On Deadwing they try to narrow it down, alas.
They've gone through that "catch-them-before-they-gets-too-big" period. Now it seems they're aiming for big time breakthrough.
They have earlier been too eclectic for their own good, said SW, and probably a few of the record companies execs. And they went in for a target audience, like the heavier ones.
If one should check out Ptree, I would recommend in this order, so far.
1. In Absentia (2002)
2. Lightbulb Sun (2000)
3. Stupid Dream (1998)
4. Deadwing (2005)
5. Signify (1997)
Which are the ONLY ones were they are a full tilt band, playing on every tune, not as hired guns, as on earlier records.
Steve Wilson did most things on earlier albums. Later "recreations" of earlier albums, they've put some extra drums and bass over it and rereleased it. These five are the ones that has a full band all of the time. In between these releases, they've released at least to live albums, numerous "directors cut" and surplus material, that one really can't keep track of, if you're not a bona fide die hard fan.
Agree, Deadwing did not live up to it's expectations, since they've released In Absentia. I liked their eclectic things of the past, moreso than the streamlined heavyness on Deadwing. And yes, it's radio ready for heavy commercial radio stations.
Caveat Emptor: The lyrics can be - sometimes - over the top dark, and moody, gloomy beyond reason. That goes with the overall timbre in their music. They've sure been influenced by the Goth fraternity.
But in the end, Deadwing, fares very well compared to other bands in the same genre out there. Their music is very impressionistic, and would be suitable to any kind of dramatic thriller movie.
Of all their releases, you should check out special AUDIO DVD edition of "In Absentia" mixed in 5:1. Heard it at a friends house with monster equipment, and it left me scared, and when it was finished my heart beat double beats! I actually had trouble sleeping that night! No excessive loud volume mind you.
. Track 4 is bonehead rock again, and the "culminating masterpiece" Arriving Somewhere But Not Here falls short of the hype. In fact, the only songs that really stand out are track 8 (co-written by drummer Gavin Harrison - might explain why it has by far the most interesting rhythm, despite a very predictible chorus progression), and the "hidden" track Shesmovedon, which is better fare than the rest of it and showcases Harrison's extremely advanced and polished drum chops.
