 5 out of 5 stars Excellent veriety and melody. This has quickly become one of my favorite recordings. I am anxious for the bands next effort. By jam (Laguna Niguel, CA)   | (4) |
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5 out of 5 stars This CD rocks great songs, great cd, dynamic. By Kyle (Chicago, IL) | (2) |
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5 out of 5 stars Buy this and its over.... your obsession will begin. Mine did and I haven't regretted it in the least. WOW!!! By Steve (Lincoln NE) | (1) |
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 4 out of 5 stars Renewed my faith Dark yet beautiful soundscapes. Some guitar bits too "metal"-ish for this old progger. Loved some of the "Hackett"-ish guitar riffs. Unusual vocal harmonies correspond to dark feel of songs. I prefer a more mellow, melodic keyboard-oriented sound but have ordered I.E.M. and Blackfield to get a diverse feel for SW's talent. On this CD, check out Trains, The Sound of Muzak, Prodigal. By oldprogger (Toledo, OH, USA) | (1) |
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5 out of 5 stars One of the best in my collection If not the best in my collection. Incredible dynamics, incredible songwriting and musicianship. | (1) |
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5 out of 5 stars Pure Bliss A friend told me about porcupine tree, I went on here, saw the reviews, about bought this CD. And I am more then glad I did, Pure Bliss. Great music at a great price :). | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Just plain great This is just one of those albums that you can put in your cd player and just leave it there and just listen to the great sounds of steven wilson. My personal favorite track is trains and collapse light into earth. This album is just amazing | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Climb the Tree, Baby! Awe inspiring stuff, my friends. She's just an amazing album from start to finish, be you of the metal or mellow persuasion. Of course, there are some stand-outs, like "Blackest Eyes," "Train," and "Heartattack in a Lay-By," but, seriously now, every other track is great. The best complement I can give the band is that I catch a lot of random influences (e.g. Radiohead, Floyd, Tool) but still hear completely original and utterly astounding music every time. By Patrick (Dry Fork, VA) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Best Modern Prog ... The best prog that I´ve recently heard, I't was a long time ago since I listened something like this. | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Breathtaking One of the most creative albums I've heard in a long time. It's powerful, melodic themes stay with you long after you've heard the songs. Tech quality of the cd is flawless, with crisp clean performances that don't lose the vocals. These guys should be lots more famous - buy this album, you won't be disappointed. | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars el mejor disco grandioso cd de esta banda de rock con un gran sentimiento en cada cancion By ocis66 (san luis potosi,slp.mexico) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Wow! I don't know how I found out about these guys, whether I bought something else and just happened to click on the "those who bought this also bought..." section, or if a friend mention I check them out. Whatever the method, I am soooo glad I bought this! On the first listen I had what I call an "Ozric moment," like the first time I listened to Ozric Tentacles and thought, where have these guys been all my life?! (they're nothing like Ozric, that's just an expression.) The instrumentation is awesome, and the songs are very interesting. Highly recommended!!! By Toddzilla (Colorado) | (0) |
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4 out of 5 stars The Best Band You've Never Heard! I had never heard of PT until I read a review of this album in a magazine, and the music was described as "unironic prog-rock". I decided to check it out and I was blown away!! This album is amazing! PT shifts styles and sounds effortlessly, from hard rock to spacy atmospherics. If you like song-driven, melodic progressive rock, this album is for you! By a reviewer (Milford, MA) | (0) |
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4 out of 5 stars What a find Took a chance and bought this CD w/ just a little research. It's a keeper. A nice melting pot of styles and tunes that will stick and your head. They take alot of unexpected changes which just makes the album all that much better. Though they are listed in those catagories, def. not metal or prog, just full on rock. Alot of acoustic and electric guitar combo work. Def. a buy. By a reviewer (Daphne, AL) | (0) |
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4 out of 5 stars In Absentia is a Hit w/me! I had'nt ever heard of Porcupine TRee until lately. The first track for me is the best on the Album, combining hard driving hard drivin' rock and slower acoustic driven sounds. That seems to be the driving force of the whole CD. Sometimes they get into some spacey stuff. But I still highly reccomend it. | (0) |
