Stupid Dream

Performer: Porcupine Tree
Engineer: Elliot Ness...
Producer: Steven Wilson...
Distributor: E1 Entertainment

Notes: Porcupine Tree: Steven Wilson (vocals, guitar, piano, samples); Richard Barbieri (Hammond B-3 organ, Mellotron, synthesizer); Colin Edwin (bass); Chris Maitland (drums, percussion). Additional personnel: Nicholas Kok (conductor); EasotofEnglandOrchestra (strings); Theo Travis (flute, saxophone). Personnel: Steven Wilson (vocals, guitar, piano, sampler); The East of England Orchestra (strings); Theo Travis (flute, saxophone); Richard Barbieri (Mellotron); Colin Edwin (double bass, bass guitar); Chris Maitland (drums, percussion). Audio Mixer: Steven Wilson. Recording information: Cedar Arts Centre, Derby, England (01/1998-11/1998); Foel Studio, Llanfair Caerinon, Wales (01/1998-11/1998); No Man's Land, Hemel Hempstead, England (01/1998-11/1998). Photographer: Lasse Hoile. Porcupine Tree's first album for K-Scope/Snapper starts out with a definite bang -- "Even Less," with some of the quartet's biggest, blasting rock epic music yet, yet also shot through with the gentler, acoustic side that makes Porcupine Tree so intimate and lovely. The net result easily calls Yes to mind, but Steven Wilson's not so high-pitched as Jon Anderson and Richard Barbieri completely avoids Rick Wakeman's extreme idiocies -- prog that knows when less is more. With that as a fine signal for the album as a whole, Stupid Dream takes it from there -- Wilson as a songwriter and singer both sounds recharged and more ambitious, while the group collectively pours it on. The loud passages feel truly sky-smashing, the calmer ones perfectly close, and the overall sense of build and drama -- "A Smart Kid" is a fine example -- spot-on. Strings from the East of England Orchestra and guest work on Wilson's sometime Bass Communion partner Theo Travis add even lusher atmospheres without swamping the tunes. As always, the group isn't afraid to experiment where others merely re-create -- check out the funky breaks Colin Edwin and Chris Maitland lay down on "Slave Called Shiver," not to mention Wilson's catchy piano figure and Barbieri's Hammond organ fills. Lyrically, Wilson comes up with some of his best work yet. "Piano Lessons" looks back on past musical learning and a doubtful teacher as a spur to trying harder, while "Pure Narcotic" offers up a romantic scenario and tip of the hat to Radiohead all at once: "You keep me hating/You keep me listening to The Bends." There's actually a musical hint or two of the Oxford quintet as well -- the acoustic guitar/drum intro to "This Is No Rehearsal" is a good example -- but leave it to Porcupine Tree to drop in some fully plugged in thrash metal, as well. ~ Ned Raggett

Magnet (8-9/99, pp.85-6) - "...The group is adept at charting accessible pop: The lush melodicism...recalls Gabriel-era Genesis....[signifies Steven Wilson's] desire to move away from his instrumental beginnings and pursue the possibilities of traditional songcraft." Guitar Magazine (7/99, pp.96-7) - "...multifaceted, far-reaching albums that remind us the term prog...is short for progressive....[STUPID DREAM] plant Porcupine Tree squarely in the rock arena....Long live prog." Mojo (Publisher) (4/99, p.104) - "...the album confirms the band's growing ability to absorb its (mainly 70's) influences and creat a moody, romantic vision that's all its own..."

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.

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