I can’t imagine my life right now without Porcupine Tree. This band is simply amazing and Up the Downstair is has become my favorite album from them. I love the long instrumental tracks of Burning Sky and Up the Downstair they are vintage Porcupine Tree. I enjoy the rest of the album as well equally, but there is one track that stands above them all. The true gem of this spacey masterpiece is Fadeaway. This song blew me away the first time I heard it and has become a real favorite of mine. Steve Wilson’s is a lyrical genius and his vocals are so soothing on this track that it could easily and gently put me to sleep. I also really enjoy the clock ticking intro this song, it was a very nice touch from the master.
This is the first of the band's masterworks. Few bands have sustained a creative streak like this band has. Pretty much everything starting here and ending with In Absentia is essential PT in my opinion.
Fantastic "journey feeling". When the album is finished, you know that you've heard something epic and intense. (re-issue with live drums and remastered sound reviewed)
Marred by a period of less interest and revolving/non-existent band members, Porcupine Tree's Up the Downstair appears to be the band's first attempt at a more accessible sound and style. While holding fast to their progressive/psychedelic roots, there are more melodies and hooks here, making for much more catchy material. Steven Wilson's presence is still quite thick here (though that never really changes) and virtually everything you're hearing comes from his mind. Nevertheless, this is still a pretty interesting outing from a very intriguing band. Perhaps not the best place to start listening, but definitely worth a stop once you get a feel for them.
