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This
is the second release in the Transmission Recordings series on PT’s
own label. The first one, “XM”,
was released as a ‘really’ limited edition of a mere 1500 copies for
the Transmission 1.1 version and 1000 copies of the 1.2 version.
This “Warszawa” album isn’t limited at all, so finally all the
Porcupine Tree fans will be able to get hold of a copy. And it’s
really worth buying.
As I
already mentioned in the “XM”
review, the album was recorded in a radio station studio without any
audience, which made it all very cold. This time the”Warszawa” album
is once again a live broadcast for a radio station, polish radio
program III on April 6th in 2001, but they didn’t forget
the audience and that makes a big difference. This time it really
feels as if you’re in the venue, enjoying a great PT gig, and a
great PT gig it was. I remember seeing them in Belgium during the
same tour in 2001 and it still remains in my memory as one of the
best PT performances I witnessed. Especially the set list,
containing 6 tracks from “Lightbulb
Sun”, 3 tracks from “Stupid
Dream” and ending with “Voyage 34” and “Signify”, is really
impressive.
You also get a chance to hear Chris Maitland’s wonderful drum
playing again.
The whole band is really enjoying the performance and that reflects
itself on the music, which is played with a lot of energy and
dynamics. The CD lasts more than 79 minutes, so you get a lot of
material for your money. You just have to miss the great track
“Tinto Brass”, because there wasn’t anymore space left on the CD.
Even the last applause was suddenly cut of because of the lack of
time, although this could have used a fade out.
“Stop Swimming” is one of the best tracks of the album or to say it
with Steve Wilson’s words: “The saddest songs are the most beautiful
and this is one of the best I’ve ever written”. Yes, indeed, Steve
even speaks sometimes between tracks, also something which was
completely missing on “XM”.
It’s
a pity they don’t improvise a bit more. Most of the tracks are the
same as on the studio albums, brilliantly played, but the
opportunity to play something extra on this live album has been
missed. And of course, that’s one of the main reasons to buy live
material, isn’t it?
“Voyage 34” and “Signify” are bonus tracks for us, because they
weren’t transmitted live on radio and were only played for the
audience in the studio. And these tracks make this release even more
worthwhile.
I still prefer the “Coma
Divine” live album, maybe because of the older material, but
this “Warsawa” certainly beats “XM”,
so you don’t have to spend lots of money on Ebay. Just buy this one. |
