Some older fans looked askance at
Lightbulb Sun
, feeling it was verging on overt commercialism (and admittedly, the near
power ballad
solo on
"Where We Would Be"
is a bit odd!). Then again, given
Wilson
's own explorations of
avant-garde pop
with
No-Man
, who's to say why a slightly more radio-friendly stance can't work?
"Shesmovedon"
may have been a single, but there's no question who wrote and performed it -- the elegant cascade of backing vocals on the chorus shows that much. Certainly
hasn't turned into
Max Martin
or anything -- it's still very much
Porcupine Tree
, in its lyrical turns of phrase and general sense of exploration. One of the best tracks on the album is the brilliantly titled
"Four Chords That Made a Million,"
a barbed cut on some unnamed "emperor in new clothes" beset by a "moron with a cheque book." The lead riff is a majestic hit of flange and feedback, while the hints of sitar and Indian percussion give the song even more attractive heft. But there's a definite bent towards calmer
art pop
throughout
-- those who preferred the sheer surge of
Stupid Dream
will find this album tamer in comparison. Still, it's hard to resist the beautiful, understated tension about a fractured friendship or relationship on
"Feel So Low"
or the gentle, string-touched roll and build of
"The Rest Will Flow,"
flat out two of
's best tunes anywhere. Those who prefer the lengthy explorations won't be disappointed, though --
"Hatesong"
unfolds its sharp message over eight minutes and the string-swept, slow time explosion of
"Russia on Ice"
over 13. Slyest title of the bunch --
"Last Chance to Leave the Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled,"
which samples the videotape made by the leader of the
Heaven's Gate
cult before its mass suicide in 1997. ~ Ned Raggett