More Derivative Slop from Steven Wilson, I mean, Porcupine Tree... Harridan Review 

For someone who claims frequently and vehemently to not really give a toss about the 'slop' you claim Steven Wilson puts out, you sure did fall over over yourself to make sure you'd be the first person to review this song on RU-vid. I get that your online persona is at least partially structured around vocally hating Steven Wilson and 'triggering' his 'fanboys' but it's honestly pretty boring to watch. Have you ever tried, just, not listening to a Steven Wilson project? I feel like you would be a happier person for it.

I came here to watch the stupidity unfold I mean, imagine getting so worked up over a single song that you block people

Thing is, He says about all of the box sets and how they’re “worthless” and “meaningless” and “a cash grab”, but no doubt on his Unboxing channel which is this one, When the album comes out he’ll be making yet another unboxing video showing it off and bashing it, just like how he’s done for all of the other Pink Floyd, Steven Wilson and Marillion related releases that he purchases just for the sake of a video.

Oh man I didnt know there was a new PT song out! you are doing a fine job promoting their music thank you! :D

Coming out of the woodwork just an hour after it released? Concerning your (rather one-sided) feud with Mr. Wilson, I must say, how petty and whiny thou art! You must be weary from such vapid hatred.

Darren, I really enjoyed Richard Barbieri's recent solo albums, especially "Planets + Persona". Let's not underestimate how important high-profile projects like Porcupine Tree are for legendary but commercially somewhat under-the-radar musicians like Mr. Barbieri.

Well played. I watched you drivel on for 4 mins before turning off. I suppose that gets you a watch. Mission accomplished.

In your nearly 9 minute ‘Harridan Review’ I discovered you dislike SW/PT (everything’s boring/meaningless/derivative slop), there’s lots of versions of the new PT album available, access to presale tickets doesn’t mean you can absolutely buy a ticket, millions of people died of Covid. There, I summed it up in less than 15 seconds. I guess I’m never getting the 9 minutes I wasted waiting for your actual ‘review’ back.

The song is actually a banger. And i´m not a fan of SW.

To say such words to an absolute legend in modern prog rock music, you either have to be extremely talented or very famous. From what I see, you are none of the two things mate!

Come on! Ive loved SW for 12 years ever since I heard "Even less" and "Sentimental" and at that time I had never before heard lyrics that resonated more with me. Yes he's derivative. But he's a colistener and democratizer of prog rock that turned me from a metalhead to a musichead. Have some respect.

Pretentious hack Oh, and not talking about Steven Wilson here

The last time I didn't like a song, I moved on with my day. This isn't even a review or anything, just a 9 minute cynical rant with the sole purpose of pissing people off. Surely you can do better than this childish and obvious bait.

Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, your opinion, man.

Thank you for allowing Steven Wilson to live rent free inside your head. Imagine how many productive things you could have accomplished in the time this all took.

😁😁😁 IDGAF WTF U SAY 😁😁😁 What ever drove you to become so bitter and devote so much real estate in your cortex about.. it would seem a suitable case for treatment. I've been 😍😍😍Closure/Continuation, finding it absolutely worth the wait!

I just paid my copy and posted the information here just to entertain your ego, cuz I'm a nice guy you see 😇👌 And I do accept your opinion.

What kind of music are you playing, or covering with those guitars behind you?

Blocking people who disagree with you? Lol not even a shred of credibility

"What, no wax cylinder ?!"

This is not a review. It’s just more of the same derivative nonsense from Darren Slop as we always get. But at least it’s a good indicator that the song is actually good.

In other words; my last album tanked, I couldn't tour it and I'm a bit skint!

Calm down baldy 😂

in absentia is kinda good? can I enjoy it? Melon didn't review it so I'm not sure

It is a instant classic. Drumming is Also a matter of study for years to come. Great great track, bass abviously lacks.

What have you written and recorded Darren? I'd love to hear

I don't own any PT albums, but I have Steven Wilsons solo stuff, and I quite liked harridan.

Blunt honesty. The dire music scene such as it is and the world needs more of it. Darren what is the Original Album Series box set on the shelf behind you? I'm curios.

That's nine minutes I won't get back. For something you hate, you're giving them free publicity. So the joke is on you.

Nothing like the angry old man yelling at the clouds again

Man these comments are still gold

I'm a huge PT/ Steven Wilson fan. But stopped following his works after Grace for Drowning. After that everything felt like something was lost that never quite returned. I understand what you're saying.