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 3 out of 5 stars Do NOT miss this one! This is the recording that will bring Porcupine Tree into the public eye. Don't miss out on this one or you will be hearing someone else get the credit for "finding them". This one owns my all time greatest list. | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Best pop record of 2002 People who have seen P-Tree live know what kind of care they put into their presentation. This is the perfect presentation in every way - songwriting, playing, singing, lyrics, lighting - no detail is overlooked. The same goes for this album. Fans of Pink Floyd and '70s progressive rock will go for this because of this obsession for detail, but it's not just for the old folks - this music is drawn from every new source of music too. You won't be disappointed with this or any other Porcupine Tree release. - S. | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Excellent Mr. Wilson's best album ever. Apparently there are still new ways to discover in prog rock. Tree proves it every time; this time in an exceptional manner. By a reviewer (Doylestown, PA, USA) | (0) |
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4 out of 5 stars A Band That's Not Easily Categorized I've read several reviews about how PT were the new standard bearers of prog rock. Maybe their earlier releases were, but "In Absentia" shows that the band are ready to spread their wings a bit and soar outside of the prog rock constraints. Thank goodness they made that decision! I realize that they will probably alienate some of their loyal progrockers with this album, but for the rest of us, it is a breath of fresh air in the spew of formulaic Kraprock. On first listen, I actually got goosebumps when the chorus for "The Sound of Muzak" kicked in. I can't remember the last time a song was able to elicit that kind of response, and that was while I was listening on my car stereo! I couldn't wait to get home and put it on the real sound system. What a treat when I did and was able to "listen" to the music. There some groups like Curve and VAST and a few others that successfully forge their own sound. I can now add PT to that list. A beguiling mix of cutting edge production values with vintage-sounding keys and splashes of neo-metal and lyrical Jethro Tull. "Blackest Eyes" seems like it could keep reinventing itself and go one for an entire "side" of a CD. Great musicianship without being overly showy -- emotional, but not sickeningly sentimental. It's hard to try to convey references to someone who hasn't heard it, but try Radiohead and Oasis, "Guinevere" by CSN ("Lips of Ashes"), Legendary Pink Dots, Peter Gabriel/Steve Hackett-era Genesis, Pink Floyd, America, it's all there and it's all good. There are also quite frankly a few stumbles, like "Gravity Eyelids" and "Wedding Nails" (Lark's Tongue In Aspic, Part MXCL). Maybe Pharoah Sanders would approve of the Crimsonesque "The Creator Has A Mastertape", but perhaps not his estate. "Heartattack in a Lay By' could have been an outtake from the "Another Green World" sessions.
The extended CD features a music video of "Strip the Soul" that should appeal to NIN fans. By a reviewer (Naperville, IL) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Yes it really IS a 5 star effort Wow where have I been? The Tree is just the fix I needed, with a limited selection of high quality prog rock out there and being a big fan of Spock's Beard, Eloy, Hawkwind, Etc. Chioces are limited. Add one more to the list and thank the stars for Porcupine Tree! This recording is wonderfull at times hitting you in the gut and at others waxing harmonically keeping you in anticipation of the next chord, I truly do enjoy the structure of the Tree's sound. You have GOT to get this recording.....just so you can be the first to have it before everyone else does and ruins it for you by saying "I told you these guys are great!" | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars fantastic!! Beautiful album!! great music By a reviewer (Italy) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Porcupine Tree produces truly original music!! I can honestly say that although I had heard of Porcupine Tree previously, I have never heard their music before obtaining "In Absentia". My conclusion is that I am very sorry I didnt hear their music before. Porcupine Tree produces their own form of music that is original, a breath of fresh air in this overcrowded and overdone musical climate. From heavy to light, angry to subdued, atmospheric, ambient, Oasis to Pink Floyd and back, catchy hooks - it's all in here I promise you. Now I can see why Lava/Atlantic scooped this band up. A true piece of filet mignon among a shelf full of spam. Get this record if you have the slightest bit of musical adventureness in you. You will not be disappointed. | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Excellent Major Debut Couldn't like it more. By a reviewer (MA, US) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars The Creator has a Masterpiece! Unlike many other "progressive rock" bands, PT are loyal to the "progressive" part of the contract. But with PT, it's sometimes revolution rather than evolution…While very different from any previous works, this is by far the [one of the] most powerful. A coherent and cohesive composing, with absolutely top production, they strip our soul and swim directly into our eyes and heart… By a reviewer (Israel) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars PT has done it again!!!! Porcupine Tree with another big hit? Yes indeed!! If you are a fan of PT's stupid dream
release "THIS ONES FOR YOU"! What a great CD!!!
By a reviewer (Akron,Ohio USA) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars The Presence of IN ABSENTIA: A collision of extremes OK, Let me tell you about the day I received this album...
That day, unlike others, was the day that started the days of In Absentia.
I must say that since that day the CD has not left my player, my ears, my life, my hear and .... and if this is not music for the soul then i don't know what is.
