An eerie moon with two eyes and mouth agape provided the pre-set backdrop for Steven Wilson’s show Friday night at Los Angeles’ Club Nokia, just before whispers were projected in over the speakers to create a stir within the capacity crowd.
As Wilson took the stage with his on-point collective consisting of guitarist Guthrie Govan, woodwind player Theo Travis, keyboardist Adam Holzman, bassist Nick Beggs and local drummer Chad Wackerman, there was a palpable sense of excitement and almost uncertainty as to what was to come.
You see, Wilson isn’t really known for creating tight four-minute tracks that are radio-ready. Instead, the Porcupine Tree frontman is known for his epic opuses, whether it is with his typical band or as a solo artist.
In fact, his latest album, the critically-acclaimed The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories), is comprised of six tracks that clock in with over 50 minutes of material. Friday’s performance pulled from several of those compositions to the delight of the rapt audience.
Wilson, who carries the progressive rock banner for such acts like Yes, Genesis and King Crimson, perfectly commanded his band while regularly switching between acoustic and electric guitars, bass and keys. (more…)
