Porcupine Tree v. Glarung is a Lightbulb

[The Letter M]

New PT is Gavin's drum fest 
The whole album is brilliant.
A truly great comeback from the band.

Oooooh, very nice! What an early lead on the release date! Hopefully it doesn't get too old for you by the time the rest of us can get to it!

Very happy to hear about Gavin's drumming - he is certainly an inspiration for all drummers, so I'm glad it sounds like he's letting loose on C/C. A shame that this will probably be their last album together, but if it's a good and proper swansong for the band, I'll gladly accept that.

-Marc.

[faizoff]

PT did a fun Q&A, it's about 15 mins long. I like how one of the person asking a question was named Colin and Steven Wilson kinda did a double take it looked like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leuhgq8logQ&ab_channel=PorcupineTree

No question about Colin's involvement on it though.

[KevShmev]

PT did a fun Q&A, it's about 15 mins long. I like how one of the person asking a question was named Colin and Steven Wilson kinda did a double take it looked like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leuhgq8logQ&ab_channel=PorcupineTree

No question about Colin's involvement on it though.

Well, it was not live and put together and released, so I suspect if there were any questions about Colin Edwin, they skipped over them and that part didn't make what we saw.

The whole thing was kind of a boring watch.  Not surprised to hear them say that Anesthetize will get played on the tour, but Barbieri mentioned something about also playing a song for the first time, and it will be interesting to see which one.  I cannot recall which songs from Lightbulb Sun and Stupid Dream never got played live, but would be cool if it were from one of those.

[Buddyhunter1]

Not surprised to hear them say that Anesthetize will get played on the tour

Normally I get annoyed by bands revealing bits of the setlist ahead of time on social media (e.g. Dream Theater with TCOT earlier this year) but I am okay with this

(but seriously if y'all post setlist spoilers on here I will get a bit rowdy)

[DTA]

PT did a fun Q&A, it's about 15 mins long. I like how one of the person asking a question was named Colin and Steven Wilson kinda did a double take it looked like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leuhgq8logQ&ab_channel=PorcupineTree

No question about Colin's involvement on it though.

Well, it was not live and put together and released, so I suspect if there were any questions about Colin Edwin, they skipped over them and that part didn't make what we saw.

The whole thing was kind of a boring watch.  Not surprised to hear them say that Anesthetize will get played on the tour, but Barbieri mentioned something about also playing a song for the first time, and it will be interesting to see which one.  I cannot recall which songs from Lightbulb Sun and Stupid Dream never got played live, but would be cool if it were from one of those.

The Rest Will Flow and How Is Your Life Today? are the only unplayed ones I believe, but I don’t think the former is well liked by the band. Lips of Ashes or Collapse the Light maybe? Or maybe even Synesthesia if they’re feeling wild

[Buddyhunter1]

It is interesting that this reunion happened shortly after Steven started regularly playing PT songs as part of his live shows. Assuming he's going to continue doing that going forward (which maybe he isn't considering the stylistic shift of TFB, who knows) I imagine they'd want to prioritize more complex songs that would benefit more from having the full band (minus Collin) perform them, rather than simpler songs like Lazarus or Heartattack In A Layby for example.

I think Arriving Somewhere... is a given.

[KevShmev]

It is interesting that this reunion happened shortly after Steven started regularly playing PT songs as part of his live shows. Assuming he's going to continue doing that going forward (which maybe he isn't considering the stylistic shift of TFB, who knows) I imagine they'd want to prioritize more complex songs that would benefit more from having the full band (minus Collin) perform them, rather than simpler songs like Lazarus or Heartattack In A Layby for example.

I think Arriving Somewhere... is a given.

Maybe, but Barbieri is by no means a complex player.  He is not really even a player (by his own admission), but more of a sounds and textures guy. And he does an amazing job of it.  When you think about it, is a weird dichotomy to have both Barbieri and Harrison in the band considering the former is a very non-technical player while the latter seems to come from the Mike Mangini school of technique first, everything else second.

[Max Kuehnau]

It is interesting that this reunion happened shortly after Steven started regularly playing PT songs as part of his live shows. Assuming he's going to continue doing that going forward (which maybe he isn't considering the stylistic shift of TFB, who knows) I imagine they'd want to prioritize more complex songs that would benefit more from having the full band (minus Collin) perform them, rather than simpler songs like Lazarus or Heartattack In A Layby for example.

I think Arriving Somewhere... is a given.

Maybe, but Barbieri is by no means a complex player.  He is not really even a player (by his own admission), but more of a sounds and textures guy. And he does an amazing job of it.  When you think about it, is a weird dichotomy to have both Barbieri and Harrison in the band considering the former is a very non-technical player while the latter seems to come from the Mike Mangini school of technique first, everything else second.

I had the privilege of talking to him after a drum clinic I attended (that he had done) and he told me his approach actually is musicality first, *then* all the rest (although he is very technical, don't be fooled, but he makes everything work so well), same as Simon Phillips btw as another example. (can't remember when that drum clinic was though, sorry) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6bDkP37wA as he elaborates on here as well)

[jammindude]

I don’t think Arriving Somewhere is a given. I mean I have no idea…but since the 18 minute Anesthetize is already included, I would actually be skeptical that they would include 2 major epics in the same show. That would literally be over a half hour of the set dedicated to just 2 songs. That might be another day at the office for DT, but I don’t think SW is of that mindset. I’m betting he gives AS a rest.

