| | Porcupine Tree The Incident CD Porcupine Tree Discography of CDs
 (10 Customer Reviews)
Personnel: Steven Wilson (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Richard Barbieri (keyboards, synthesizer); Colin Edwin (double bass); Gavin Harrison (drums, percussion).
Photographer: Susana Moyaho.
Porcupine Tree, have found a way to incorporate both prog rock's '70s, with its 10-minute-plus suites and bombast, and its more refined, rock heavy '80s, into their 2009 effort, THE INCIDENT. Set up similarly to Rush's 1978 classic, HEMISPHERES, THE INCIDENT is comprised of a single long song -- the title track -- that features many different movements, followed by a handful of shorter compositions to close the album. Unlike early proggers who favored meandering instrumental doodling over succinct songwriting, Porcupine Tree always favor the importance of memorable songs over flashy solos, which certainly makes the group one of the top modern-day prog rock bands.
Over the years, trying to determine what is true "prog rock" and what is not has become an increasingly tricky proposition. In the early '70s, it was easy -- any band that performed "suites" that extended across entire album sides and dressed in capes and/or cloaks was a dead giveaway. However, when the early '80s rolled around, most former prog rockers trimmed out the fat from their compositions (and exchanged their medieval wear and kimonos for what looked like sports coats). Ever since, there have been bands that have aligned themselves to either of the aforementioned prog rock approaches. But along came Porcupine Tree, who somehow have found a way to incorporate both into their 2009 effort, The Incident. Set up similarly to Rush's 1978 classic, Hemispheres, The Incident is comprised of a single long song -- the title track -- that features many different movements (which would have taken up the entire side one back in the good ol' days of vinyl), as well as a handful of shorter compositions that close the album. The aforementioned title track will certainly be the talk of the album, as it manages to incorporate bombast and melody (the sixth movement, which shares the album's title), rock ("Octane Twisted"), Yes' folky moments ("The Seance"), and Tool-like grooves ("Circle of Manias"), before it all gently floats away on a cloud of fairy dust ("I Drive the Hearse"). That said, unlike early proggers who favored meandering instrumental doodling over succinct songwriting, Porcupine Tree always favor the importance of memorable songs over flashy solos, which certainly makes the group one of the top modern-day prog rock bands. ~ Greg PratoRolling Stone (p.71) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "The action is rich in classicism -- add King Crimson and early Genesis to Wilson's list of high standards, which all come with renewed life."
Spin (p.84) - "[T]hese veteran U.K. virtuosos stretch out on a 57-minute suite that flows like one continuous symphonic composition..."
Q (Magazine) (p.115) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "It's a sprawling beast, but for all its occasional spots of indulgence it's a towering achievement." Porcupine Tree The Incident Songs The Incident Music Review Average Rating: (4.8 out of 5 stars)   List All Reviews No pop, lot's of snap & crackle!
I've been a PT fan for years. I've seen them several times and they are my favorite band. At first listen, I was a little disapointed with this album. There were no easily digestable melodies. PT has never been a pop band, but they have always had catchy hooks and melodies that shouldn't work together, but they do. So I listened a second time and I honestly have to say this album is one of my favorites. Unplug your ears from the claptrap radio ready nonsense and experience an aural masterpiece!
Submitted by archealeaus (St. Petersburg, Fl.) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 2 of 2 found this helpful. The Hunger Continues to Grow!
If you are a long time PT fan...This album should and will feed the hunger that all of us feel as fans of PT. In other words...We just can't get enough!
SW and the band have created another masterpiece. Multiple listens are required to fully appreciate this album. The depth and scope of this album has no contempory rivals. The 55 minute song cycle grabs you from the first bombastic chord... until it slowly fades out in the end with the brilliant song " I Drive the Hearse.
And don't forget about Disc 2, The four songs represent PT at their best.
After repeated listens this album creates a hunger so strong that you can't help yourself but go back for more.
Feed yourself with one of the Best unknown bands in the world today.
Submitted by ntmb99 (Nick " Sunny Florida, USA")
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 2 of 2 found this helpful. what can i say ??
one word ... another masterpiece from the progressive rock masters . I know that's more than one word but steven wilson and the boy's crank up another classic . every record get's better and better . Plug in the headphones and get ready for an amazing ride . Buy this bad boy and u won't regret it !!
Submitted by mikeybo13 (long island , ny)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. 'cinematic but crude'
I have been listening to Porcupine Tree for the last 13 years, ever since The Sky Moves Sideways came around and they are one of my favorite present rock bands, next to Radiohead, RPWL, Sylvan, Mostly Autumn among others. When I say present I mean newer generation. A lot of bands I love still tour and record, but their greatness is a bit behind them. Watching Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson's career I see them leaving a mark as deep as Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd, Joy Division or King Crimson. Steven Wilson is one of my favorite present vocalists. He is a great song writer, guitarist and keyboardist. Steven's No Man project (Together we're Stranger and Schoolyard Ghosts are my favorite) should assure us all that he is the master of atmosphere creation with all instruments. Back in 2005 I had compiled my Porcupine Tree compilation (a habit of mine) and although I like The Fear Of Blank Planet a lot, there was no single song on it which would make me revise my In And Out Of Dream. This time is different. After a first couple of listens I Drive The Hearse was my favorite song of The Incident. I was very intrigued by this album, so I took it with me on my recent business trip to Europe and ended up spending about 20 hours driving and listening constantly and exclusively to this cd. First just to a few sings over and over and then I gradually started liking more and more music on it. I have to say that right now my favorite song of this album is Drawing The Line because it is so twisted and powerful( in Steven's words "cinematic but crude"), although perhaps a bit spiritually disturbing. Kneel And Disconnect is such a great introduction to Drawing The Line. I still love I Drive The Hearse. Its darkness does not bother me because Steven's darkness is usually full of light deep inside. Another spectacular song of this album is Time Flies which contains one of these magic moments of time disruption in it. Another song which just kept on growing on me is The Incident, but listening to it while driving near Munich at 200 kilometers an hour is not a good idea. It freaks you out too much...
Submitted by deven (san francisco)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. Incredible as always..
Just saw PT perform this live in NYC at Termial 5. It was Just spellbinding..I own the Deluxe Edition $106.00 US from thier website it includes a DTS and Dolby Digital version of the album. That is stunning. I also own this 2 disc being a completist, but hearing this in DTS surround is a huge improvement over the standard cd. I have Stupid Dream, Lightbulb Sun, In Absentia , Deadwing And FOABP on DTS dics and this one really is amazing...Listen to any version through a good pair of headphones first then youll be hooked...Buy any version now!!
Submitted by MAKO9437 (NJ , USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. List All Reviews | Have you heard this album? |  |
Purchase The Incident CD To buy, Click on price to add to cart
|
4811 
buttons below to play song samples
Adobe Flash
Email a Friend
