For those of you who don’t know, Porcupine Tree are a four piece hailing from England, who, over the course of their nearly two decade career have dabbled in psychedelic ambience, electronica, Britpop, prog rock and metal with varying success. The fact that the band has never gained popularity outside their dedicated fan base is criminal. Regardless, they have crafted a healthy and rewarding career based on very respectable art rock credentials. Their tenth studio album follows that trend.

Following the metal influence of its 2005 predecessor, Deadwing, Fear of a Blank Planet is 50 minutes of music broken up into six tracks, with lyrical themes recurring throughout and stylistic shifts to suit the themes. Long melodic guitar solos and beautiful ambient interludes are juxtaposed with thunderous drumming and some wonderful vocal work. If all this sounds like a prog rock concept album – at the risk of losing those who see ‘prog’ as a dirty word - it is. The difference between its overblown, bombastic forebears and Porcupine Tree, is that this is a modern, meaningful take on the concept album, as opposed to a fantasy story of escapism. The album tackles despondent youth and the apathetic culture that engenders it.

This theme was most powerfully conveyed in Steven Wilson’s lyrics from the title track  - “X-box is a God to me/a finger on the switch/my mother is a bitch/my father gave up ever trying to talk to me.” As well as the refrain in ‘Sentimental,’ “sullen and bored the kids stay/and in this way they wish away each day.”

Nearly all of the tracks make reference to sex, pills and yes, rock ‘n’ roll, as ways to alleviate the boredom of everyday life. Thankfully, Wilson and the band avoid a clichéd ‘doing it for the kids’ approach. The maturity and complexity of the music means Wilson doubly embodies and objectively reflects these issues. The title alone makes the mission statement clear, a sardonic take on Public Enemy’s Fear of a Black Planet (1991).

Lofty concepts aside, the music is simply excellent - matching the drama with stimulating and expertly crafted musicianship, honed on the road by the band during their long tour schedule. The opening title track begins with a simple acoustic riff that is writ large upon the rest of the band. ‘My Ashes’ and ‘Sentimental’ are lighter, piano-led pieces with lilting choruses and more introspective lyrics. The closing tracks ‘Way Out Of Here’ (featuring Robert Fripp, guitar legend, on ‘Soundscapes’) and ‘Sleep Together’ are both heavy and brooding, seeing the album out with a visceral impact, particularly in the rhythm section of Colin Edwin (bass) and Gavin Harrison (drums).

The centrepiece however is the epic ‘Anesthetize,’ at nearly 18 minutes it mutates through three distinct movements, covering a guest solo from Rush’s Alex Lifeson, through to a hypnotic lull about waves crashing along the shore. It has to be heard to be believed.

While it won’t convert sceptics, Fear of a Blank Planet will appeal to anyone interested in creative, intelligent and progressive rock music. The kind of pioneering Radiohead, Muse and Tool are credited with, and the ranks of whom Porcupine Tree should join.

4.5/5