Porcupine Tree sempre foi uma banda em constante evolução. Após sua fase de sonoridade psicodélica e espacial, a banda mergulhou em um período de experimentações mais "pop", misturando melodias de brit-pop com arranjos progressivos e um toque de obscuridade. Em seguida, a banda adotou uma abordagem mais metálica, e após dois álbuns carregados de peso e temas mórbidos, chegou o momento de uma verdadeira síntese de influências. Fear of a Blank Planet é talvez o álbum mais completo da banda, reunindo elementos de suas fases passadas — exceto pelas linhas dançantes vistas em Up the Downstair. O álbum oferece uma combinação de metal ao estilo Tool, riffs pesados, melodias etéreas e refrãos atmosféricos típicos da banda, além de seções mais suaves e psicodélicas.
Em termos de desempenho musical e nível de complexidade, considero este o melhor disco da banda. Steven Wilson se destaca com uma precisão admirável, trabalhando sempre para o bem da atmosfera sonora e sem exibir virtuosismo desnecessário. Richard Barbieri, como sempre é o braço direito de Wilson, adicionando sons verdadeiramente encantadores ao ambiente musical. Colin Edwin, frequentemente subestimado, revela sua precisão e a habilidade de criar um groove envolvente, enquanto Gavin Harrison se mostra um mestre da bateria, especialista em groove, ritmos e preenchimentos precisos, além de um virtuoso no uso dos címbalos.
O álbum é conceitual e fortemente influenciado pelo livro Luna Park, de Bret Easton Ellis, publicado em 2005. Diferente da narrativa do livro, que é contada do ponto de vista de um pai, o álbum adota a perspectiva de um filho, um garoto de onze anos. Muitas das letras são extraídas diretamente do livro. O conceito aborda transtornos neuro-comportamentais comuns entre os adolescentes do século XXI, como transtorno bipolar e déficit de atenção, além de tendências comportamentais como o uso de medicamentos prescritos, alienação social causada pela tecnologia e um sentimento de vazio.
A faixa-título inicia o álbum de forma rápida e agressiva, estabelecendo o cenário musical. A música expressa angústia e frustração, narrando a perspectiva de um adolescente que rejeita seus pais e se apega a interesses superficiais como videogames. A faixa é instrumentada com força, com uma seção central obscura e mórbida, destacando um desempenho impressionante da bateria. No final, a música oferece um momento de calmaria, permitindo ao ouvinte conectar-se emocionalmente com o núcleo dos problemas do garoto.
"My Ashes" apresenta um ritmo mais lento e sombrio, destacando uma das maiores virtudes da banda: a capacidade de combinar produção moderna com efeitos de alta qualidade. Wilson canta com uma melancolia notável sobre um violão sonolento e toques sutis de piano. O coro, com a voz duplicada, leva o ouvinte a um território desolador, criando uma sensação de morfina musical. O uso de cordas no final enriquece a faixa, fazendo dela uma experiência musical completa e uma homenagem ao romance que inspirou o álbum.
"Anesthetize" é o grande épico do disco, evoluindo gradualmente antes de atingir seu peso pleno. Com a participação de Atlex Lifeson na guitarra solo, é dividida em três seções principais, a música começa com uma percussão e o vocal característico de Wilson, evoluindo para uma parte mais pesada e distorcida com teclas que completam a parede sonora. A complexidade da faixa pode exigir algum tempo para ser apreciada plenamente, especialmente durante os primeiros seis minutos. A banda exibe suas habilidades com passagens instrumentais impressionantes, destacando todos os membros. A linha de baixo, quase jazzy, ganha destaque e a bateria inspirada aumenta a energia. A influência de Mikael Åkerfeldt é perceptível, trazendo um som mais elegante e pesado ao mesmo tempo. A terceira seção da faixa é um momento de introspecção, onde a música transmite uma mensagem pessimista, com uma sonoridade que evoca um cenário de desolação e beleza contrária.
"Sentimental" começa com um clima semelhante ao final da faixa anterior e compartilha semelhanças com "My Ashes". A faixa apresenta acordes de piano e uma linha vocal sublime de Wilson. As letras transmitem desespero e fazem eco com a capa do álbum, que retrata uma criança com olhos que refletem um mal iminente. A música é bem construída, carregada de sentimento e sem ostentação. "Way Out of Here" conta com a participação de Robert Fripp, que cria paisagens sonoras. Mais do que uma participação necessária, é uma homenagem a uma das principais influências de Wilson. Assim como em "Anesthetize", a música cresce gradualmente até um clímax explosivo. A banda mantém a tensão e a energia, mas sem excessos, alinhada com o clima geral do álbum. A faixa é atmosférica e sombria, mantendo a sensação de pessimismo presente em todo o disco. "Sleep Together" encerra o álbum com uma tensão multiplicada. Cada segundo carrega uma sensação de explosão iminente. A orquestração adiciona uma nova dimensão à música, criando um clímax poderoso, sombrio e emocional, mantendo a coerência do que foi ouvido no restante do álbum inteiro.
