Technology.

SciFi.

Progressive rock.

For me, they go together.

I discovered Genesis via And Then There Were Three in my teens. As the reviewer indicates, the band had already turned a corner (two really) at that point with the loss of Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett. But reading comics and science fiction book series taught me that when you find something you like, dive into the back catalog and look for more. An entire universe of epic tunes and concept albums opened up for me.

There have been other bands. Rush. Pink Floyd. The Police. 60s/70s Rolling Stones. ELO. Moody Blues. Anything involving Tom Petty or George Harrison.

But Genesis is the cornerstone. When I need inspiration or comfort, it’s in one of their albums.

Fast forward a few years to the 80s and I’m stationed in Germany, still living in the barracks. A fellow soldier introduces me to Marillion. Fish is still their frontman and Misplaced Childhood is their latest release. Their music is evocative of Genesis, but Fish’s voice is nothing like Garbiel or Collins. As I dig into their catalog I find songs that are close to Genesis, but not copies. They’re a logical progression. Genesis with cold war angst and 80s ennui.

I never thought I’d find another band that spoke to me the Genesis did, but Marillion did. They had the lyrics, the music, and the talent.

There couldn’t be another band like that, could there?

Then came Porcupine Tree. A friend of a friend shares Signify with him. He loans it to me.

Wow. Take some Marillion. Dust over a little more Genesis. Sprinkle in some metal. Add a serious helping of the isolation and loneliness of the 90s and early aughts.

Porcupine Tree broke up a few years ago and it was fine. They put out a set of fantastic albums, including the informal trilogy of In Absentia, Deadwing and Fear of a Blank Planet.

But they’re back! The video above is their new single. I’ve already pre-ordered the next album. Even though I’d probabyl get it with Apple Music, I like to support bands directly when I can.

Have a great weekend!

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