Steven Wilson – Grace For Drowning (Deluxe Edition)

I am a relative recent fan of Steven Wilson. I got into Porcupine Tree about 3 odd years ago and therefore am more familier with his PT catalogue, this is my first experience of his solo work and I must say I'm completely blown by it.

I will not give detials on songs as most of the reviews have covered the songs pretty well. I will give an over all feel of the album from the perspective of a PT fan listening to Steven's solo work for the first time.

Though not as mainstream as the PT albums in respect to the riffs or the vocal consistency there are elements in this album that reminds one of PT (the slower ballads). That said, this album is far greater in breadth and depth and though a casual listener may not be able to appreciate this album much any investment of multiple listens will give the listener pleasure as great if not greater than the more popular PT releases. The intricacies and depth of some of the songs is mind boggling. Small twists and build ups with classic melody and instrumental ages at times slow that work towards atmosphere creation with keys, Synths (not being a musician I may be a bit off track here) guitar and background vocals and at other times jazz/70's influenced ages.

As indicated in other reviews the first CD is more mainstream, the second is darker and far more experimental with the exceptionally brilliant 23 minute 'Raiders II', a slow snail paced start to a fantastic instrumental build up with flute (or flute sounding instrument) and quite a few twists and turns. If you are willing to put the effort and give time to this song it will more than repay you with many listens with ever changing favourite parts for you. I disagree with some posts stating this song is too long and would have been better if shortened. To me this could be amongst the real great 20 minuters ever.

All in all this album needs a few listens to grow on you as any good progressive album should. Steven Wilson has not disappointed and has made a gem, the production of the album is fantastic a forgone conclusion given that Steven is at the helm. Opeth's 'Heritage' is also a great record to come out at this time and comparissons between the two is bound to happen considering the close association of Steven with Opeth. I personally feel that this album is more fulfilling than 'Heritage' as it is keeps the listener guessing all the time and flows better.

Overall wonderfull stuff, very rare to get mainstream musicians bringing albums of this quality on personal releases. I feel this will be a classic in the days to come. A fantastic effort by Mr. Wilson.

Grace for drowning is an outstanding record. This isn't an album for everyone, although there are songs which i'm convinced everyone would like if they just give it a try. These are not catchy three minute pop songs, although there are some songs which are relatively short. The overall thought of this album was to make a record that needs some sittings like the track Raider II ( 23 minutes long ) needs soms sittings before you can criticize it. That's why there are two cd's in Grace for drowning that are seperate but at the same time depend on each other, therefore this is not an album that's about the lyrics, it's all about the music. You can hear a little bit of everything like jazz, rock and electronic tunes with much texture and layers in it.

Keeping that in mind, lets not forget about the astounding artwork the cd, blu-ray and especially the deluxe book gives you! Steven did an amazing job putting this together with Lasse Hoile, artist of mix media, photographer, graphic artist, film-maker/director, and cinematographer. As a graphic designer myself, it's rewarding to buy something which I can hold and look at.

Grace for drowning is an inspiring album - both the art and music it contains, and it is unique in it's own way. The album of 2011!

Mr. Wilson revisits his golden era of Prog rock- the 60's wherein everything evolved from the Mother Jazz. Without being retro or paying homage to his influences, he has amalgamated his love for Symphonic Rock, (newly discovered) Jazz Fusion and his signature style of dark and heavy soundscapes from Porcupine Tree and alikes into one magnum opus. In comparison with his last solo record- he has obviously put a great deal of effort into this creation (almost 2 years). Each track is more abstract and deserves atleast a dozen of plays to let the music grow on audience's limited conscience as it exists in 2011- thereby making this album his most ambitious project to date.
Definition of 'Progressive Rock' has been evolving ever since it's germination in the 60's. What Steven Wilson has always believed in and instinctively disposed to- is to retain the essence of prog rock in of a sonic journey spanning over soundscapes, textures, modalities and melancholic melodies. While each track carries with it a distinct aura its feeling is nothing close to the actual feel of the whole jigsaw- the album. Do yourself a favor by playing the album over crossfades within each track and contemplate on the experience as compared to your beloved (individual) tracks.

If you are aware of Mr. Wilson's different exhibits in of the projects that he is a part of- you could almost feel that this creation is a perfect mix of all of his creative juices into one- while simultaneously retaining his identity- evolution and crossing boundaries of a particular music genre. Ambient, Drone, Pop/Art-rock, Symphonic Rock, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic and Punk Rock are some of the genres that this musical genius has knitted together into an 80 minute journey. If this is not what prog means to us in 21st century- then I don't know what could.