Porcupine Tree - Blackest Eyes (Arriving Somewhere Live in Chicago) - First Time Reaction

[@mikemicrael5749]

I was at this show. Porcupine Tree is head and shoulders above other prog bands born after the 1970s. You should definitely watch "Anesthetize." I prefer the earlier PT albums but the later metal period is great too. Steven Wilson is a prolific genius whose name you will hear much more. His fans should look for his live performance of Alanis Morissettte's "Thank You" with Avi Geffen.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@mikemicrael5749 wow, that's amazing that you were at this show I was just watching 😎

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

What do you think of Marillion and/or Tool? Dream Theater? I’m just curious. I like PT allot..,just discovered them a few years ago, along with the other bands I mentioned. All later prog bands….some rock (Marillion) and some metal. Marillion seems like a later version of Moody Blues…….Dream Theater I haven’t been able to connect with. Tool is incredible.

[@ricardosimoes4446]

as prog rock I agree, their the best , but as prog metal?? their good but not better then Tool, dream theater as others mate

[@jaymez3461]

There are many great songs from Porcupine Tree. Have fun exploring their music.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@jaymez3461 💯

[@chucksmusicaldebris3536]

Hi Steve! I’m so glad you checked these guys out. Simply the best modern “prog” band in my opinion. I hope you go down this rabbit hole. You won’t be disappointed. Steven Wilson, the founder of the band is just amazing song writer. Starting in the 90’s they were called the modern Pink Floyd, with songs like Stars Die and Waiting. This song came out in ‘02 I believe. This is where they started getting heavier. I know you like the drums and Gavin Harrison is a genius behind the kit and my favorite drummer. Before I carry on too long I will suggest you do the live version of Trains from this concert. There’s a funny moment near the end of the song. No spoilers. I write more about the band as you do more reactions or I’ll end up writing a book here. Lol

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@chucksmusicaldebris3536 haha love it, you Roadies are so knowledgeable when it comes to these bands I react to, it's great! I'll take a look at trains live then, always up for a funny moment and a laugh!

[@alanwaine4186]

You are correct with the lyrics..Steven Wilson does like a lyric about serial killers (eg Raider 2) and trains (eg Trains 😂)... Try "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" live or maybe "Deadwing" or "Fear Of A Blank Planet"

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@alanwaine4186 oh wow, both happy and disturbed at getting the lyrics right, strange top to write about, but I must admit he did it with some style 🤣

[@nrp0504]

Nice one, Steve, So glad you enjoy this new band experience. I don't think you will be disappointed as you progress on the journey!

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@nrp0504 hey, thanks for the comment as always. These guys were great....albeit disturbing 🤣

[@scottbaker5998]

When working on this album, In Absentia, Steven Wilson (lead singer/songwriter) was reading a book on serial killers, which was fascinating him. He also was working on producing other bands with a much heavier sound (like Opeth), which led him to want to go heavier with their sound. This led to the departure of their drummer, Chris Maitland. He was replaced by Gavin Harrison (in this video), who has also drummed for King Crimson and The Pineapple Thief. Gavin's drumming has really enhanced their sound. If you take a listen to a good dose of their catalog, you can definitely hear the influences of Pink Floyd, Rush, and King Crimson. In fact, Alex Lifeson, Adrian Belew, and Robert Fripp have all appeared on their albums to add some guitar licks and ideas on production.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

Thank you for the backstory info on the band, cool 😎

[@trevorwalsh9205]

My favourite band and artist. PT goes from near pop to something close to metal. Solo stuff ranges from progressive pop to heavy and has a broader range. Anesthetize is a masterpiece, Hatesong live is stunning. Dark Matter is dark and beautiful. Trains is beautiful and a little melancholy.For solo, consider The Holy Drinker (big Crimson influence), The Watchmaker (Big Genesis influence but much better IMO and Staircase and Beautiful Scarecrow from his 2023 release. The latter two have more of an electronic influence.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@trevorwalsh9205 appreciate your comment and thoughts, I'll be checking out some of those for sure!

[@tonys2899]

The song you played was Blackest Eyes. (It was labeled Arriving somewhere but not Here) which is also a grrat song you should do after Anesthestize live in Tilberg. And Hate song.

[@alphao5113]

Just a starter for Porcupine Tree, the main course menu includes.. anesthetize, Sleep Together, What Happens Now, Cheating the Polygraph, Hatesong to name a few..

[@zazune56]

One of their intense songs with seering guitars and crazy drumming is The Hate Song live in New York.