[Zantera]

I don’t think Arriving Somewhere is a given. I mean I have no idea…but since the 18 minute Anesthetize is already included, I would actually be skeptical that they would include 2 major epics in the same show. That would literally be over a half hour of the set dedicated to just 2 songs. That might be another day at the office for DT, but I don’t think SW is of that mindset. I’m betting he gives AS a rest.

Yeah that would be very surprising if they did. You would guess all the new songs are a guarantee, then with Anesthetize that's almost 70 minutes of the concert. You'll probably get a fair mix of songs from their albums (like on The Incident tour when the second set was just that). If I had to place my bets on what songs they are the most likely to play from Deadwing, I would definitely say Lazarus, Halo or The Start of Something Beautiful feel more 'likely' than Arriving Somewhere - at least if they are playing Anesthetize. If Anesthetize wasn't for every show they could always rotate the two.

I've made my thoughts on Arriving Somewhere fairly clear before though, IMO it's a good (but not great) song that peaks after 6-7 minutes and has a pretty lackluster conclusion IMO. Not a bad song by any means but it definitely pales in the shadow of Anesthetize IMO.

[Elite]

Keep in mind that Steven Wilson actually played Arriving Somewhere on the To The Bone tour, so that’s quite recent.

[jammindude]

Also consider that live versions of ASBNH exist on both the Arriving Somewhere and Octane Twisted live albums. So if they are thinking of a live release of the new tour, that would be another reason not to include it.

I loved the song when it was new, but Zantera brings up a point. It hasn’t really held up over time the way Anesthetize has. And dare I say it’s almost overplayed at this point?

[KevShmev]

Eh, I don't see how Arriving Somewhere But Not Here is overplayed.  It was only regularly played on one PT tour (Deadwing tour) and only played on one SW tour.  That means it has been played regularly on two tours since its release 16 years ago.  If that is overplayed, yikes. 

Besides, I won't be surprised if Anesthetize is not played in full, and they end up doing just the middle section, like they did on the last PT tour.

[Buddyhunter1]

Besides, I won't be surprised if Anesthetize is not played in full, and they end up doing just the middle section, like they did on the last PT tour.

That'd be fucking shitty after they publicly announced they're going to play the song.

[Zantera]

Even setting aside my personal bias for Anesthetize over Arriving Somewhere, it just feels like Anesthetize is the ultimate pick because it really showcases the strengths of them the best IMO. Gavin's drumming in that song is some of his best and some of his most classic with the band, and Richard's fingerprints with haunting atmospheric keyboards are all over that song. I also think the 3 different segments to the song are all strong and unique and the song really warrants its length IMO. Arriving Somewhere (while still good) definitely feels more like a song SW could play on a solo show or something and it doesn't really feel as 'iconic' (for lack of a better word).

I do find it a bit weird that they would announce a song they 100% are gonna play on the tour in advance though. Even if Anesthetize is probably a top3/top5 PT song for many fans, the fact it is 17 minutes almost makes it awkward to be guaranteed. 

[Kram]

Keep in mind that Steven Wilson actually played Arriving Somewhere on the To The Bone tour, so that’s quite recent.

I agree with this that it probably will not be played since SW recently played it.  Instead I think we'll get Lazarus AND Open Car from Deadwing.

[KevShmev]

Besides, I won't be surprised if Anesthetize is not played in full, and they end up doing just the middle section, like they did on the last PT tour.

That'd be fucking shitty after they publicly announced they're going to play the song.

But if it will give fans someone fresh to complain about, meaning the absence of Colin Edwin will fall by the wayside in the complaint department.

[goo-goo]

Keep in mind that Steven Wilson actually played Arriving Somewhere on the To The Bone tour, so that’s quite recent.

I agree with this that it probably will not be played since SW recently played it.  Instead I think we'll get Lazarus AND Open Car from Deadwing.

Live version of Open Car kicks some serious ass with that double bass part added in the middle of the song.

[Adami]

It is interesting that this reunion happened shortly after Steven started regularly playing PT songs as part of his live shows. Assuming he's going to continue doing that going forward (which maybe he isn't considering the stylistic shift of TFB, who knows) I imagine they'd want to prioritize more complex songs that would benefit more from having the full band (minus Collin) perform them, rather than simpler songs like Lazarus or Heartattack In A Layby for example.

I think Arriving Somewhere... is a given.

Maybe, but Barbieri is by no means a complex player.  He is not really even a player (by his own admission), but more of a sounds and textures guy. And he does an amazing job of it.  When you think about it, is a weird dichotomy to have both Barbieri and Harrison in the band considering the former is a very non-technical player while the latter seems to come from the Mike Mangini school of technique first, everything else second.

