P O R C U P I N E     T R E E

If you've already gone through my Top 10 list in the past, then you'll notice, that after a long time, there is a new band in my neighborhood... Maybe it's because I like Pink Floyd, maybe it's because I like Dream Theater, or maybe it's just because these guys who call themselves Porcupine Tree, simply know how to absorb influences of different shades and landscapes, and blend them into a very unique and complete new experience.

As a matter of fact, Porcupine Tree had come to my knowledge only in 1999, (7 years after their first album), when a friend gave me a copy of "Stupid Dream". It took me only one song ("Even Less") to realize that I like this band. The sound was so good and the songs were so great, that I immediately fell in love with them. I started going back in time to find other great albums by PT, such as "Signify", "The Sky Move Sideways", and "Coma Divine". The latter is the best live album I have ever heard, and now it's also available as a  2CD set with 4 extra tracks and with improved sound (as if there is something to improve there!). I was also lucky enough to see them live in Israel and twice in Greece (that's right, I flew all the way only for these guys), to realize that this album wasn't a bluffing... This band just sounds great whether they are performing live or recording in the studio.
In their next studio album, "Lightbulb Sun", the band took one step forward and came up with some really progressive tracks ("Hate Song", "Russia On Ice"). Combined with their familiar psychedelic sound, "Lightbulb Sun" was nothing short of a stunning album to listen to (and for me - also to play with...).
"In Absentia" is their latest studio effort, and for my humble opinion - their best one up to now (pure progressive!). They also managed (finally!) to get a major record deal with a big record company - Atlantic Records, so their on their way to get some more recognition they deserve so much.
The main man behind this band is the lead singer, lead guitar player and talented songwriter Steven Wilson. This man has an honorable experience in the music industry, and Porcupine Tree is just one (yet the best) of his many musical projects. If you're interested in his other musical activities, please refer to his official site.
Although Porcupine Tree is not the most familiar band in this planet, they have a core of hardcore and very enthusiastic fans almost everywhere in the world including here in Israel. In fact, There is even a  fan group named "Tinto Brass" that keeps track of the band's activities and is directly informed by Steven Wilson and the band. This group gets together now and then, and even arranged 2 meetings with Steven Wilson himself, right here in Israel. So... If you also wonna join this group (you don't have to be from Israel necessarily), you can join through the Israeli site of Porcupine Tree, or by writing an email to Motti Gini - the founder of the group.