The day I got the album I just took the little jewel with my portable CDplayer out with a cup of coffee and enjoyed the rest of the day listening to it, getting amazed at the sound quality, the liner notes, the amazing art work, especially on the booklet, and ending it all with a 7 time replay of Collapse the Light into Earth which is one of the best songs I have ever heard in my life. I couldn't hold it anymore, the seventh run broke all my defenses and I was crying from deep in the folds of my heart.
Thank you Richard, Colin, Gavin and Steven for this gift you have given us for eternity.... you are truly the best!!
Keeping in line with their previous releases, Porcupine Tree have managed again to crawl right into the depths of my being with this very ambitious concept album.
The explicit concept is about a serial killer - but it goes much further than this - it is, I think, a duet between two parts of one personality, the agressor and the victim, the abuser and abused - a collision of extremes.
The artwok surprised me because of its almost simplicity, but with such a strong message - the parts where the white seem to have spilt there, almost accidentally, but not really touching the written parts with the lyrics. the lyrics are sometimes looking "out of focus" or scratched with multiple xxxx... and interesting how "crawling" in Prodigal is missing the I which is written by hand in the background image, as if a corrected typo... reminding me of the dissociative quality this masterpiece carries with it. An urge to escape from some horror, which seems like an impossible task. Many other images that go hand in hand with the music - delivering such a strong and sad message, a tension between silence and noise, innoscense and violence, light and dark.. and a child...
Musically, it is almost impossible to say all I have to say. it's so much that I'd have to write a book for it. I will, though, try to encapsulate it in one word... BRILLIANT !!!
every layer, every role, every note, the composition within the song, between the songs and somewhere up there where the concept merges with the world that is In Absentia as a whole and the world that awaits iside of me to be touched again at its rawness only to be molded and remodeled anew with this genious creation. this perfect flow, this energy, these landscapes, these guitars that cry so gently yet so deep....
In the liner notes we see that John Wesley is mentioned as contributing additional guitars to one song only, and vocals (together with Geffen) on three, which was somewhat surprising to me, given the richness of the sound throughout the whole album. Yet, on the same token, the need to have him on stage in order to deliver this rich and full sound that the band has evolved into.
One very obvious musical mark of this album i think is the much higher quality of voice Steven is delivering throughout the album. listen carefully as you go along and see how improved is his singing ability compared to previus recordings. he plays with the vocal chords, and i am not refering to occasions when his voice goes thru special effects, but when you can hear the raw vocal.
Richard is experimental as ever, creating such an incredible atmosphere that wraps up the whole expereince.... and us... into this journey that refuses to become familiar as you know it more!!! always something new awaits for the next re-play
Colin is the official sub-woofer destroyer and it is very clear how his role in this album is very demanding. it rolls, bounces, takes you up and down, hits you right in the center and elusively holds the tension is the chest - it's alomost as the act of breathing itself, something I can't explain....
Gavin's unique style, which i had the pleaseure of listening to in his "Sanity and Gravity" CD is all over the place, with these rhythmic illusions, that basically mean you don't know where the next surprise will come from and where it will catch you - on the beat or on the off-beat, in the 5" cymbal or on the snare. And if you are looking for emotion in his play try DotThree, and Prodigal. The perfect mix of technique and emotional play embedded in these layers of sound just makes this album a totally different experience of the whole band.
and then there's Steven's guitar playing. the only way to escape - so it seems- is through these notes, that flote somewhere in between the extremes, that barely hold the struggle, but yet deliniate a thin line to escape from an insane reality to a world of control and deeper breath, the place of being without being, the world of In Absentia....
...motti gini
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3 out of 5 stars Help! I would like to own some PT but don't know where to start. I have sampled some of their older stuff and it sounds more to my liking. I love Marillion and PF. I can not stand heavy metal riffs though. I don't mean to be disrespectful to America's youth but they have no taste in music. That's why I don't believe I'd like the newer releases. I like the ambient texture filled softer side. Can an older PT fan recommend where I should start? | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Refreshing music for the progressive rock diehards... If your music tastes take you down the road of groups like Rush, Genesis, Yes, ELP, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Tonic...but you are looking for a slightly refined departure..."In Absentia" from Porcupine Tree is worth a listen. This is one of those cd's/albums that you will play and you will focus on a different song each time you hear it and your senses are treated to changing layers of music, vocals and arranging.
As a new fan, the frustration is catching up on more Porcupine Tree music as In Absentia is a progressive rock treat that will grab you.
enjoy By markstarr21 (St. Louis, MO, USA) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Part of my most-valued Steve Wilson is by and far one of the greatest songwriters of this time. Porcupine Tree is one of his best projects, but may I also suggest Blackfield to anyone who likes this but has not heard that project (a collaboration with Aviv Geffen). I am a big fan, Steve. You are quite talented! | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars in absentia was here this album is the best album i ever had.
