Hand Cannot Erase by STEVEN WILSON (2015-02-25)

I’ve been waiting since the late '70s, listening to hundreds of new groups and recordings during that time, trying to capture that old feeling of sitting down with a "Larks' Tongues in Aspic” or “Close to the Edge”… something that took me on a journey to a higher place where musical genres and boundaries melted away for the greater glory. Rare albums like those were addictive for me, a young musician myself, requiring many listens to unravel deeper mysteries and joys, always the special draw of the best prog-rock for me. (For that reason, I've never trusted reviews that reach conclusions about such efforts after just a spin or two.)This Wilson CD is one of very few since my early years to succeed fully in the same way and on virtually every level for me. I realize how much I’d missed sitting down for a spell with such engaging music that shines from that captivating higher place. Every element here seems just right, flowing seamlessly, and the world suddenly seems better. Hard to describe such music without sounding a bit unhinged with excitement, but that's the feeling I get from this effort.Trying to explain exactly why HCE stuns me would be an overwhelming task, better left to many of the fine reviews here. Suffice to say that the masterful balance of composition, musicianship, and production strikes me most of all, with a special nod to the brilliant guitars and drums throughout. (I'm a guitarist and semi-drummer after all, and these guys are insanely good.) The insightful and oddly uplifting lyrics (uniquely Steven Wilson), the extended instrumental excursions (think early King Crimson), the lush harmonies (think early Yes), and the constant attention to the swing of emotional highs and lows (think early Genesis or Tull or Pink Floyd) are all coming from that great place above. Every note and beat matter here. Even a quiet backing guitar is a thing of beauty.For years now, Wilson has certainly proven himself to be a master composer, arranger, lyricist, performer, producer, engineer, and virtually every other role that applies. While I’ve definitely enjoyed his previous efforts, with and without PT, this one’s special. HCE is likely a recording he’ll long be remembered for, a milestone in his career, the moment his many roles and skills merged into something larger and magical. At least that’s my take after two months of totally addictive listening, and I can’t help but wonder if this album’s tragic, moving tale of love and isolation worked its magic on Steven himself while he created this seductive musical landscape.I nominate Steven Wilson as ‘Renaissance Man of the Year’ for his exceptional ability to channel the heart of the '70s prog masters with his own contemporary vision and skill. While its classic prog roots clearly run deep, HCE is in the end a unique masterpiece firmly planted in the present tense. A remarkable gift for lovers of this genre.

This 2015 release is just fantastic. It is so hard to find decent music nowadays; especially for those of us that wander far from the beaten path. Fortunately, Steve Wilson has found a way to bring progressive into the 21st century - and people seem tio really like it. This is easily one of the finest albums I have heard in a long time.He brings together a stellar cast of first-chair players who work very well together - there is some dazzling ensemble playing and enough odd meters to keep the prog rock fan in me satisfied. Ultimately though, it is the emotional sophistication of this music that keeps me coming back to it. In fact, it was the melancholy track "Perfect Life" that attracted me to Hand. Cannot. Erase in the first place. Although the album is fairly sombre, and a bit dark, these are dark times - I think this is reflected in the music, and why it might appeal to a broader range of people. There is no time for "prancing about in fairyland".My favorite passages on the album are the atmospheric/haunting ones - the occasional splash of mellotron, analog synthesizers, and Hammond organ are nice too. I do, however, like the heavier "metal-ish" aspects too - it makes for a nice contrast. I also like the spoken passages (as on Perfect Life) and the occasional use of vocalists other than Steve - it makes the (terribly sad and true) story more intimate - more resonant.The sound quality on this recording is astonishing - no detail has been overlooked. There is an excellent balance of the instruments, a wide variety of tone colors, and not the least bit in the way of compression or excessive "loudness". This is a warm and natural-sounding recording. The CD package is also very nice.All in all, Steve Wilson is making some of the finest music I have heard in a long time. This album is highly recommended along with "Grace for Drowning" (2011).

As with most people, I first discovered Steven Wilson through his former (?) band Porcupine Tree. When he started his solo career I did not think the material was at the same level as PT, but with each album he improved and to my ears “Hand Cannot Erase” is the culmination of all that he has done up to this point. This may be the masterwork of his career. Some may argue that the music is more accessible and thus less progressive than his previous efforts. Yes this album is accessible, but to Wilson’s credit he pulls it off without losing any of the elements that have built his loyal following over the years. The album opens with an almost Who like instrumental and from there moves all over the map. Tracks are both beautiful and aggressive. Wilson’s supporting cast of musicians are once again some of the top dogs in the progressive rock pound with some incredible guitar and keyboard work to be found throughout the album.. As with all things Wilson touches, the production is once again outstanding. It is a sonic treat that must be experienced with a good set of headphones. Bottom line is this album ranks up with the very best that Steven Wilson has ever done and has my vote for album of the year. It is that good.

There are a ton of different musical styles and feels on this album, from spoken word/electronic (Perfect Life) to 2000s-King Crimsonesque angular progressive rock (Ancestral) and much in between. There aren't leitmotifs and there's no reused material tying the album together (except the very beginning and end of Happy Returns/Ascendant Here On). But the concept, exploring isolation and loss, inspired by Joyce Carol Vincent brings everything together beautifully and, together with carefully plotted album flow, makes a beautiful work of art. I just can't stop listening to it.

I came to a point where porcupine tree just weren't doing it for me and I abandoned SW and co.What a mistake.Steven's solo material is absolutely brilliant and beautiful.This album brought me back to the fold and wow, it's amazing! Every track is superb. Don't be me. Buy this today, it's a stunning piece of work.

This album is a genuine phenomenon. I am very new to Steven Wilson, if it weren't for a little game called the 'Last Day of June' I'd still be unaware and that makes me sad. Why vecause there are people who still don't know Steven's music. This album should be in everybody's top 5. What can more can I say, just buy it. Oh and if you're not sure go and watch the video for Routine. Haunting and powerful.

What a blissful album, Steve Wilsons albums are so detailed and layered you can constantly discover more beauty and depth. I came to this album after discovering Porcupine tree ages ago, and hearing SW solo To the Bone, recently. I cant turn it off, the songs are pervasive ear worms, like any fantstic art once you key into the style there's nothing close to it.

Steven Wilson has produced a string of great albums, and many people haven't heard his music. This is definitely worth buying.He's also a producer and has remastered many classic albums - e.g. by Yes and Jethro Tull.