CD Review

After the trancy., trippy, orgasmic dream that was 1999's Stupid Dream one, comes Lightbulb Sun, the latest opus from Hemel's finest. If you're expecting, or wanting, Stupid Dream Phase II or something, then you're going to be disappointed. Instead, we are treated to 10 exorcism's from Steve Wilson's tortured heart and soul. It's rare to find emotions laid so bare, within the confines of a so-called Prog rock album (except for Jadis's new one).

From the start of Lightbulb Sun, you can tell that you're not in for some uplifting experience. Mind you, if that's what you expect from the Tree, then you must be confused! Lyrically, they are so removed from Marillion, that the The sun is a lightbulb vs A forty watt sun courtroom controversy seems a little incongruous, to say the least. How Is Your Life Today, Miriam follows, with it's vaguely Beatlesish feel. One of the more cheerful songs on the CD, I think. This is followed by the hit single Four Chords That Made A Million, a big Fuck Off to the music industry that has constantly turned it other cheek in Porcupine Trees general direction. If this is the result, then thank God it has. Or whoever.

Wilsons angst resurfaced on my favourite Shesmovedon, another cheerful little ditty about some flighty little bint, er, woman. Here to day, fucked off tomorrow, eh? Good job he's not bitter. The ridiculously entitled Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled follows. And well, too. Starting gently with Winding Shot before totally progging out into a space rock epic. Then the unusually cheerful The Rest Will Flow er, flows. Possibly the last happy point on the CD. Probably the first, as well. Oh well. The short Hatesong (Oh boy, she must have hurt him baad) provides a piece of dark relief before the 'lighter', slightly Oasisian (in a mellow mood), Where We Would Be, which in turn gives way to the albums epic Russia On Ice, all 13 minutes of it. 

The album closes with Feel So Low (you'd never have guessed). Not so much of a 'Happy Ending' there, though there is a muted 'Thanks' in there somewhere. If someone sent you a letter with these lyrics in it, you be on the phone to them straight away, talking them out of the inevitable suicide. Lucky Steve's a well balanced bloke, eh?

So the big question is: Is Lightbulb Sun as good as Stupid Dream. And the answer simply has to be yes. It's not the same as it, because Stupid Dream was much more immediate, but Lightbulb Sun has that way or getting under your skin, and wheedling it's way to your (blackened and broken) heart.

Well worth your money!

Charlie O'Mara

I was depressed before listening to this.  Now I'm suicidal.  Lightbulb Sun is PT's first 'proper' studio album since the equally depressing, yet strangely brilliant, "Signify", I think.  Difficult to tell really as, like King Crimson, they seem to release 'half' works of extended ideas, which may later be re-worked to appear on a full-length album.  I may be talking bollocks, but I'm depressed, remember?

The opening track, the title track, has an upbeat sound albeit grundgified, yet is counteracted by the depressing lyrics "The sun is a light bulb, a candle's a treat".  If only I could find the number for the Samaritans.  If only I could be arsed to dial the number.  "Shesmovedon" has the most convincing use of wah wah effect since Groundhogs "Split" - full of despair - I'm slipping further.  Moving on some two equally depressingly titled tracks, one comes to "Hatesong" which is as it says.  Love the bit about 'last rites' - sums up my general demeanour.  The final track, "Feel So Low" is, finally, how I feel.  Roger Waters must be writing under a different name.

Porcupine Trees don't do well outside in the sunshine, but thrive in a locked dark room.  Perhaps this album should carry a health warning for those suffering from depression.  Great album if you can handle it, otherwise listen after hitting the Prozac.  Why won't they let me play with razor blades?

by The Jabbawokky