“The Raven That Refused to Sing” Steven Wilson’s latest Masterpiece

“The Raven That Refused to Sing” Steven Wilson’s latest Masterpiece

Really I could stop this review here and just call it day and after you read it you may wish I had.  How can I do an amazing piece of work like this justice with words?  I received “The Raven That Refused to Sing” in the mail a few weeks ago and it has been spun many times.   Once in a while you hear the word instant classic tossed around and while that may be true, how many truly are? Well this is not just an instant classic but it is an instant masterpiece. Simply put, Steven Wilson is one of the most incredible musicians to ever make music.  His first two solo releases were great but not on this level, this is over the top.

If you love or even mildly like prog rock you really should do yourself a favor and listen to this CD. Front to back all the way to the end. I honestly don’t think you can truly appreciate this release without sitting through the entire thing uninterrupted.

On to the music. Track 1 “Luminol” starts with a deep, funky bass groove that really sets the pace and serves as a tour guide for the 50 minute journey through an audio wonderland.  This journey at times seems to take us through a virtual twisting and turning icy mountain road and it seems like we’ll fly off the cliff at any moment but then he always manages to slow it back down and we arrive safely.  The crescendos are plentiful and the soundtrack for the ride is full some of the most brilliant piano, flute and guitar work you’ll ever find.  At the end of the ride is the title track “The Raven That Refused to Sing” a brilliant track with magic words….