It's no longer news that, perhaps, the only contemporary prog icon Steven Wilson has had enough of prog. With his band
Porcupine Tree he once brought this style to the 21st century, followed by a collection of impressive solo albums. And while countless fans are still dreaming of a band reunion, Wilson has now thrown himself into synthpop. On The Future Bites he does this with all the skill of the
… past, with dry electronic disco beats and exciting synth parts that veer between Giorgio Moroder and The The. His limited and always civilized British vocals are beautifully supported by powerful female choirs in the choruses. What didn't change is the pedantic and overworked tone on which Wilson feels he has to denounce modern life. In the single Personal Shopper for instance, he has none other than Elton John call out a shopping list for the spoiled and shopping-mad consumer. A great thematic statement The Future Bites doesn't offer, but a successful musical statement it certainly is. (MR)more
