The Incident

Performer: Porcupine Tree
Engineer: Steve Orchard
Producer: Porcupine Tree
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: 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 Prato

Rolling 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."

Formed in 1987, London's Porcupine Tree is one of the most highly regarded progressive rock acts in the genre. Blending influences of Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Deep Purple, Rush, and Black Sabbath, the band has released over 15 albums, EPs, and live recordings over its relatively short career. Part classic rock, part psychedelic, and part metal, Porcupine Tree also possesses a wide-ranging fan base. Though never garnering a "hit" single, the band was nominated for a Grammy in 2007.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.5