Live Review: Steven Wilson

Veteran musician Steven Wilson has typically enjoyed a knack for ensuring his performances feel akin to a bona fide occasion. The bespectacled English singer-songwriter and his tight, well-honed and wildly talented band had succeeded on that front during previous tours Down Under. From the strikingly cinematic visuals, spectral electronics and sense of ambience exhibited across two sets (including a 15-minute intermission) and sans an opening act, they did so again despite clearly being jetlagged amid a whirlwind schedule.

Wilson's latest solo record, To The Bone, may have confounded sections of the fanbase, but to this scribe, it ranks among the progressive rock mainstay's strongest work in some time. The band performed the bulk of the LP, which is Wilson's nod to the forward-thinking pop releases of his youth. The rich The Same Asylum As Before was a standout moment. Introducing Permanating by declaring a desire to reclaim the idea of pop music as something innovative created by the likes of The Beatles, Tears For Fears, Kate Bush and Kajagoogoo (a nudge and wink to Wilson's bassist Nick Beggs, a member of that band), before urging punters to “disco dance” was another. Ninet Tayeb's angelic vocals on Pariah were injected via the audiovisual component; unintentional comedy ensued when one attendee sitting near this reviewer was scrolling through social media while Wilson sang the memorable line “I'm tired of Facebook”.

Unfortunately, a late start and strict 11pm curfew meant the setlist was seemingly truncated fractionally. Therefore, considering the time constraints perhaps the main man could have indulged in a little less chatter in order to accommodate additional material. But given his banter was likeable and engaging, without feeling contrived, it was still welcomed by punters who enjoyed the personable feel. Encouraging those seated to stand during the two-and-a-half hour show's second stanza, the collective also aired some crowd-pleasing Porcupine Tree fare, including epic Arriving Somewhere But Not Here and Sleep Together.

As majestic closer Song Of Unborn reiterated, Wilson may not boast “hits” in his catalogue, but he should still be ruling arenas rather than preaching to the converted in packed theatres. Whatever creative path he opts to take in future, the aforementioned niche but loyal following will surely shell out their hard-earned for a ticket again next time around.