Steven Wilson's first solo album Insurgentes (2009) had something of a repository of material that this British workaholic couldn't put into his countless other bands and projects. The singer, guitarist and producer who is best known for fronting Porcupine Tree seems to have learned a lot from his remix jobs of early King Crimson albums, as successor Grace For Drowning shows. On this album his music
… sounds much more playful and creative and he dares to mix styles like King Crimson did on Lizard Òf Islands. The dark prog rock with classical influences and tasteful use of electronics are not new to Wilson, but this time he gives the whole a much looser and sometimes almost jazzy atmosphere. An important role in this is played by reed player Theo Travis with his prominent saxophone, clarinet and flute playing. Wilson composed the twelve songs on two CDs into two suites in which every note is in place and through which you can best listen to the discs in their entirety. Then an absolute highlight in his already high-quality oeuvre reveals itself. (MR)more
