Steven Wilson - Get All You Deserve (Live DVD Review)
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Wednesday, 12 September 2012 |
Written by Ben Bland
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It has been something of a bumper year for Steven Wilson. An extended period of inactivity for his most famous project, Porcupine Tree, seemed, to many, to hint that his time at the top of the prog rock tree was coming to an end. Instead, Wilson’s second solo record 'Grace for Drowning' was joyously received by critics and fans alike. In fact, he is now arguably better known as an individual than ever. Surprisingly he opted to take the record on tour and 'Get All You Deserve' is the (now near-obligatory) resulting live DVD.
 As anyone who has viewed Porcupine Tree’s excellent 'Arriving Somewhere…' and 'Anesthetize' DVDs would expect, the quality of the visuals is excellent again here. Frequent Wilson collaborator Lasse Hoile has done a fine job of capturing the individual qualities of each musician in the extremely talented live group present here. Particularly of note perhaps is the way he enables viewers to revel in the ferociously tight rhythm section of bassist Nick Beggs and drummer Marco Minnemann, both of whom can be seen to work in ruthlessly efficient tandem. Stylistically there are elements of the analogue, something that both Hoile and Wilson consider important, but they are subtle and only noticeable upon close observation. The focus here is, rightly, upon the superb music being played on stage, although the occasional flash of Hoile’s often disturbing live visuals is also appreciated.
Recorded in Mexico City, the performance of show opener 'No Twilight Within the Courts of the Sun' perhaps is the best cut of all. As each musician enters the stage one by one to create a dense wall of jazz inspired sound, it becomes clear that Wilson’s music is not only brilliantly put together but also, at times, startlingly unique. Whilst his homages to classic progressive rock are obvious, watching these songs being played only enhances the modern touches that he has been clever enough to include in his music. Take the drone noise freakout that closes proceedings on 'Get All You Deserve' itself, or the industrial darkness of 'Index' as perfect examples.
Maybe though, despite all the musical wizardry on display here, the most resounding images of all come of Wilson himself...having a good time, lost in his music. This DVD captures the man leading, being the showman, and blessing us with some great material, but not in the ultra-serious tone that some feel he has exuded at times in his career with Porcupine Tree. That, more than anything, makes 'Get All You Deserve' a worthwhile purchase both for those who have seen the show, and for those that have not.
'Get All You Deserve' is out via Kscope on 24th September.
A third Steven Wilson solo album will be released next year.
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