Fear of a Blank Planet é a culminação da capacidade do Porcupine Tree de oferecer um disco de rock progressivo que é tanto bem escrito quanto conciso, sem recorrer às influências dos anos 70. A maior qualidade do álbum é sua coesão, com pouco mais de cinquenta minutos divididos em seis faixas que convidam a múltiplas audições. Apesar da aura negativa que permeia as músicas, a variedade estilística presente mantém a experiência sempre interessante e envolvente.
================================Porcupine Tree has always been a band in constant evolution. After their phase of psychedelic and spacey soundscapes, the band delved into a more "pop" experimental period, blending Brit-pop melodies with progressive arrangements and a touch of darkness. They then adopted a heavier, more metallic approach, and after two albums laden with weight and morbid themes, the time came for a true synthesis of influences. Fear of a Blank Planet is perhaps the band's most complete album, gathering elements from their past phases — except for the danceable lines seen in Up the Downstair. The album offers a combination of Tool-like metal, heavy riffs, ethereal melodies, and the band's trademark atmospheric choruses, along with softer and more psychedelic sections.
In terms of musical performance and complexity, I consider this to be the band's best record. Steven Wilson stands out with admirable precision, always working to enhance the sonic atmosphere without unnecessary virtuosity. Richard Barbieri, as always, serves as Wilson's right hand, adding truly enchanting sounds to the musical environment. Colin Edwin, often underrated, reveals his precision and ability to create an engaging groove, while Gavin Harrison proves to be a master of drumming, an expert in groove, rhythms, and precise fills, as well as a virtuoso in the use of cymbals.
The album is conceptual and heavily influenced by Bret Easton Ellis's 2005 novel Lunar Park. Unlike the book, which is narrated from a father's perspective, the album adopts the viewpoint of a son, an eleven-year-old boy. Many of the lyrics are directly extracted from the book. The concept addresses neurobehavioral disorders common among 21st-century teenagers, such as bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder, as well as behavioral tendencies like the use of prescription drugs, social alienation caused by technology, and a sense of emptiness.
The title track kicks off the album in a fast and aggressive manner, setting the musical scene. The song expresses angst and frustration, narrating the perspective of a teenager who rejects his parents and clings to superficial interests like video games. The track is powerfully instrumented, with a dark and morbid central section, showcasing an impressive drumming performance. Toward the end, the music offers a moment of calm, allowing the listener to connect emotionally with the core of the boy's issues.
"My Ashes" features a slower, darker rhythm, highlighting one of the band's greatest virtues: the ability to combine modern production with high-quality effects. Wilson sings with notable melancholy over sleepy acoustic guitar and subtle piano touches. The chorus, with doubled vocals, takes the listener into desolate territory, creating a sense of musical morphine. The use of strings at the end enriches the track, making it a complete musical experience and a tribute to the novel that inspired the album.
"Anesthetize" is the album's grand epic, gradually evolving before reaching its full weight. Featuring Alex Lifeson on the guitar solo, it's divided into three main sections. The track begins with percussion and Wilson's characteristic vocals, evolving into a heavier and more distorted part with keyboards that complete the wall of sound. The complexity of the track may require some time to be fully appreciated, especially during the first six minutes. The band showcases their abilities with impressive instrumental passages, highlighting all members. The bass line, almost jazzy, stands out, and the inspired drumming heightens the energy. Mikael Åkerfeldt's influence is noticeable, bringing a sound that is both elegant and heavy. The third section of the track is a moment of introspection, where the music conveys a pessimistic message, with a sound that evokes a scene of desolation and contrasting beauty.
"Sentimental" begins with a similar mood to the end of the previous track and shares similarities with "My Ashes". The track features piano chords and a sublime vocal line from Wilson. The lyrics convey despair and echo the album's cover, which depicts a child with eyes reflecting imminent evil. The song is well-constructed, filled with emotion and devoid of ostentation. "Way Out of Here" features Robert Fripp, who creates soundscapes. More than just a necessary contribution, it’s a tribute to one of Wilson's main influences. Like "Anesthetize," the song gradually builds to an explosive climax. The band maintains tension and energy without excess, in line with the overall mood of the album. The track is atmospheric and dark, sustaining the sense of pessimism present throughout the record. "Sleep Together" closes the album with multiplied tension. Every second carries a sense of imminent explosion. The orchestration adds a new dimension to the music, creating a powerful, dark, and emotional climax, maintaining the coherence of what was heard throughout the entire album.
Fear of a Blank Planet is the culmination of Porcupine Tree's ability to deliver a progressive rock album that is both well-crafted and concise, without relying on 70s influences. The album's greatest quality is its cohesion, with just over fifty minutes divided into six tracks that invite multiple listens. Despite the negative aura that permeates the songs, the stylistic variety keeps the experience always interesting and engaging.
