In Absentia [DVD Audio] - Porcupine Tree > Reviews > IN PRAESENTIA

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Really nice blend of 70's progressive rock melodies with contemporary psychedelic riffs
Disadvantages:	It gets too heavy in certain points if you are used to the older stuff

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

After the release of their classic album "lightbulb sun", porcupine tree with a renewed line-up return with "in absentia" to give us an excellent example of modern progressive/psychedelic rock. Following the succesfull path of "lightbulb sun" , with the heavy guitar riffs interchanging with floyd reminiscent melodies, porcupine tree move a little bit further and add a minor but important flavor of drum and bass oriented elements to their music(the creator has a mastertape). The new drummer, Gavin Harrisson, well known to the drumming community from his extreme independence books, is responsible for some of the most awkwardly beautiful beats ever played by the band, while the guitar work is once again just excellent. Just listen to "the sound of muzak" to realize how a song can simultaneously be progressive and pop at the same time. On the other all the classic trademarks of the band are still here. Mid-tempo songs with acoustic-electric guitar interchanges thrgoughout are still there(blackest eyes,train), ultra psychedelic oriental flavoured songs like "Gravity eyelids", and amazing floyd like ballads like "heartattack in a lullaby" as well. In general, an excellent addition to every prog/psychedelic rock music library.

p.s The backing vocal work is outstanding throughout.