Porcupine Tree makes a triumphant return to experimental, non-linear style with 2007's
Fear of a Blank Planet. Maybe
Steve Wilson was afraid that the comparatively poppy
Deadwing and
In Absentia were edging too close to the mainstream, because he seems far less concerned with overtly accessible songwriting on
Blank Planet. Even still, the cerebral, atmospheric sound on this album remains enormously compelling from almost the first moment. While there is no "radio single" on the disc -- certainly nothing with a conventional pop arc like
Lightbulb Sun or "Trains" -- most songs transcend their complex structure and feel as provocative as any traditional rock tune. The aptly named "Sentimental," in particular, features
Wilson's trademark lush arrangement with layers of vocals, piano, ambient synths, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, live drums and sampled drums -- but cutting through its tightly contained mosaic is an expertly constructed chord progression that evokes a desperate sense of tension and longing, developing incredible emotional momentum as the track progresses.