Let me just say that I have heard harridan in 1 day more than the number of times I heard all songs of fear inoculum. And I think lateralus and 10k days are the best albums ever.

Love these videos where you piss everyone off the comments are gold 😅

I'd leave a scathing, disapproving comment, but after listening to him ramble for a few minutes and reading through these comments a bit, it's clear that it's not worth anyone's time. This video, his persona, and his remarks are solely for the purpose of baiting you.

the track could have been on deadwing. all familiar, nothing new. i like it though.

How can you so confidently say music and lyrics mean nothing, just because they don't speak to you? I've listened to you for 5 minutes and all you've done is be pretentious

Isn't it a bit arrogant to talk about your music and praise it by comparing it to Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson? I have listened to some of your music and believe me I have found much better songs from other RU-vidrs.

Hi. Could it be that I have turned a virtual corner on the Internet and wandered into a channel for those all affluent, suburban, middle class raised, wankers who used to hang around in the music department in school (many years ago!), are in and out of their local music shop, week in, week out, spending a shitload of cash from their boring as fuck jobs (accountant/ project manager/ painter and decorator/ pest controller like Saxondale) on a load of rare, contrived but ultimately redundant gear that they have very little need for because they can't write for shit and have absolutely bugger-all fans?

I like Porcupine Tree well enough but I do question just how “progressive” their output really is.

Why am I the lone fan of music Darren doesn't like that that doesn't hate Darren? If I cared what other people thought about my musical taste, I'd be listening to The Beatles... (there - I took some heat off him).

Think once, think twice, think, don't drive your car on the Pavement..

If I like it I will buy it. If I like it I will think it's good. The opposite is true for you. What are you on about

Perhaps PT is popular among people who were in their teens/early twenties during PTs hayday. My generation's (born early 70s) "prog" kings were Faith No More, and other related stuff, Mr. Bungle etc. For my ears that is still highly "progressive" and comes from real place as does Darrens "L" album. I have listen a few of Darrens records but that one has a special feel that resonates with my taste.

Yeah The Incidents actually great. I really love Future Bites too. Even dodgy Elton doing an impression of Stephen Fry on 50 Words for Snow is brilliant to me. I love Steve Wilson. He is also hot.❤️😎🤷‍♂️🧑‍🎤 I love it all so much 💞💞💞💞💞 we are married for life.

I think what many people are taking issue with in this review is the overly dismissive, sneering tone. Also why exactly this is derivative is not that clear from your video. Yes, it’s a Porcupine Tree song that sounds like a Porcupine Tree song…but it’s an excellent one. Great, contrasting sections and song development; tension is built but not released until the heavy section really hits hard with Gavin finally letting loose while Richard’s sculpted and slowly unfurling sonic textures swirl. The acoustic sections contains the beautiful understated melancholy that Steven does so well; ending on the #5 interval is a nice touch giving the song a lack of closure. The character is moving through different emotions and one has to wait for the rest of the album to see where they end up. The lyrics are just there, but I never came to Porcupine Tree for the lyrics. To me, sometimes they just help create the mood and ambience of the track; that’s sometimes all they need to do. Also lots of weird statements like the ones you made to the effect of “people are just buying this because they have nothing else to buy because music is horrible right now.” you’re just making up stuff about people and their intentions that aren’t in reality. There’s so much great music coming out and music I’m still trying to get a handle on from the past I struggle to keep up. So I’m buying this because I’m looking forward to listening to it through along from other artists I’ve been digging recently. I’m looking forward to the new releases from Boris and Black Midi respectively, really digging the new ARCA kick albums. Tigran Hamasyan dropped a killer new album. Just discovered this beautiful singer from Armenia Areni Agbabien. Still getting regular sustenance from my hero’s Shostakovich and Ben Monder. I have plenty of music to digest, and I buy new albums every month to explore. In line with this, you also spend a lot of time calling people buying the new record and enjoying the song suckers. Nah, man. I truly enjoyed the track and figured it was indicative of the quality of the rest of the album so was quite happy to purchase. Sorry you didn’t enjoy the song🤷🏻‍♂️. If you had been more measured and thoughtful in your response, showing a mind that is open but ultimately not enthusiastic about the song for various reasons, people would be less bothered. But that’s not what happened here. Sneering dismissal and imparting of ideas onto others that don’t actually describe them is just bad form and unnecessary.

