The Pineapple Thief latest studio release (their 7th studio album to date), ‘Tightly Unwound’ is their debut with the UK label called K-Scope, (home to Porcupine Tree's older recordings and Steven Wilson's No Man project). My only other exposure to this band comes via singer/keyboardist/guitarist Bruce Soord involvement on Lands End 2005 release, ‘The Lower Depths’ on the songs “Digital Signatures” (guitar only) “Why Should I?” (guitar & vocals). At that time both The Pineapple Thief and Lands End were label mates on Cyclops Records.
The band's overall mixture of Porcupine Tree and Radiohead gives a combinations of sounds I‘ve always wanted to hear. I have to admit while being a fan of Radiohead, Thom’s vocals are too whiney. While Bruce has all the qualities of Thom sans the whiney part. The first three songs are the most memorable, and in a perfect world, all have a hit-worthy status.
While I love the song "My Debt To You", I think either "Shoot First" or “Sinners“ which do to a more powerful presence would have made better openers, in my opinion. I noticed that the next track, “Tightly Wound” is the only one that sounds vocally towards Porcupine Tree. With these four songs, start off the album rather impressible. Moods switch slightly on the epics of the disc, “Different World” and the 15 minute closer “Too Much To Lose”. "And So Say All Of You" fits perfectly as an interlude between these epics.
Since I haven’t heard the band’s previous releases, I can’t give you a comparison but from what I’ve read “Tightly Unwound” is structurally their best. I also read, those releases are out of print. I hope K-Scope re-issues them so I (as others) can obtain them at a decent price. After several listens, I find this album is perfect especially on those melancholy winter days By far one of my favorite releases of 2008 and a very recommended purchase to the fans of Porcupine Tree, Radiohead and similar bands!
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on December 16th, 2008
