Fear Of A Blank Planet
by Porcupine Tree

I agree with the fact that the music of Porcupine Tree (PT), brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and writer Steve Wilson, is defined as neo prog rock, although it still feels like such a definition is unable to capture the brilliance that typifies PT. More than Muse or Radiohead, PT compiles dark and hypnotic riffs, but does not deviate too far from classical and extremely solid songwriting. The accessibility of melodies bathing in melancholy makes "Fear of a Blank Planet" (2007) a record that stretches the line of the previous releases, even though the songs are heavier and slower here and there. For a good and complete understanding I can recommend reading "Lunar Park" by Bret Easton Ellis. The lyrics of the songs are based on that book. Wilson is not unique in his reflections on an alienated and bored youth and the emptiness that dominates today's Western society ("I'm totally bored, but I can't switch off" from "Anesthetize"). Technology no longer only offers solutions, but it encourages and promotes continuous use. But that’s exactly how technology undermines the social foundation of humanity and the emotional life of individual people. More and more people avoid public life and feel safe in their darkened room. What is worse: it does not look like people are revolting to straighten out what is currently completely out of balance. People can no longer detach themselves from the existential crisis with which they struggle day in and day out. They are driven to supermarkets like zombies, are effortlessly manipulated and exploited, but don’t seem to give a damn. No critical note. The use of drugs is also discussed. It’s easy to see the this and previous theme are connected. Young people turn away from a society in which they can hardly survive and flee in escapism through the use of drugs. They deny the outside world and don't even bother to find a reason to exist anymore.
Because of the effects and a daring choice of instruments (the basis of "Sleep Together" is a great synth riff) this is in no way a mainstream album. The rich, atmospheric carpets of sound (keyboard player Richard Barbieri of the legendary band Japan) are interspersed with bombastic dynamics. Also striking are the arrangements for strings (London Session Orchestra) that on "Sleep Together" are reminiscent of "I am the Walrus" of the Beatles.
In short: "Fear" is a very balanced and well-balanced album without weak moments. Wilson's vocals are good and, above all, very believable. All songs blend together almost unnoticed and are relatively long. Excellent arrangements and pretty good twists in the structure of the songs make “Fear” unmistakably a highly recommended piece of art. (Edited)

From SquishypuffDave TOP 100 COMMENTER 06/20/2010 18:21 | #12294 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

You know you're listening to a well-written album when a 17 minute song doesn't drag. A captivating and lively conceptual piece with stellar musicianship (especially the drumming) and constantly shifting dynamics. My only wish is that the band had further explored the symphonic and electronic ideas only hinted at during these songs. Also, the figures that are sung about often come across more like empty stereotypes than real people, which is an issue since the lyrical content solely revolves around them. Not quite the incisive social commentary it strives to be, but it sure sounds good in the attempt.

From Omid 09/14/2010 22:54 | #15124 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

May be the greatest music achievement of the decade,it lifts me up into realms of wonder.every single track of "Fear Of A Blank Planet" is enriched by tiny details,that makes you listen to it over and over.brilliant portrait of our times.an ingenious,awesome chef-d'oeuvre.

The songs on this album deal with neurobehavioral developmental disorders common in 21st Century teenagers such as bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder.
When asked why he wanted to touch on these challenging and serious topics, songwriter Steven Wilson replied "***k off, can't you see I'm busy on my f****** PlayStation?!?"

Steven Wilson's solo work and bands like PT and Blackfield are worth listening to. His best work is this album, in which you can find long but not boring progressive rock songs, with a few prog metal riffs. All songs have something different, unheard before, and the lyrics show the despair of a boy damaged by modern society. The last part of "Anesthesize" is the most beautiful music I have heard from the last 20 years. If OK computer is classed as "the '90's Dark Side of the Moon" this could as well be the 2000's DSOM.