I dunno. I've seen a lot of interviews with Gavin, and even the Q&A recently he talks about following intuition at all times and sometimes doesn't even know what time signature or whatever he's doing unless he has to go back and figure it out. He's technical, but seems just naturally that way, as opposed to MM who is constantly doing math in his head and approaches it from that perspective.

[PixelDream]

Even with Anesthetize in the set, I would bet there'll be some other lengthy cuts.

I was at this concert (one of their last shows) and there's The Sky Moves Sideways (Phase One), Time Flies and Arriving Somewhere But Not Here.

[Zantera]

Even with Anesthetize in the set, I would bet there'll be some other lengthy cuts.

I was at this concert (one of their last shows) and there's The Sky Moves Sideways (Phase One), Time Flies and Arriving Somewhere But Not Here.

Those songs are a bit spread out in their discography though so you can sort of cover more ground between those 3, whereas Arriving Somewhere and Anesthetize are both on back-to-back albums. I'm not expecting much of pre-Stupid Dream stuff on their tour (maybe a Dark Matter if we're lucky) but The Sky Moves Sideways is pretty damn great IMO and would be a pleasant surprise.

It's probably controversial but I still think Coma Divine is the best live album they put out. And I think Arriving Somewhere and Anesthetize both arguably have better setlists (and I really like Anesthetize) but something about the performance and playing on Coma Divine just sets it apart for me. Only negative for me are the few songs that could have been on it that weren't - Dark Matter being maybe the most glaring one.

[KevShmev]

I agree about Coma Divine.  I am not a live album guy, but on the rare occasions I am in the mood for live PT, that is the one I reach for. I think Gavin's knack for overplaying live makes the ones from the later era slightly less enticing, for me anyway.

[MinistroRaven]

PT will tour US in 2023 and will headline a resurrected festival.

More info soon.

[Elite]

It's probably controversial but I still think Coma Divine is the best live album they put out.

Oh no, not controversial to me, I agree with you

[nobloodyname]

PT has announced that Randy McStine and Nate Navarro have joined their touring line-up.

https://www.facebook.com/PorcupineTreeOfficial/posts/552724156215199

[King Postwhore]

Randy is AWESOME!!  Plus I just checked out that bass player.  Holy smokes!

[SoundscapeMN]

yeah, Randy is a big Kevin Gilbert fan and actually played in a tribute.

Randy McStine 

[HOF]

Just saw the news about Randy elsewhere. He’s amazing. Talent level in PT raised considerably.

[Buddyhunter1]

Nathan Navarro's great too (he played with Devin Townsend on his Empath tours).

[Kram]

Just saw the news about Randy elsewhere. He’s amazing. Talent level in PT raised considerably.

Yep, both Randy and Nate are great players.  Add them in with Gavin and look out..

[ClairvoyantCat]

I'm not the biggest fan of the whole Steve Wilson thing but I picked up his book because I feel like he'd be someone who communicates really candidly unlike most musician bios.  The first thing he does is talk about how The Incident was kind of a lousy album and their Royal Albert Hall show was just going through the motions.  Guess I was right about candidness 

[jammindude]

I think “lousy” is a strong word…but it was easy to tell right away that there was definitely a creative “spark” from previous albums that was mostly absent on TI.

It does speak to his talent that even when he’s not “feeling it” he can still produce something that is better that most corporate garbage.  And it’s not like there aren’t a few gems. I still love the title track and I Drive the Hearse. Time Flies is nice too, but maybe a bit derivative…even for him.

[Zantera]

I think that's just Steven as a person, I don't think he looks at things like "great" or "good" i think he either views things as something good or something not-so-good. I even remember some interview where he took it even further and said something like 'every other album we made seemed to turn out great and the other one not so much' which would mean not only was he lukewarm on Incident but Deadwing and possibly Lightbulb Sun as well.

And he also strikes me as the type of musician who might be hung up on very minor details - so for example we might listen to Deadwing and think "thats a great album" and he might listen to it and hear all the minor things he would have changed or it brings him back to being in the studio and maybe something was bugging him.

[nick_z]

A little bit of PT history here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ6AvMYRIVQ

It popped up in my YT feed.

I totally remember watching this when it aired, in 1997  It was so random...just to give you some context, this was a daily TV show, airing in the early afternoon. The host wasn't the best thing, but you had to give him credit - he did try, at the time, to talk about music that wasn't just 100% mainstream and, importantly, had live performances on the show, which wasn't so obvious on Italian afternoon TV  The whole show had a bit of a DIY approach, which made it somewhat charming...

Had no clue who Porcupine Tree was, so this literally was my introduction to them. Looking at the date, I believe they had just played their shows in Rome that ended up being recorded for the Coma Divine live record. As it turns out, they had quite a following there before they became generally more known.

Anyway, this is pretty vintage Porcupine Tree and their performance here definitely intrigued the 20-year old me. Especially songs like Signify and Dislocated Day, with their cool drumming and such. Kinda funny to see a young Steven Wilson in this setting...

Some kind soul put time-stamps for the songs in the comments, so it's easier to enjoy this without going through the whole broadcast.

[El Barto]

Just watched a couple of videos of that Nate Navarro chap, and it seems like PT is going to be kind of boring for him.