I don't have to. You don't like it, I do like it.
Keep up the good work 💪
You’re so negative and hate everything unless it sounds like it came out of 1972
So, the Incident sounds like it came from 1972? 🤯
This is not the top, we don't know anyone who is the top, but it's great, and those who don't want to hear it will start MTV and don't understand anything ...
Gave me a good laugh man. It's just fine. It's "good". It's not amazing or groundbreaking. There are universes of music that are more interesting, more emotionally arresting, more ingeniously composed. It's just "good".
Disagree. I find it to be mindblowingly amazing.
Another completely honest review musicians who have thousands of fans didn't take the risks to make something different or new did not take advantage of their skillset.grant
I spend almost half hour having a good time. I have almost the same fellings about that album and i'm amused by defenders of this music, claiming "ya don't know what 'Good Music' is, you're bad tasted bad boy" and other blah, blah, blahs.
This album is not worthy without the 3 bonus songs, so I understand what you say after listening to the standard versión. Now, Hand cannot erase and Raven that refused to sing are masterpieces. The guy has his style, is unique and deserves the praise, specially in a time Were music is mostly shit!
Great album you’ve got to feel it play loud VERY LOUD
I'd say this is a fair and honest review, good work!!
Nice headphones.
I don't think his solo work is even in the same ballpark as the Porcupine Tree material. Nothing off his solo albums grabbed my attention and everytime I tried to get into it, the music just fell flat (looking at you "personal shopper"/latest example). SW is just a bit too bland (to my ears) when he's not writing guitar oriented music. To say they are the same is like saying Lulu and the Black Album are basically the same because they share the same songwriters. Anyways despite all that I don't see a "problem", as artists should just do exactly what they want to. I'm always up for more music, even if it may not resonate with me. I think the new album has some strong songs and falls off a bit towards the end. That's about it.
Thank you for the intro 😆 I have always suspected that this album was to advance his solo carreer. A SW album sold as a PT album, just to end the debate. Because sentiment sells. 🤷♂️ if you like it, fine. I'm just not convinced. I will say that the photographs they used for the single covers are very interesting. But other than that...
Sorry Darren, you do have it wrong. You just don’t like people named Steve or Steven. Everyone has an opinion which is great. However, your opinion is not necessarily any better than anyone else’s. I listened to what you had to say, you started with some observations and developing criticism that turned to cynicism, humorless cynicism at that. Maybe take some time off and find your passion. You are kind of like the critic in ratatouille. I do admit I am starved for quality music today, even with all these streaming services. Anyway, take care.
Don't think he is saying his opinion is better than anyone else. Just being honest rather than overly praising something to appease fans/record labels.
You should see the other comments on other RUclips channels about this record. ‘One of the greatest of all time’. 🤡 I’m with you Darren - just don’t get it.
Absolutely spot on! Last great Steven Wilson related record was "Returning Jesus" by No-Man
You're a troll, aren't you?
Best album ever!!! Pure sofistication, I loved it! 😊❤
Haven’t heard the album yet, waiting for my Vinyl. But based on Harridan I might just return it and spare myself some money and time 🤣
7 minutes wasted of saying absolutely nothing.
Much of the album is online. Listen and make your own decision. If you dislike it don’t listen anymore. I am not offended or enthralled with the album but t do like it. Ironically the bonus tracks are the better songs. You couldn’t make me read the SW book however.
I like the ambience but agree there aren’t many hooks. There aren’t any in Stravinsky either.
I strongly disagree with the whole SW is evil aspect in your assessment of the album but if you don’t like it that’s fine. I would suggest throwing some shade at the circus know as 2022’s version of Yes.
ruclips.net/video/d2Z8ehgJZIs/видео.html
It is appalling and I like and have seen the 70’s version. The music on this link is truly terribe. Close To The Edge is one of my favorite songs but the link above deserves people’s rancor.
Your video deserves how few views its gotten.
😂😂😂
Closure/Continuation is excellent. Love it so far. Real music, real art, real album from top artists in their fields.
I might be more okay with this opinion formed apparently in one day or before the release if I hadn't looked the other videos this clown is making. He likes Obi-Wan Kenobi by Disney Plus. New woke Star Wars???? Disney Plus???? Really??? He thinks it is great that lazy Pink Floyd-members manage to record one hastily recorded rough 3-minute demo after about 30 years with abysmal "singer" and then this non-song gets a physical CD-single/vinyl release.This is apparently the best thing ever. Really????
