Steven Wilson, Auckland NZ, 2018

Steven Wilson

12th November 2018
Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Adam Jones. Photography by Chris Zwaagdyk.

Becoming a linchpin of the progressive rock realm over a thirty-year career, Steven Wilson has cemented his legacy in the music world as the architect behind Porcupine Tree. Currently carving out a remarkable vocation as a solo artist, Wilson has added to his ever expanding back catalogue with his recent work To the Bone which this tour is in support of; his name carrying such weight within the progressive scene that venues often sell out based on his moniker alone.

The anticipation for tonight’s journey through Wilson’s mindscape hung like winter wood smoke in the air. The show itself split into two halves, both featuring his latest solo work and classic Porcupine Tree material which was rapturously received from those in attendance. Like many evenings spent with Steven Wilson, fans were treated to an exceptional two and a half hour show rich in stunning visuals and music that encapsulated his talent and clearly illustrated his standing in the music world.

As the lights dimmed and the applause settled, the audience were presented with a short film entitled ‘Truth’. It featured images presented with a singular word and was the perfect representation of what To the Bone is all about; how honesty is perceived differently and the modern-day issue around truth being questioned in the wake of the rise of fake news; strong political ideals becoming ever more prevalent. The choice to use the Bruce Mason Centre as the venue for this auspicious show may have divided opinions, the venue itself seeing the evening relegated to a seated affair, whereas Wilson’s music is far more suited to a standing one. Wilson addressed this issue with his trademark banter and called on his fans to rise for the second half of the night as the songs could not be truly performed to a seated audience.

The thought provoking opener of ‘Nowhere Now’ from his latest album was quickly followed up with the first single ‘Pariah’, the chorus ringing out throughout the venue as Israeli vocalist Ninet Tayeb’s part was projected on to the rear screen. It’s a wonderful song and the wall of sound that resonated from the duelling guitars as it closed out was a sight to behold. Upon its conclusion Wilson took the time to jest with his fans about the age of those in attendance, a point he addressed many times to much laughter. It’s no secret that his fanbase have loyally followed him across his thirty-year career and as such, are of the older persuasion. However, there was definitely new blood amongst the old guard, a positive sign that progressive rock is once again being picked up and is rapidly increasing in popularity.

The remainder of the first half really gave the band time to shine with multiple experimental songs leading the charge, namely ‘Home Invasion’, ‘Regret #9’ and ‘The Same Asylum as Before’. ‘Refuge’ was a particular highlight as Adam Holtzman commanded the stage with an impressive synth solo that could only be expected at a Steven Wilson show, drawing huge cheers before the song ended with a beautiful film projected on to the rear screen, the band providing the consummate soundtrack. ‘Ancestral’ was the ideal way to bring the first half to a close as it showcased just how talented this ensemble of musicians really is. The bass skills of Nick Beggs were on full display, complimenting the tight percussion work of Craig Blundell as the song roared to life. New addition Alex Hutchings was a tour de force on lead guitar and left the audience speechless with his solo work. Again, ‘Ancestral’ is a great song but to witness it performed live is something else altogether.

After a brief intermission and an opportunity to process what had been seen in the first hour, the band returned to the stage under individual spotlights and began to slowly form the classic Porcupine Tree track ‘Arriving Somewhere but Not Here’ at which point everyone took to their feet, many in the audience beginning to sing along. The response that the song drew from those in attendance was a clear sign that the night was only just beginning. ‘Permanating’ was a strong follow up, the crowd having now relaxed and fully immersing themselves in the performance; Wilson delivering a brief introduction and explaining the songs importance to him as a solid piece of pop music. Encouraging everyone to let loose and disco dance, several fans took Wilson up on his challenge. The highlight, the gorgeous light display which bathed the stage in a purple and gold hue, a further piece of the live experience that has been hand crafted by the genius leading the affair.

For the rest of the second half, we were treated to tracks such as ‘Song of I’, ‘Detonation’ and Porcupine Tree’s ‘Sleep Together’. However, It was the encore that really finished the night off with a bang; the band exiting the stage for only a few seconds before rumbling erupted from the seats, people emphatically calling out for more from Wilson and co and they were not disappointed. The band returned with the same energy that they had graced the stage with for the previous two hours and proceeded to play two more songs to send everyone home content. ‘The Sound of Muzak’ was an ultimate crowd pleaser with Wilson taking on the role of composer to direct the audience through the chorus; but the ultimate stand out of the evening was ‘The Raven that Refused to Sing’; Jess Copes’s short stop motion film playing in the background, telling the story of the haunting song and really driving home the intended emotion.

An emotive trip through the mind of a progressive rock titan, Steven Wilson in concert really is an experience like no other.

Were you there at the Bruce Mason Centre to witness this progressive rock masterclass? Or have you seen Steven Wilson perform live some other time? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Setlist:

1. Nowhere Now
2. Pariah
3. Home Invasion
4. Regret #9
5. The Creator Has A Mastertape [Porcupine Tree]
6. Refuge
7. The Same Asylum As Before
8. Ancestral
9. Arriving Somewhere But Not Here [Porcupine Tree]
10. Permanating
11. Song Of I
12. Lazarus [Porcupine Tree]
13. Detonation
14. Heartattack In A Layby [Porcupine Tree]
15. Vermillioncore
16. Sleep Together [Porcupine Tree]
17. The Sound Of Muzak [Porcupine Tree] [encore]
18. The Raven That Refused To Sing [encore]

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