I’ve just ordered my tickets to see Porcupine Tree in April — it’s official.

In the last few years I’ve really become a fan of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson in general (e.g. No-Man, Bass Communion, Blackfield, etc.). Gavin Harrison is quite possibly the best drummer in modern rock working today — his polyrhythmic techniques place him right up there with the likes of Stewart Copeland and Bill Bruford; meanwhile, veteran art-rock muso Richard Barbieri’s synth flourishes in tracks like “My Ashes” send chills down my spine every time. But Wilson, as songwriter and producer, is thoughtful, inventive and a master of texture and mood, and if there were any justice in the world, he’d be a superstar. Wilson is, quite simply, a musical genius.

Porcupine Tree is progressive rock for the new millennium, drawing on influences as diverse as Pink Floyd and Brian Wilson while combining styles such as metal and trance to create a modern yet timeless mix. Unlike, say, Spock’s Beard (whom I really do admire), this is not retro-prog (regressive rock?) but rather intelligent, forward thinking rock that pushes the boundaries while still keeping both feet planted firmly on the ground.

So yeah, I like them, and I’ll be seeing them live in two months time!!!