In Absentia

Since 1991, when a small UK independent label released their debut album 'On the Sunday of Life,' Porcupine Tree have achieved widespread acclaim for their unique blend of rock, atmospherics, songwriting, and dark intellectual cool.

Indeed, Porcupine Tree's rich, cerebral rock albums have built them an intensely loyal fan-base both in their U.K. homeland and abroad. 'In Absentia' marks their much-anticipated major label debut, with the darkly atmospheric "Blackest Eyes" leading the way.

The band commenced recording this masterpiece in March of 2002, drawing from a pool of 30 new songs written by the group's main driving force Steven Wilson in the previous 2 years. Sessions took place in New York and London, with veteran engineer Paul Northfield (Rush, Ozzy Osbourne, Hole) and string arranger Dave Gregory also playing major roles in the making of the record. Mixing of the new album was completed in LA in May 2002 with Tim Palmer.

'In Absentia' is the band's most accomplished and complete work to date, featuring a much heavier sound on some tracks, but also some of the band's most beautiful and fragile works.

"In Absentia begs to be listened to"
-CMJ

"A jarring tour-de-force... cinematic... and simply gorgeous""
-BILLBOARD

" 'In Absentia' is an utterly tremendous CD. It evokes aural images of such luminary bands as Pink Floyd, Genesis, Transatlantic, Alice in Chains, plus others - mixing the whole lot up into one glorious miasma!"
-MARTY

"Porcupine Tree are the best of the new progressive bands to emerge in the last decade or two, with their lush soundscapes, wonderful musicianship, powerful performances and haunting melodies. When the group released 'In Absentia', they were invited to fill the support slot for Yes on their 2002 reunion tour - talk about a match made in heaven!

'In Absentia' is one of many fine albums by Porcupine Tree and several of the tracks have remained in their live set ever since. Just listen to exceptional cuts, such as "Blackest Eyes", "Trains", or "Heartattack in a Layby" and you'll soon get the picture. Wonderful stuff!"
-GEOFF