Well critics always have problems no matter what you do .. Seems they can never be pleased😂😂

If you hate his music, then don't bother listening to it. Simples! ;-)

Wait 'til you hear the latest track from the new Marillion album, which is similarly highly derivative, despite all the pre-release chat to the contrary. Sad to say it sounds to me like they're out of ideas.

Yes he's derivative. But no I won't stop loving his records. But I especially like early No-Man because they truly had a very odd and unusual style and tend to be underappreciated by Steven Wilson fans. I like weirder songs like Access Denied and the first record as well. Stuff that other fans tend not to like. He's made so much stuff! And its a wonder so much of it is of relatively high quality. I listened to "Shadow of a twisted Hand across My House" the other day and it kinda tripped me out. Maybe not original but its fun to jump from that straight to the EP version of Painting Paradise by No-Man and be like "Ohh yeah this is the same guy". Its the sheer mass of stuff that he's put out that's part of the appeal. And also like Kurt Cobain he often credits his influences so I could just go listen to that.

Intentionally stirring shit for the channel engagement, huh? I dig it. I wish you success in your endeavor. Also, Steven Wilson is a compositional genius.

Can we rename this channel, Harridan? Seems like it fits the definition.

I almost don't want to write this, but this guy is just outrage baiting y'all. That's the goal, to engage everyone in likes/dislikes/comments

6:46 Well maybe, but there is also a shit ton of much, much worse music out there, and us music consumer nerds always need more right? You take what you get, and I for one will take this song and gobble it up over and over again until the album comes out! Edit: I gave you a thumbs up just because you told me not to :D

I personally enjoyed the new single, after really hating his last album. But fair play to you for stating your opinion, its hilarious watching the fanboys getting their knickers in a twist, makes you wonder why they go on RU-vid. Amazing, please keep it up the good work.

porcupine tree/steve wilson are brilliant...luv all there stuff...latest single is ace too. im sure u like and listen to bands what other ppl think suck.. so tell me what are your fav bands?

clickbait, also a good way of people to drive up interaction through comment sections #keepitup

I can hardly believe that a real human being conducts themselves with such cartoonish snark. If you want your points to be taken seriously, try not putting people off in the first 10 seconds of the video.

Damn your life must be miserable 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Then don't buy it / support the artist. Instead your trying to profit off of them and the fame they have with the big click bait red text and hot take. Kinda lame way to leech.

Hey it's ok if you don't like the new album. I enjoyed it but it's not their best work obviously. It does sound too similar to Steven Wilson's solo stuff (which I do like). It doesn't mean you have to trash all of their careers and the fans like a butthurt troll. You talk about Steven Wilson like he's fucking Walt Disney with an iron grip around the metal community. You give him too much credit. You give prog rock fans a bad name, reinforcing the stigma that we are all intellectual pricks hell bent on outwardly expressing our self-loathing towards others that even slightly dissent in our godly and perfect opinions. There is a difference between constructive criticism and emotional conjectures.

You're like that Roald Dahl bit where you think so many ugly thoughts that it shows up on your face and hairline.

Hey my name is Darren and I hate on Steven Wilson for no reason

what a sad life he must have...

I'm so hyped for the full album review!

i think that bass line would've hooked anyone's attention in any era. You are a curmudgeon and i dig SW, but you gave me a laugh. Have a like and cheer up fella!

I love it when Darren’s haters seep out of the RU-vids. A very enjoyable read and thumbs way up from me!

“It gives us, for the first time, the hideous notion that there can be music which stinks to the ear.” - Eduardo Hanslick on Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto. A review requires more than a bilious ad hominem assault. Using the word harridan is not sexist or misogynist either. And full disclosure: the PT and Wilson's work is matter of indifference.

This kind of slop…bring it on. I love it.

Yeah this sounded more like a Wilson solo project song than a PT song. Barbieri's soundscapes are still top notch though (of course Harrison's drumming too). This single could still be a b-side track out of Luminol or Hand Cannot Erase. The Future Bites was hot garbage. And with Edwin missing (probably due to Australia's covid restrictions) I'm not paying 4/4 for this. 3/4 at max.

I'm a fan of Porcupine Tree. Are you going to insult me?

