Porcupine Tree started out as a joke – a hoax to be precise. Formed by guitarist and singer Stephen Wilson in 1987, the project was given an elaborate fake history that included everything from a fictitious origin story to several stints in prison. For fans of the lore-heavy progressive rock and psychedelia movements of the 1970s this was initially little more than a novel throwback to the mystic themes of elder bands like King Crimson and Caravan, though after a a run of early cassette releases and some underground acclaim it became clear that The Tree was destined to be much more than a punchline.
Some thirty years and eleven albums later, Porcupine Tree might never really have cracked the mainstream, though are nevertheless regarded in the vein of ‘most important bands you’ve never heard of’. Indeed, prog can be an acquired taste for even the most patient listener – and the ‘cult’ label doesn’t really mean much in such a fractured business – but to draw such a dedicated crowd to one of Manchester’s better venues as arguably the least recognisable artist to headline this year’s Sounds of the City is no mean feat.
Following an opening set by French veterans Magma, Porcupine Tree take to the stage a member down, with bassist Nate Navarro absent due to a family emergency. For many bands this would be a killing blow before a single note is played, but for consummate professionals like Wilson and co, who over the years have honed themselves as a refined and exceptionally competent live act, it’s no biggie; the bass track will be piped in and the show will go on.
