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Wilson, Steven: The Overview
 For his 8th studio album The Overview, acclaimed singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Steven Wilson returns to whence he came, the world of space rock & progressive rock, a place he regularly dabbles in but often states it's a style of music that doesn't define him. With a guest list that includes the likes of Adam Holzman on keyboards, Randy McStine on guitars, and Craig Blundell on drums, among others, Wilson lends his voice, guitar, bass, and keyboards to the two lengthy suites on display here.
"Objects Outlive Us" starts things off dreamy and ethereal...is this prog? Sure sounds like it. The arrangement kind of drifts along rather pleasantly, there are some spacey synths, some mellotron, layers of lush vocals, hints of Pink Floyd, and possibly Alan Parsons Project. I really enjoy when the booming bass kicks in around the 8-minute mark and we actually get some rockin' guitar riffing. Sadly, it doesn't last all that long, but then we go back into drifting, melancholy space-rock/prog that begins a slow build to another crescendo. A few minutes later it veers off again into some darker, intricate prog featuring some blazing lead guitar runs from Randy McStine and nicely laid out keys, followed by more heavy riffs. Near the end, we get some nice, spacey lead guitar from McStone to take the song out. This one was an interesting ride...can't say it's much like anything else he's done, yet it's somewhat familiar.
"The Overview" kicks off in pure space rock mold, like a head-on collision between Hawkwind and Animals era Floyd. The synth work is nicely done, it pulses and oozes, and the spoken word vocals & programmed drums add a futuristic feel. The "A Beautiful Infinity I" section is the most Steven Wilson/PT sounding piece so far on this album, dreamy pop with his unique and very appealing vocal style, lovely piano, slide, and fluttering synths. Part II is gorgeous as well, love the layer of vocals supported by the lush and spacey keys. The final segment is mostly floating, not all that eventful stuff, but fairly enjoyable and spacey.
After a bunch of listens, I find that I'm enjoying it, but I wonder how much I'll reach for it going forward. It's not overly exciting, but more mood music to me. It's nicely done, but I can't imagine I'll be reaching for this over some of my other favorites in his catalog, but, you just never know. Overall, a solid, if perhaps unspectacular, Steven Wilson release that is proving to be a slow grower.
Track Listing
1)Objects Outlive Us (23:17)
2)The Overview (18:12)
Added: March 28th 2025
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:  
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 314
Language: english
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Wilson, Steven: The Overview
Posted by Eric Porter, SoT Staff Writer on 2025-03-29 22:58:42
My Score:
One thing I will say for Mr. Wilson, he keeps things interesting. The Overview has been lauded as a return to his more progressive tendencies, and I can’t say I disagree. The concept for the album is based on The Overview Effect; a cognitive shift reported by some astronauts while viewing Earth from Space. It has been described as a state of awe, an appreciation and perception of beauty, unexpected and even overwhelming emotion, and an increased sense of connection to other people and the Earth as a whole. The effect can cause changes in the observer's self-concept and value system, and can be transformative.
Enough about the meaning, let’s talk about the music. One listen and you know it is Steven Wilson, lush and atmospheric sections slowly evolve to a crescendo of hard hitting guitars creating that patented Steven Wilson dynamic. The album sounds fantastic, and it feels like a return to form. Of the two tracks, “Objects Outlive Us” is by far my favorite. “The Buddha of the Modern Age” has layers of vocals bringing Wilson into Queen territory. “Meanwhile” is the catchiest tune to my ears and also provides some the albums heaviest moments, along with the ending to “The Cicerones/Ark”.
The Overview contains narration which I’ve never been a fan of from anyone. I find it distracts my enjoyment of the music. “A Beautiful Infinity/Borrowed Atoms” has that classic Wilson sound with the layered vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, and the right atmosphere created from the keyboards and piano. This is where the familiarity comes, hearing moments like this that remind you of what attracted you to Wilson’s music whether solo or with Porcupine Tree.
So, here’s my take, The Overview is a really good album, and contains the characteristics that I’ve come to expect in his music. I have spent a good amount of time listening prior to writing this review; unfortunately, the music fails to stay with me. I can easily recall my favorite Porcupine Tree songs, and almost every note of his masterpiece “The Raven Refused to Sing”, but “The Overview” hasn’t had that impact. As much as I do enjoy The Overview, I am not sure in a years’ time it will be the one I grab off the shelf when I am in the mood to hear Steven Wilson.
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