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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:  - avoid, it's overrated
This is one lousy album. You have exactly one good song, the opener called "Blackest Eyes", and the rest is just complete rubbish. Why are so many people telling me Porcupine Tree is some kind of modern progressive rock band influenced by bands such as King Crimson and Rush? Are you kidding me?
This is just typical heavy metal that tries to trick you into thinking it's more intelligent than it really is. The lyrics are good, but the musical ideas are very uninteresting and just ... Read More
Rating:  - Too straight and narrow to often convey the full emotional extent
3 1/2
I was always more a fan of the band's slower, spacious textures, as opposed to their equally indulged hard rock side. The former seems to be able to breathe and penetrate the listener while the latter just seemed to provide relative clunky, plodding contrast. Even so, PT sound committed to putting out "full" albums that feel like worthwhile investments for fans; even when songwriting becomes predictable, production breadth never misses sight of treating users to whole experiences. ... Read More
Rating:  - Amazing, amazing, amazing...
Man, I kinda got this album on a whim, and boy am I glad I did. From the opening riff to the powerful, moving closer, there is not a dull moment. The heavier stuff reminds me a little of Opeth and Dream Theater...maybe a little Tool in there even though I don't really listen to them. There are some beautiful haunting/atmospheric passages too, which add a great deal of dimension to the album. I'm not familiar with Porcupine Tree's back catalog, but from what I gather, this might be the most accessible ... Read More
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 overwhelmingly 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 heaviness ... 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 that everybody ... Read More
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