Porcupine Tree
On The Sunday Of Life

THE REVIEW

Porcupine Tree, or as many people say, “the best-kept secret” of rock music. A gem that knows how to deliver intense emotions.

With this debut album, they become part of the ranks of groups trying to breathe new life into progressive rock. Well, let's say that a real album it's not, but rather a collection of recordings all executed by the creator of this splendid band, Steven Wilson. A character with very clear ideas from the beginning, namely drawing from the past and taking inspiration from masters like Pink Floyd, Yes, and King Crimson, adapting those sounds to the present day.
The result is predictably “PHENOMENAL”. "On the Sunday of Life", represents the beginning of a long journey that will gift lovers of this genre with precious masterpieces like 'Signify', 'Stupid Dream' etc... Let’s talk about the music contained in this album, 18 tracks among which the monumental "RADIOACTIVE TOY" stands out, made even more memorable on the live 'Coma Divine', recorded in Rome.

The beginning sends chills down your spine with "Music for the Head", an instrumental track rich in visions with a flute leading to "Jupiter Island", a fun song that's a bit subdued compared to the other tracks. "Third Eye Suffer" and "On the Sunday of Life", continue the journey left by the first track, psychedelic and dreamy atmospheres that ferry you to "The Nostalgia Factory", another stunning piece. The guitars are in the foreground, and an ethereal vocal does not do justice to what will later prove to be (in my opinion) one of the best singers in the British neo-progressive scene.
The journey continues on dark and dreamy tones until reaching "Nine Cats", an acoustic song with Wilson's voice in the foreground (now you understand why I say one of the best singers...). The final part of the album is entrusted to the pure madness and genius of this true deus ex machina, with notable tracks like Queen Quotes Crowley, No Luck With Rabbits.

Conclusion: the album, as mentioned above, was created with a collection of home recordings, but this does not mean it should be underestimated or discarded. The quality of the recordings is very good, as is that of the songs.
A cauldron of psychedelia, dreams, and sounds that blend together, to transport the listener to unknown and fascinating places. From this initial chapter, Porcupine Tree is born, a band with a silly dream, to revive progressive.