Manchester Roadhouse
13 October 1995
We arrived just 15 minutes before Porcupine Tree were due to blast off from the black hole that is the Manchester Roadhouse. A very respectable crowd had gathered for the third national tour the band have undertaken in a year. What is the basis for this success? How can Porcupine Tree play in venues, and towns that most other Prog bands could only hallucinate about. Simple they are the best Progressive rock band in the world, and one of the top 5 British bands. If you have not woken up to this fact then there is no hope for you. The evidence is apparent right from the word go. They stroll onstage and play a new instrumental. Any other Prog band stumped for ideas would perhaps go a little ethnic, bring in a few African or Eastern influences. Not the Tree. They grab a few choice rift's and blast you. Careful with that axe Steven because you are turning from Dave Gilmore to Ritchie Blackmore.

They beat you up just to chilI you out with The Sky Moves Sideways Pt.1 reaching into deepest space and bringing it down the upstair into the Roadhouse. The crowd are all sitting nobody dances this could be to do with all the dope being smoked. No need for dry ice, the venue is creating its own fog.

Radioactive Toy is such a good song most bands would leave it as a finale not these boys, they can afford to throw it in as number three in their set Another new song, Waiting, is played next. An acoustic number that had me reaching for my lighter to wave it in the air. Alas it was already in use. Still the concept of Porcupine Tree making potential singles is awesome but will the pop kids be able to handle it. I would like to think so. Though the next track Moonloop might stretch them as it meanders across our galaxy before blowing up like a super nova..

Steven Wilson fearlessly claims his innocence but Dislocated Day still borrows from Rainbow's Gates of Babylon. He should watch out because if Ritchie Blackmore gets down to his last million the writs might be flying. The majesty of Is Not precedes a new interesting track, very Floydian in a black sort of way.

Porcupine Tree started life as Steven Wilson alone but be soon realised that music is like masturbation. While it is alright alone, there is much more fun to be had if others are involved, and the end result is more progductive. So here I must take the opportunity to sing the praises of the rest of Porcupine Tree; Messrs Barbieri, Edwin and Maitland. They have brought life to the beast, and given it shape. This was especially evident during the closing number of the main set Up The Downstair.

They saved the best for last, a real surprise playing the first half of Voyage 34. A simple "Thank you", and it was off to the great gig in the sky. Porcupine Tree will not win many prizes at the Classic Rock Awards Ceremony. Thank Goodness.

Eric Ribble