Episodes

  • Episode 178 - Porcupine Tree Part 9, In Absentia

    Episode 178 - Porcupine Tree Part 9, In Absentia
    Jun 12 2026
    Episode 178 – Porcupine Tree Part 9, In Absentia At long last, the beginning of the “main sequence” for Porcupine Tree, In Absentia! Enter Gavin Harrison and larger-than-life riffs. In Absentia is an album that heralds a new phase of the band’s development. From the last-minute drummer change to the macabre sources we explore what makes this record such a game-changer. BlueSky: @progpala.bsky.social X: @progpala Instagram: www.instagram.com/progressivepalaver/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3…cJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • SCS 43 - Nine Inch Nails in Austin TX, March 2026

    SCS 43 - Nine Inch Nails in Austin TX, March 2026
    Jun 8 2026
    SCS43 – Nine Inch Nails in Austin TX, March 2026 Joe recounts attending a Nine Inch Nails concert at Austin's Moody Center on March 1st, 2025 with Paul and Ken. He delivers a detailed breakdown of the production: Trent Reznor's vocal performance remains *remarkably fresh*, the rotating band (featuring Robin Finck, Stu Brooks, and Josh Freeze) delivered exceptional musicianship, and the innovative multi-stage setup with live camera feeds created a dynamic, immersive experience spanning three acts. We debate whether Reznor's evolution from rebellious icon to polished professional represents artistic growth or strategic positioning—and ultimately agree the performance was *stellar*. What's your take? Have you seen Nine Inch Nails recently? BlueSky: @progpala.bsky.social X: @progpala Instagram: www.instagram.com/progressivepalaver/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3…cJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 177 - Porcupine Tree Part 8, Lightbulb Sun

    Episode 177 - Porcupine Tree Part 8, Lightbulb Sun
    Jun 5 2026
    Episode 177 – Porcupine Tree Part 8, Lightbulb Sun Progressive Palaver returns with a deep dive into Porcupine Tree's Lightbulb Sun —the 2000 landmark that shifted the band toward melodic, pop-influenced progressive rock. The group explores an album that initially sparked skepticism but revealed surprising depths on repeated listens. The Palaver dissects each track, celebrating Chris Maitland's phenomenal drumwork and Stephen Wilson's sophisticated song construction while wrestling with uneven moments. We appreciate Wilson's willingness to experiment before abandoning directions, and they marvel at how consecutive releases allowed genuine artistic growth during the rich prog landscape of 1999-2000. What's your take? Did *Lightbulb Sun* win you over, or does Stupid Dream remain superior? Share your thoughts on social media or email. BlueSky: @progpala.bsky.social X: @progpala Instagram: www.instagram.com/progressivepalaver/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3…cJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Topographic Topics - May 2026

    Topographic Topics - May 2026
    Jun 2 2026
    Topographic Topics – May 2026 Rarely does a single episode pack in studio obsessions, art world acquisitions, and a 19-minute prog epic all at once. The group sits down for a genuinely exciting conversation that covers a lot of ground in just 65 minutes. At the heart of the episode is Marillion's May visit to Real World Studios, where they were spotted recording new material. Joe's deep fascination with studio spaces drives some of the best discussion here. The trio also gets genuinely excited about a possible Steve Hackett guest appearance? What is it about prog fans that makes them so invested in the behind-the-scenes process? That question feels alive throughout this episode. **Beyond Marillion**, the hosts dig into the Hypnosis story, clarifying that Primary Waves acquired Poe Powell's stake rather than the entire company, and explore Advent Horizon's "Falling Together," released May 15th, with its sprawling opening track "In a Lost and Dreary World." Finally, Yes's upcoming Aurora album gets enthusiastic treatment, with one host discovering fresh appreciation for "Call to Home" during yard work. BlueSky: @progpala.bsky.social X: @progpala Instagram: www.instagram.com/progressivepalaver/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3…cJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
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    36 mins
  • Episode 176 - Porcupine Tree Part 7, Stupid Dream

    Episode 176 - Porcupine Tree Part 7, Stupid Dream
    May 29 2026
    Episode 176 – Porcupine Tree Part 7, Stupid Dream Things are heating up here on the Palaver. Stupid Dream shows us Porcupine Tree as a band that is on the very verge of realizing their potential. Song-driven. Direct. Unmistakably different. This is the moment the band steps into a new identity—and opens the door to a much wider audience. BlueSky: @progpala.bsky.social X: @progpala Instagram: www.instagram.com/progressivepalaver/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3…cJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Episode 175- Porcupine Tree Part 6, Signify

    Episode 175- Porcupine Tree Part 6, Signify
    May 22 2026
    Episode 175 – Porcupine Tree Part 6, Signify Signify presents Porcupine Tree taking another step toward their ultimate identity. Songwriting and recording begin to materialize and point the way forward. From Signify we all see the future and we like what we see. Enjoy this palaver as we enjoy this record. BlueSky: @progpala.bsky.social X: @progpala Instagram: www.instagram.com/progressivepalaver/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3…cJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • SCS42 - The Hooters in Glenside PA, Oct 2025

    SCS42 - The Hooters in Glenside PA, Oct 2025
    May 18 2026
    SCS42 – The Hooters in Glenside PA, Oct 2025 Rarely does a concert fulfill decades of anticipation, but Ken's long-awaited bucket list experience seeing the Hooters at the Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pennsylvania did exactly that, and it delivered in every possible way. Ken joins Joe and Paul to break down a performance that closed out the Hooters' European tour with a genuine homecoming celebration. Legendary Philadelphia DJ Pierre Robert introduced the band, setting the tone for a night that included fan favorites like "Dancing on the Edge" and **"Boys Will Be Boys."** The horn section alone was remarkable, adding serious depth to the sound. What makes the Hooters so compelling after all these years? The core lineup of Eric Bazilian, Rob Hyman, David Uossikinen Fran Smith Jr., and John Lilly brought the kind of tight ensemble work that rivals Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. (The reggae influences were apparently a highlight too.) Guitarist Tommy Williams handled multiple instruments throughout the night, keeping things fresh across both sets. Because this performance meant so much to Ken personally, his enthusiasm is genuinely infectious. Tune in to hear the full conversation. BlueSky: @progpala.bsky.social X: @progpala Instagram: www.instagram.com/progressivepalaver/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3…cJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
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    17 mins
  • Episode 174 - Porcupine Tree Part 5, The Sky Moves Sideways

    Episode 174 - Porcupine Tree Part 5, The Sky Moves Sideways
    May 15 2026
    Episode 174 – Porcupine Tree Part 5, The Sky Moves Sideways This episode dissects an album that divides opinion. Joe warmed to it despite feeling it stepped back from *Up the Downstair*. Paul and Ken acknowledge early sketches of the band's future sound—Steven Wilson's compositions show promise—yet the record often fades into background music rather than commanding attention. The group examines the album's structural comparison to Pink Floyd's *Wish You Were Here* and debate whether it's intentional influence or derivative. They praise individual musicianship and standout moments (that haunting flute melody in "Phase 1" is genuinely stunning), but critique excessive length and slow development. **Key takeaway:** *The Sky Moves Sideways* captures a band still learning to work as a cohesive unit. It's not terrible—it's a growing pain revealing Wilson's evolving vision. The question: *what comes next?* Curious about how Porcupine Tree evolved from here? **Listen now** to hear the full technical breakdown and storytelling analysis. BlueSky: @progpala.bsky.social X: @progpala Instagram: www.instagram.com/progressivepalaver/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3…cJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
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    45 mins