He really got to you didn’t he?
Dude, I like Obi-Wan as well and love
"C/C". Where did you learn to argument in such a wrong way?
@@bjrnsjohnsen1278 I think it has more to do with this RUclips-algorithm constantly pushing this clown thumbnail.
Yeah, not one song good enough to be kept. Try to listen to Gabor Szabo, it will cheer you up. Greetings from Thailand.
Everybody's entitled to have their own opinion and if you think it's shit, fine. I'm not going to bash you for it. Only thing is you say this is progressive music and not actually showing any sign of progress. But Steven Wilson does not consider himself to be a progressive (rock) artist. That's a label that other people put on him. So if he does not see himself als progressive why should it be hold against him if his music isn't? Besides that, most (progressive) music is not really progressive. That doesn't necessarily make it bad music.
Did I ever say Wilson said he was progressive? Nope.
The problem with Porcupine Tree is that they are literal
Well, I definitely enjoyed this album decidedly more than you did, 😂but props for being willing to speak your mind. That said, it's always tempting to make a fetish of 'going against the grain,' and aspects of this review are reminiscent of SW's own occasional (and annoying) pseudo-cultural-critic tendencies. It seems like you're looking for something that was never going to be there, because you're maybe paying too much attention to the noise of the advertising machine.
Hello Darren! I liked you're álbum! Very Pixies style for me, and Man Down you sound like Lou Reed is sing behind that song. Why dont you release in LP! You're not profesional, but you got very well on you're own. Have a nice day, Darren.
At least SW still has his hair and good looks
Hi Darren,just loved this review and i have to say your views are just....there's just so much hype and bullshit about this new album. Its not about the music just sales and i guess this will sell in bucket loads. For me its just boring dull regurgitated lift music and does not fire me up in anyway and how many formats and versions....who gives a F**K. What has happened to the ART of music. Looking forward to seeing all the negativity your bound to get in the feedback.....musical lemmings....have we lost all sense of reality!!!....listen to some VDGG people...ha ha ha
Can you do it better??? I don't think so, i feel some jealousy
No jealousy here. Go and enjoy my back catalogue... music.darrenlock.com
I feel you. It's not progressive, but it would be forgivable if it was interesting, and it isn't. PT stopped being interesting many, many years ago (the last albums I liked from them were "The sky moves sideways" and "Signify" so we're talking 1996 here). But it's ok - anybody can have a bad album, or ten. It happened before, it happens now. But the real problem here is the meaningless, opportunistic press reaction: an average, boring album made by numbers praised as "Groundbreaking" and "Pioneering" - oh please🙄
In what way are those two albums more exciting than in absentia, deadwing and fear of a blank planet? Or are you just being a snob about it
@@ileutur6863 I've tried to like more of their albums. I just couldn't. It wasn't like I decided I wouldn't go further for the sake of being a snob. Those above-mentioned albums sounded fresh to my ears, even if they were recycling some floyd/hawkwind vibes. The later ones sounded soulless or generic - like the last one. They don't resonate with me.
Amazing. Almost every single word you wrote is wrong.
@@sidnew2739 Do you mean gramatically? Totally possible, I'm not a native speaker. Or you just don't agree?
My most played PT albums are 'Metonia' and 'Moonloop', mostly because I can read to them. The first one has the haunted house atmosphere of 'Signify', while the other expands on the theme of 'Sky'. You would probably like those two, as they are birthed out of the two you mentioned.
Darren who?? 😅
Patricio who? 🙄
Finally someone is honest with this album, so far I couldn't believe all the praise the album was getting, crazy.
Barbieria atmospheres are gone, Harrison is very weak. I really like PT's distorted guitars and he's not here, that's more personal. The bass also died.
This is not progressive, maybe they wanted to leave prog and I accept it, but even as a rock it's bad. It is an album that lacks guts, cold, without inspiration, where is the experimental PT?
Quiet songs are silly.
I can't find melodies anywhere, it's just anything.
PD: I love PT but this is shit.
Dude, you are just plain LYING!