NOTA: 10/10
Tracks Listing
1. Fear of a Blank Planet (7:28)
2. My Ashes (5:07)
3. Anesthetize (17:43)
4. Sentimental (5:27)
5. Way Out of Here (7:38)
6. Sleep Together (7:30)
Ouça, "Fear of a Blank Planet"
Porcupine Tree has always been a band in constant evolution. After their phase of psychedelic and spacey soundscapes, the band delved into a more "pop" experimental period, blending Brit-pop melodies with progressive arrangements and a touch of darkness. They then adopted a heavier, more metallic approach, and after two albums laden with weight and morbid themes, the time came for a true synthesis of influences. Fear of a Blank Planet is perhaps the band's most complete album, gathering elements from their past phases — except for the danceable lines seen in Up the Downstair. The album offers a combination of Tool-like metal, heavy riffs, ethereal melodies, and the band's trademark atmospheric choruses, along with softer and more psychedelic sections.
In terms of musical performance and complexity, I consider this to be the band's best record. Steven Wilson stands out with admirable precision, always working to enhance the sonic atmosphere without unnecessary virtuosity. Richard Barbieri, as always, serves as Wilson's right hand, adding truly enchanting sounds to the musical environment. Colin Edwin, often underrated, reveals his precision and ability to create an engaging groove, while Gavin Harrison proves to be a master of drumming, an expert in groove, rhythms, and precise fills, as well as a virtuoso in the use of cymbals.
The album is conceptual and heavily influenced by Bret Easton Ellis's 2005 novel Lunar Park. Unlike the book, which is narrated from a father's perspective, the album adopts the viewpoint of a son, an eleven-year-old boy. Many of the lyrics are directly extracted from the book. The concept addresses neurobehavioral disorders common among 21st-century teenagers, such as bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder, as well as behavioral tendencies like the use of prescription drugs, social alienation caused by technology, and a sense of emptiness.
The title track kicks off the album in a fast and aggressive manner, setting the musical scene. The song expresses angst and frustration, narrating the perspective of a teenager who rejects his parents and clings to superficial interests like video games. The track is powerfully instrumented, with a dark and morbid central section, showcasing an impressive drumming performance. Toward the end, the music offers a moment of calm, allowing the listener to connect emotionally with the core of the boy's issues.
"My Ashes" features a slower, darker rhythm, highlighting one of the band's greatest virtues: the ability to combine modern production with high-quality effects. Wilson sings with notable melancholy over sleepy acoustic guitar and subtle piano touches. The chorus, with doubled vocals, takes the listener into desolate territory, creating a sense of musical morphine. The use of strings at the end enriches the track, making it a complete musical experience and a tribute to the novel that inspired the album.
"Anesthetize" is the album's grand epic, gradually evolving before reaching its full weight. Featuring Alex Lifeson on the guitar solo, it's divided into three main sections. The track begins with percussion and Wilson's characteristic vocals, evolving into a heavier and more distorted part with keyboards that complete the wall of sound. The complexity of the track may require some time to be fully appreciated, especially during the first six minutes. The band showcases their abilities with impressive instrumental passages, highlighting all members. The bass line, almost jazzy, stands out, and the inspired drumming heightens the energy. Mikael Åkerfeldt's influence is noticeable, bringing a sound that is both elegant and heavy. The third section of the track is a moment of introspection, where the music conveys a pessimistic message, with a sound that evokes a scene of desolation and contrasting beauty.
"Sentimental" begins with a similar mood to the end of the previous track and shares similarities with "My Ashes". The track features piano chords and a sublime vocal line from Wilson. The lyrics convey despair and echo the album's cover, which depicts a child with eyes reflecting imminent evil. The song is well-constructed, filled with emotion and devoid of ostentation. "Way Out of Here" features Robert Fripp, who creates soundscapes. More than just a necessary contribution, it’s a tribute to one of Wilson's main influences. Like "Anesthetize," the song gradually builds to an explosive climax. The band maintains tension and energy without excess, in line with the overall mood of the album. The track is atmospheric and dark, sustaining the sense of pessimism present throughout the record. "Sleep Together" closes the album with multiplied tension. Every second carries a sense of imminent explosion. The orchestration adds a new dimension to the music, creating a powerful, dark, and emotional climax, maintaining the coherence of what was heard throughout the entire album.
Fear of a Blank Planet is the culmination of Porcupine Tree's ability to deliver a progressive rock album that is both well-crafted and concise, without relying on 70s influences. The album's greatest quality is its cohesion, with just over fifty minutes divided into six tracks that invite multiple listens. Despite the negative aura that permeates the songs, the stylistic variety keeps the experience always interesting and engaging.
NOTA: 10/10
Tracks Listing
1. Fear of a Blank Planet (7:28)
2. My Ashes (5:07)
3. Anesthetize (17:43)
4. Sentimental (5:27)
5. Way Out of Here (7:38)
6. Sleep Together (7:30)
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