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In Absentia
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0075678360428
Label: Lava
Manufacturer: Lava
MPN: 83604
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Lava
Release Date: September 24, 2002
Studio: Lava
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Editorial Review:
After a quarter-century of punk and postmodern excesses, it's always something of a surprise to find young musicians who not only recall a past era's musical indulgences, but also revel in them. This Lava Records debut is the latest fruit of Porcupine Tree mainstay Steven Wilson's obsession with prog, a mania that dates to the late '80s when the "band" was little more than a fantasy, though one with a remarkably imaginative--if entirely fictional--history and bio. But that pipedream eventually became a real "alt prog" cult fave, with these dozen ambitious songs finding a focus that occasionally eluded the band on half-hour soundscapes like its underground hit, "Voyage 34." Tracks like "Gravity Eyelids" have a retro-psychedelic feel that would have done the XTC alter ego Dukes of Stratosphear proud, with Wilson's pure melodic tenor pushing it beyond the merely baroque. But the collection is also a strong statement of another crucial Wilson/Porcupine retro-sensibility: The album has unified musical statement. "Lips of Ashes" and "Prodigal" serve up the sort of impressionistic, harmony-rich musings that Pink Floyd has rarely managed since Wish You Were Here, while "The Creator Has a Master Tape" punctuates the rich harmonies of tracks like "Heart Attack in a Layby" with Crimson-esque metallic thrash and processed vocals. While the band's instrumental prowess sometimes slums its way into the free-form jazz noodling of past efforts, the album remains one of the band's fullest achievements. --Jerry McCulley
Hailed by Billboard as 'cinematic...simple gorgeous', Porcupine Tree are unquestionably one of the UK's most inspired and inventive rock groups. In Absentia is their eagerly anticipated Lava Records debut. Digipak. 2002.
2002 Album from the Longtime Progressive Rock Outfit that Includes a Bonus Three Track CD for a Limited Time.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Another fine album by the band
At the time this was released (2002), my general impression of In Absentia was that it was pretty heavy, but not noticeably so. What I like the most about this album (and band for that matter) is the emotional sophistication of the music - in combination with their solid musicianship it makes for a very rich listening experience.
Musically, the band is very tight and the trademark Porcupine Tree blend of haunting and sad minor chords, fine vocals, atmospheric synthesizer parts and ... Read More
Rating:  - One of Porcupine Tree's best works? Maybe....
The majority of PT fans believe this is their best album to date and are in love with it. But I do believe it is over hyped. The album does not seem to flow as well together as the rest of their albums...and at times it seems all over the place. Here is a track by track detail:
1. Blackest Eyes - Its a really good opener...I like the pause toward the end of the song and the chorus is very catchy.
2. Trains - A spectacular song and one of PT's most beautiful pieces to date, a song ... Read More
Rating: - Great Music from a Great Band!
I am a relative new comer to Porcupine Tree. A longtime fan of progressive or just good music in general, I can't believe I am just now finding out about this great band. Better late than never though. Being a musician myself, I appreciate good musicianship and especially tasteful playing. I started out with In Absentia and Deadwing. Next came Fear of a Blank Planet and the newly released Nil Recurring. The first time I heard both In Absentia and Deadwing I was not real impressed. Looking back, I think ... Read More
Rating: - Best Band Around
Simply put, PT is the greatest working band around. And it seems as if the reason is obvious: They have, over time, perfected a formula echoing the very best elements of rock music encompassing the last 30-plus years; and in the process created a joyous hybrid of Floyd, Crimson, Genesis, Rush, NIN and Tool, among others...with a trace of the Frampton/Walsh guitar VB treatment sprinkled in. By mixing this musical stew with their own unique brilliance they have filtered out the excess and effectively produced ... Read More
Rating: - Late to the party....
...but so glad I made it! This album is wonderful! A lucky chance happening of hearing "blackest eyes" on a cable music station hooked me in. I had to find this song and own it, and I found an entire album of music that speaks to me.
I find each and every song great in it;'s own way, and each being very diverse from one another. I am a huge fan of what I call "haunting, etheral rock" and this album fits that sound that I love.
For anyone who is a fan of music in the style of Pink ... Read More
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