CD review GAVIN HARRISON "Cheating the polygraph"

(*/10) KScope proves again that they go for complex music rather than for mainstream. The latest album which underlines this is the longplayer from Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison. Next to this prog legend Harrison worked also together  with King Crimson and guys like Iggy Pop.

If you think that this gives you an idea about what "Cheating the polygraph" is about I must tell you that you're wrong. The new solo album from Harrison is progressive -without any doubt. But it differs quite a lot from the above mentioned references. 

The base for the tunes are Porcupine Tree songs that are fully re-arranged. The music can be described as 'big band sound'. Harrison merges swing, jazz and rock into something that sounds special. In total eight instrumentals take you on a journey through soundscapes that are a kind of 'new world' for metal fans. This also means that if you're looking for mighty riffs you should not consider this album as one you should go for. There are other releases this month that serves this menu.

But if you want to experience something new and exciting, than you're right with "Cheating the polygraph". The tunes on the longplayer are, even though they are complex and layered, easy to approach. The disc isn't too freaky but arranged in an innovative way. This is contemporary music on a high level. The song itself is the midpoint and a small masterpiece. Porcupine Tree shines in a total new light with those arrangements.

Again, you have to be open enough for this kind of music in order to start to enjoy what you hear. I don't give this album a rating since it has more a kind of exotic status on a heavy blog. However, it is worth to check it out and "Cheating the polygraph" is an excellent companion on a grey and rainy Sunday afternoon.

(*/10)

Tracklist:

1. What happens now?
2. Sound of muzak / So called friend
3. Start something beautiful
4. Heartattack in a layby / Creator had a mastertape
5. The pills I'm taking (from Anesthetize)
6. Hatesong (Halo)
7. Cheating the polygraph / Mother and child divided
8. Futile

Label: KScope

Genre: Rock