I checked the track today, but wasn't feeling it. Maybe I need to listen to it again later. Who knows. It didn't really feel like a genuine 'PT' track, as they usually have a very distinctive style and Richard's soundscapes, Colin's bass and Steven's guitar are very significant to their sound and I can tell a PT track mostly from the first second. But hey, it's one track of an album, so who knows. I'll check Spotify before I buy. 🤷‍♂️

That's why I left this channel a long time ago. The level of hypocrisy is over the top. Still wish you best. No matter what.

totally agree with you, for what it's worth

Lol. Thanks, Simon.

In spite of my better judgment, I wanted to be excited for this. Didn't really like the last two or three PT albums and kind of hoped them coming back might refresh the formula a bit... And then I see that they dropped a member without fanfare while claiming a reunion. Ok, ok, maybe Colin Edwin just wasn't available and they didn't want to draw attention. And then I heard the song... Um... It's there? My ears didn't bleed? Eldritch horrors weren't summoned? Music wasn't harmed? I mean, it bored me to the point that I tuned it out at the 3 minute mark, but... Eh, who am I kidding? This is the Faith No More reunion all over again: a once distinct band that now sounds just like the "name" band member's other side projects. I'll probably give the album a chance when it drops, but I'm expecting to be let down on this one. Wilson's got talent - he hooked me years ago for a reason - but he's just doing nothing with it that I particularly care about these days and that kinda sucks.

...says the bloke with the Queen t-shirt...

I didn't have intense strong feelings for harridan but I do like porcupine tree a lot. You didn't really bring up how porcupine tree are derivative and derivative compared to what? I gave a cursory glance at your music because I think criticism would be fair if your tastes were really out there but they don't seem to be, could be wrong. Porcupine trees discography tho does go through a lot of different variations and styles as does Wilson and their songs contain a lot of elements and nuance. As far as lyrics haven't checked with harridan yet but other stuff from fear of a blank planet I think while on the nose I guess definitely does have meaning and weight dealing with mental health in young people in the modern world. A fair lyrical criticism which could have tied into your weird fascination with the box sets would be the fact that Wilson criticised this stuff in future bites. Only other things is I don't get the necessity to insult fans of the music, especially the implication that they are all idiots or not as smart as you, since you don't know them all personally and to make the claim that all people that listen to X are stupid is just plain elitist. You're music is alright I tend to want to latch on to music with more going on in them or a lot of high energy but that's just me.

PT coming to Amsterdam next year is good news. I'll be there. I'll skip box sets and what not. I'm hoping for a live recording, that will do. Cheers and rock on!

Thought it sounded great. Like yes lyrics mean anything either

Lol. I was hoping for an 8 track version. All kidding aside. I liked the song

I like the song and Harrison’s drums are incredible as usual. Not sure why you call it slop, I think it’s a great song.

Porcupine Tree has something special, I like the older periode the best must say I did not aspect that this new song would be that good, but it is very good ! the video did not do to much to me. for my taste much better than Steven's solo work have a good one !

I honestly agree with you about this track, and I'm actually a fan of earlier PT.

Having just come from this 'content creators' own website, it is understandable how he has an ear for slop.

Pissing people off on a beautiful Monday. You’re awesome!!!

Yeah but, DELUXE EDITION BOXSETS!

I can't tell if you're really ranting about SW/PT or if you're just trolling/being a character. Anyway that was pretty cringe. That's sad because as you said, that's time you'll never get back.

well the track has got more life and energy than the insomnia curing new Yes album

“Access to presale tickets but does not guarantee tickets I don’t know what it means!!!😔” bro it means you get early access to purchase tickets and it does not mean you are given tickets for free/entitle you to a ticket purchase it’s not that hard

I agree, more of the same

Darren Darren Darren … 🥱

If you hate porcupine tree and Wilson. Why even talk about it? You sound so salty and jealous hahaha 🤣

love you darren

Haven't commented for a while Mr Lock. I laughed so much, you really will piss off the Wilson fan boys. Totally agree, it's twenty years out of date, Nine Inch Nails did this stuff years ago and even Reznor as moved on. Lol cheers, so funny. 😂

For me it sounds the same as their last stuff before their hiatus. Same old, same old, I'm not excited. Best thing in the new song is the bass line.

Not jealous at all. 😂 I notice the guitars in the background, so I'm guessing failed, bitter 'musician'.

Wax cylinder 😂😂😂

Pick up one of those guitars behind you and play some of your mind bending riffs, ya bitter old critic.

Bloody hell Darren i didn't realise what a hornets nest you have shaken, people getting pretty riled over your vid.......they need some chill pills....ha ha ha!