In the Earbuds: “In Absentia” by Porcupine Tree

I am somewhat astounded by how wonderful this album is. I’m just sad I didn’t discover it back in 2002 when it was released. Only recently was the existence of the now defunct alternative/prog-rock band Porcupine Tree made known to me. Man, did I miss out.

“In Absentia” tells a creepy story involving serial killers and people on the fringes in the voice of chunky drop-D riffs coupled with airy clean guitars and acoustic strumming. The vocals are clean and understated, yet provide a powerful melodic core to the songs. Sort of a Pink Floyd turned to 11.

The guy with the messed up face on the album’s cover probably looks like that because he heard the opening track, “Blackest Eyes”, a pounding hard rock song with ethereal vocal harmonies in the chorus.

“Trains” tones it down a bit with acoustic guitar, but still keeps a driving rhythm and a pop melody. “The Sound of Muzak” sounds like a great lost Soundgarden song, while “Prodigal” starts out with a light, meandering bassline then hits with an anthemic rock riff in the chorus. The album closes with a light, beautiful piano ballad.

It sounds similar to the alternative rock of that era – but on a much higher plane of existence. Highly recommended!