[@mellotronscratch]

Just finished watching your Lamb first listen, really enjoyed it, well done for staying the course! Genesis and Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree) are my two favourite bands, glad to see you’ve checked Porcupine Tree out. Steve Wilson has a massive back catalogue that pretty much covers every taste. I first saw PT live in the late 90s and they’ve never disappointed. His solo material is superb, as well as no-man, one of his other bands (very different to PT). Couple of others I’d recommend, Pure Reason Revolution and Paatos. From a fellow Manc.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

Well I have to trust a fellow Manc to guide me right now don't I?! Appreciate the steering in the right direction!

[@EiriUesugiKun]

6:29 - That is the cover of the album "In Absentia" (by Lasse Hoile) from which this song is from. And even that it is not an concept album as is, it has a theam revolving around serial killers and such. This album was heavier than previous one's because Steven Wilson had discovered Opeth. He met Mikael during some intervies and then produced couple of Opeth albums and did an collab with Mikael (Storm Corrosion). He also does some background vocals for those Opeth albums as well as play keyboard on them. And Mikael then sung some background vocals on the Deadwing album, as well as played the guitar solo on the album version of "Arriving somewhere but not here". :) And if you do not yet know Opeth, try "Ghost of Perdition" live from Red Rocks. ;D

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

Hey, thanks for the great informative comment, enjoyed learning about the history there so cheers

[@krapulax605]

wasn't anesthetize, but it's great. this song was the first at the concert i was happy to attend last year

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

I'll get to anesthetize for sure, never fear. This was a nice introduction for me though.

[@EiriUesugiKun]

PT is an amazing band. And always take live version of any song if available because these guys know how to perform! :D

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

Appreciate the guidance

[@EiriUesugiKun]

@@MusicForTheSoulReactions If you have not yet decided what PT song to listen next, I bet the Hatesong live from Chicago (PORCUPINE TREE - HATESONG (HD)) would be an interesting. :)

[@heyskipj]

PT is like easy listening prog metal. Steely Dan w/distotion. I'm here for it!

[@Pcrimson1]

The reasons I asked Steve to react to this song are 1) it's a banger, 2) it's his initial introduction to the band so it's short, 3) it's accessable. I wsnted to make sure he wasn't totally scared off. Hopefully, he hits all our favorites as time goes on...US Roadie 1 signing off...

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

I concur. It was a great way to meet the band and see a little of what they are about! Great recommendation 😊

[@scifimonkey3]

Stick with it Steve, they have been called ‘ the best band you have never heard of’ and in this case that might be true. Brilliantly consistent in quality and endlessly inventive musically and that is just Steven Wilson. You are in for a huge treat if you follow this rabbit hole.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@scifimonkey3 you've certainly sold it to me that's for sure!!!

[@tonys2899]

Do anesthetize live in tilberg.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@tonys2899 going to definitely have to check that song out as it's been a popular request!

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

@@MusicForTheSoulReactionsindeed…I noticed it was the most requested song by PT in the comments. Which of course begs ,the question; Why didn’t you listen to it? You can’t claim it was too long…….not after Genesis! 🙄😏

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 haha I went with the song that had been requested first, I have no clue 🤣

[@gerryrafferty7500]

They owe a lot to talk talk , Steven Wilson lead singer is the most respected producer in the industry currently , there is so much to listen to , trains , arriving somewhere but not here , fear of a blank planet , anesthetise, Lazarus to start with

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

Great to know that there are lots of great tunes to check out with this band! Thanks for the song suggestions!

[@Rowenband]

That's the third prog generation. I didn't get into them but the few pieces I have heard were each time great. So I'm confident in this one. I'm excited too. I love Steve Wilson's album The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories) (2013), one of the best bass song ever on that album is Luminol.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

This was a pleasant surprise, the dark undertones with lyrics certainly caught me off guard but had me hooked! Hope you enjoyed it!

[@breenschipke]

Hey Steve - what a rabbithole you have just opened. Enjoy the ride. I must say that is the quickest and most accurate any reviewer has been in picking the theme of this track re the serial killer - but anything involving Steven Wilson (lead singer and song writer for Porcupine Tree) is usually pretty dark.... I see a lot of the usual recommendations here from their middle era stuff - which I agree is completely brilliant (although 2 tracks from that era I didnt see are Cheating the Polygraph and Way Out of Here - both LIVE versions of course.) But I would love to see a few more reactions being done to their very latest album Closure/Continuation released in 2022. Check out Harridan or Fear of a Blank Planet both LIVE from that 2023 DVD. Keep up the great work!

