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Moving backward is always safer
than moving forward and Porcupine Tree continues to take risks
with their latest disk “Deadwing”. While it lacks the focus
of the band’s better albums, “Deadwing” offers more than enough
memorable moments to keep the faithful listening. Opening
with the staccato sounds of a synthesizer and then veering
into the guitar crunch that highlights “Dead Wing” the album
then jumps into proto metal mode with “Shallow”. The band
just as readily jumps into the well crafted melodically rich
cake “Lazarus”. It’s clear that the band clearly isn’t trying
to rest on its laurels. Sure “Halo” may recall elements of
Pink Floyd but it also demonstrates the band’s restless nature
and willingness to try something a little different than before.
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Fans will find the shorter tracks
more rewarding here. While the long winding road paved by
the playing in “Arriving Somewhere but Not Here” might lose
some folks it recalls the grandeur suggested by their album
“Warszawa” or even “Up the Downstair” from their first album.
Although “Deadwing” doesn’t soar to the heights of the band’s
best material it also doesn’t sink under the weight of gravity
generated by the overreaching ambition of some of the other
prog bands out there. ---
Final Words:
Definitely worth picking up if
you’re a fan of the band. While it’s not their most accomplished
album “Deadwing” takes flight on the best cuts. The songs
are memorable and the band continues to push the boundaries
in prog rock.
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