I recently went to Toronto to see my favorite band perform at the Princess Margaret Theatre. Porcupine Tree is not well known here in North America. They originate from England (so proud) and play a type of music that most try to label "progressive rock". But labels are deceiving, irritating and itchy (if you don't cut them off properly).
This incredible band is made up of all the elements needed to be monsters of popularity except the desire to produce cheesy pop rock or top 40 radio dung.
Their list of elements include;
- Incredible musicians - with possibly the best drummer on the planet - though some might wish to debate me on that.
- Truly sophisticated music that challenges while it attacks and retreats through long eclectic passages of hard edge cuts and soft soul massages.
- Lyrics that would make a poet cry. An understanding of life and a brilliant ability to encapsulate it in a few short rhymes.
- The perfect stage show, with CD quality sound mix and near prefect reenactment of the recorded songs. Floyd would be proud!
Having waited since the Spring to see them, tickets in hand for 5 months, I thought I might have built them up to a place in my mind where I would undoubtedly be disappointed. I attended the evening with a close friend - who originally turned me on to this band during a 2 hour wait in a Japanese airport lounge - and my son who is also inspired by PTree's music.
The first set consisted of tracks from their new CD "The Incident" which is a monster in the making. Despite it's newness to me, it felt like I was listening to music and stories I had known all my life. The second set included tracks from older albums that included two of my all time favorites, "Anesthetize" and "Start of Something Beautiful". Near perfect compositions.
With illuminating sound penetrating the tightest corners of my soul I watched 2 hours disappear in a split second. Never have I been so disappointed to have a concert end. It could have gone on all night as I felt refreshed, invigorated and inspired.
My dear friend soaked up the event in a flurry of air drumming that could have been lethal should anyone wander in the vicinity. I, on the other hand, sat transfixed, not moving a mussel - I couldn't - the music took my mind away, and just left an empty hulk in my seat to tend to my coat and wallet. I was gone! Transported in to a very rare place - a place very few get to experience. I can say that with assurance as I have attended many a great concert in my day, but this was different - this was as close to a religious experience as I would want to get without the required worship and guilt based donations.
I had spent the whole summer waiting for this late September event. The realization that it was over too fast and that the next day was October, left me feeling the night chill and a touch of sadness that often precedes winter and the social hibernation we all go through here in Canada.
The leaves on my trees are changing, the Maple Leafs are dropping, the P Trees have left and soon the white stuff will appear. Not heart warming signs.
As they departed the stage, PTree promised to be back in the Spring with a new show. Perhaps this promise will get me through winter with a smile and a memory of a night that is now tattooed into my soul.
Until then - it's hibernation time. Time to dream of new leaves and the Trees returning.