They're not really briliant but they bring a spirit in my soul. By thessa (Bandung, WJ, INA) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Great Band They are not brilliant musicians, but have so much energy, giving every song a unique style which turns into exellent songs. | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Amazing Album all tracks=good
buy it | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Dark and Stormy This is the Porkies doing "deep and troubled" very well indeed. Sonics are excellent and its even more monstrous in the surround edition. The track ".3" is one of the most stygian bass lines ever commited to disc- turn it up loud! By David Martin (Mt. Martha, Australia) | (0) |
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3 out of 5 stars too much this band and every cd they put out is INCREDIBLE!! and of the ones i've heard so far, this is probably my favorite overall one. it is absolutely incredible. best tunes are: the sound of muzak, gravity eyelids, .3, heartattack in a layby, and strip the soul.
Amazing By intense porcupine tree fan (your basement) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Oh my god This cd is a real diamond. It haves ALL! One of the best (if not the best) albums of all times. Every song is a miracle. By tadas (Lithuania) | (0) |
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4 out of 5 stars Nice CD Weird side...but that's nothing bad. Excellent effort - and great product. By Headbangers R Us (Plano, TX) | (0) |
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4 out of 5 stars Neat Pretty unique CD. By Headbangers R Us (Plano, TX) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars absolutely brilliant!!!! Their best album to date! By jan (san mateo, california, usa) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars original, diverse and attractive music This is the best album of Porcupine Tree so far. Most songs are dark, but in a soothing way. Don't get fooled by the artwork, this is good, original music. A bit more rock than previous albums.
If you can, get this in the DVD-A surround version. By Ge (Netherlands) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars OUtstanding!! I must listen to this disc 4 or 5 times a week. Just can't get enough of it.
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4 out of 5 stars Good Stuff...no kidding. Are you looking for good quality music?
How about progressive rock?
Something like King Crimson, Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, perhaps Dream Theater?
Well, this is the band that is got it all!
Get It now.....I know what i talk about when is related to music.
Foxtronix Ink By Foxtronix Ink (Spanaway Washington USA) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars So good This album is really, really good. For those of you who get annoyed with the fact that PT sometimes gets too conventional, you might want to try Signify or Deadwing instead, but In Absentia is definitely an excellent, excellent album.
By DavidCT (Princeton University, NJ, USA) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Muy Bueno This is a very special album; it's full of notes and sounds that resemble days of my life and sounds of progressive bands from the past. It' great.
Marco Alvarez | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars dark and beautiful Some haunting melodies (Lips Of Ashes, Collapse The Light Into Earth) and some disturbing images (The Creator Has A Mastertape, Strip The Soul) and social commentary (Sound Of Muzak) combine to create a complex masterpiece that should satisfy young and old alike. The best music you've never heard.... considering at the time of this writing it ranks #39 in CDuniverse all time sales and there is not a single person I know that have heard of them. By noclue (south bay, CA) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Very, very nice It's a piece of great music. If you like melodic rock-prog-metal, you gonna this cd. I really recommend. | (0) |
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3 out of 5 stars Great all around rock what I love about this cd is the band's taste in their approach. the heavy things are not unintelligblely so, and melodies are beautifully complex without causing a shortened attention span in some of my friends who love the simple things. This band has become one of my families favorites. By ZDrums24 (portland, maine) | (0) |
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4 out of 5 stars Great, but.... Consumate technical musicians. Excellent harmonies. Definenitely ready for the big stage. Maybe just my taste but I feel they do themselves better when sticking to archetypical phylosophical themes as opposed to reveling in the darker side of things. But for those of you who can embrace a little discmomfort ala NIN, these guys do it the best. By c wagner (Cincinnati OH) | (0) |
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5 out of 5 stars Excellent!!! Good album,exquisite music. | (0) |
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3 out of 5 stars P.T. very beautyful Very very good sound and for me is one of the best album of progressive rock of the moment.
Mario Italy. | (0) |
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4 out of 5 stars The tree has grown on me Kill the lights, throw this disc in your player, give it a spin and be whisked away into the world of atmospheric rock! What more can I say?! This CD has soothing symphonic sounds with catchy metal riffs and acoustics all thrown into the mix. The only thing I didn't like too much about it was, a few of the tracks were too spacey and relaxing, enough to fall asleep to. (maybe that's just me) But nonetheless very enjoyable. I've heard sample tracks from "Deadwing" and I liked what I heard, so I bought it and weeks later I got this one. I think "In Absentia" is even better! If you're looking to sample a different genre of music that you can both rock out and relax to...look no further my friend! The tree will grow. | (0) |
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