Tackling modern day conventions head on Steven Wilson has never been one to shy away from modernity. With his absolutely astounding work Hand Cannot Erase. Seeing the man tackle themes of classic Wilsonian agenda, isolation and sadness are on the menu. Living in a society that thrives on convenience slowly becoming greedy in the era of instant gratification patience has indeed become an afterthought. With that in mind we delve into the transient story that is neither foreword to The Raven That Refused To Sing or index of Hand Cannot Erase and is simply 4½.
[tracklist]
1. My Books Of Regrets
2. Year of The Plague
3. Happiness III
4. Sunday Rain Sets In
5. Vermillioncore
6. Don’t Hate Me
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]36 minutes[/length]
[record_label]Kscope[/record_label]
[release_date]January 22nd[/release_date]
[/details]
Much like the classic weekend away 4½ is over all too quickly. After the veritable gap year that was Hand Cannot Erase it’s easy to feel the ride is over far too quickly. Nevertheless the record will definitely keep the more impatient at bay for another year. What the record does do however is bring to light some of the more overlooked elements of the band, the fantastic bass odyssey that is “My Book Of Regrets” is an excellent footnote for Nick Beggs, the star being of course another beautiful guitar solo by Guthrie Govan.
The black sheep of the lot “Verimillioncore” brings distortion to the fore sidelining the wistful look of nostalgia with a strong driving riff that would fit perfectly mid Porcupine Tree era which makes for a refreshing change of sonic pace.
“Sunday Rain Sets In” is a fantastic contrast juxtaposed to the upbeat rhythm of “Happiness III” where once again we see that the singer is just as capable or creating a quick fire hook as well as Homeric progressive odysseys. Loneliness and introspection still the singers musethe second instrumental track ensures that the ghostly observer behind a windowpane in winter remains before a fantastic acid jazz bridge
Regardless of the fact that the record may not be a fully fledged album it does what it needs to once again dazzle and amazing all the right places. From the revamped East Asian interlude of “Don’t Hate Me” featuring none other than Ninet Tayeb to the Metropolis of “Year Of The Plague“, in a mere half an hour the audience is once again transported into that most beautiful of vistas with Steven Wilson and co as our tour guide.
Whilst the Dream Theater’s of the world might be building fortresses of musical wonderment Steven Wilson and co are typically British releasing a stop gap album will never quite satisfy any Prog fans infallible appetite but it’s a damn tasty starter.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]A brilliant, impulsive weekend getaway, 4½ is just that. Sadly not quite as lengthy as a new album but says its piece just as powerfully as any material, it’ll tie the most rabid of Steven Wilson fans over perfectly. [/why]
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