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@breenschipke hey thanks for the great insightful comment. Lyrics often go over my head so it's nice to know I catch some from time to time! I'll pop those extra song recommendations on the list for you pal. Cheers

[@gerryrafferty7500]

I am a total prog head , Steve Wilson is now one of the most respected producers in rock , are heard them in a record shop 17 years ago and immediately bought all 6 albums they had realeased at that time not a bad one , they are third to Floyd and Genesis , this song is about alienation and depersonalisation ( I am a psychiatrist) , try trains or fear of a blank planet

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@gerryrafferty7500 wow a psychiatrist! Don't pay too close attention to my behaviour on these videos, don't want to know what undiagnosed issues I've got going on 🤣

[@Someonelser1]

A band I haven't really been able to get too deep into. I do have a bunch of Steven Wilson's Remixes of Yes & Tull.

[@franckb8279]

Fan of Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree for long time. If you like this one, you have plenty of masterpieces of albums and songs to discover. Steven Wilson solo, Blackfield, No-man. Try Anesthetize and Arriving somewhere but not here. And from Steven Wilson solo, Routine, The Raven that refuse to sing, Refuge, Luminol, Drive home.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

All sound like great recommendations, thanks for providing them and for the comment.

[@coheed1000]

Thanks Roadie.. this just saved me alot of texting.. I concur with all of the above.. and I've also seen PT live as well as Steven Wilson solo.. Blackfield the song by Blackfield is a classic.. Irish Roadie Colm.. 🤘😎🤘

[@pepeelpollo3647]

Check out live shows in Chile !!

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

Duly noted, appreciate the suggestion

[@ernielopez6924]

Love porcupine tree,great reaction vid 👍. If you get a chance, listen to Lord Huron, meet me in the woods they have some good music .

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@ernielopez6924 I'm always up for a new band suggestion, I'm intrigued. Cheers for recommending it. I'll pop them on the list

[@Tarble9000]

I think this song is about a serial killer, but through the eyes if the killer. A killer feels happy when he kills, so the sound is joyful, but the lyrics are dark

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

Very good observation, you could be on to something there!!!

[@scifimonkey3]

Steven Wilsons best introduction ‘ the next song is miserable, but with a sing along chorus, the one after that is just miserable’…….. Steven Wilson makes miserable and disturbing the most beautiful thing you have ever heard. More of Porcupine Tree or of Steven Wilsons solo work please, you won’t hear better.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

Hahaha not sure how you made miserable sound appealing but you managed it 🤣

[@LeeQuinnell]

Not really heard much from these.....really enjoyed this tho...we can listen together mate...on to the next one...love and peace dude

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@LeeQuinnell glad you enjoyed it like I did! Happy to have you along for this journey mate

[@LeeQuinnell]

Got a few band's I think you would like mate...they can wait for a bit tho mate...I reckon your list is getting pretty long...later mate

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@LeeQuinnell sounds good, yeah keep them on the back burner but more than happy to hear them in the future for sure

[@Pcrimson1]

Thanks for the shout out! Glad you liked it. And as someone already commented, you're assessment of what it's about is correct. Steve Wilson, the singer, is a highly respected person in the music world, a highly sort out sound egnineer for remastering older artists. This sound is close to the prog-metal genre. You'll hear more darker subject matter than 70s prog. If you want to hear more, try "Shallow", if you want softer, try "Lazarus". Another great reaction, thanks. This is Phil, US Roadie 1 signing off...

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@Pcrimson1 hey US Roadie, no problem, like to give credit where its due 🙂. I'll be keeping an ear out for future material he sings about for sure!!! Take care

[@nealjones255]

Reminds me of Rush maybe a little 🤷‍♂️ but very very enjoyable Cheers Steve

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@nealjones255 I can see where you find the similarities! Good spot!

[@antipop4906]

PT song 'Russia on ice' would be good to react too.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@antipop4906 thanks for the recommendation, popped on the list 🙂

[@het53]

Don't know what the song is about... Could be anything. But the album that it is from is badass. Along with all the other Porcupine Tree albums.

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@het53 duly noted, sounds like I'm in for a good ride with these guys!

[@het53]

@@MusicForTheSoulReactions I really enjoy your reactions. Funny. You are listening to the best music. Don't forget about The Alan Parsons Project. They are good too.

[@josephfelix2588]

this is essentially about Ted bundy

[@MusicForTheSoulReactions]

@@josephfelix2588 😵

[@neilhooper8759]

Yes, the subject is dark, you wouldn't think so if you didn't listen to the lyrics, I believe it's about a rapist, the backdrop you asked about is the cover off the album in Absentia, which blackest eyes is off, enjoy your lisen, you won't be sorry