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Closure/Continuation
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Closure/Continuation Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 21 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the first full-length studio release for British rock band Porcupine Tree since 2009's The Incident.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Record Collector
    Jun 20, 2022
    80
    The result perhaps misses the conceptual cogency of earlier Tree peaks. But it doesn’t want for controlled reach. Over a tight 48 minutes, C/C weds a reinvigorated affirmation of band identity to expansive energies, all to confident effect: “The sum of all, of new and old,” as Wilson’s lyrics put it.
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 20, 2022
    80
    An elegant and accomplished treasure from experts in their field. [Jul 2022, p.80]
  3. Glide Magazine
    Jun 23, 2022
    80
    While Closure/Continuation doesn’t contain the triumphs of past efforts, it is a rewarding listen from start to finish and adds another medal around prog-rock ambassador Steven Wilson. This dexterous trio appears delighted to deliver for their core audience to whom what they hope is a new beginning.
  4. Uncut
    Jun 20, 2022
    70
    There’s plenty for prog loyalists to appreciate in the knotty polyrhythms, hopscotching bass and divebombing guitar excursions of tracks such as “Harridan” and “Chimera’s Wreck”, but genre agnostics may find more inviting access points in the sumptuous stripes of rueful melody, nuggety riffs and widescreen pomp-rock dynamics that Wilson and friends create. [Jul 2022, p.31]
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  5. Pitchfork
    Jun 28, 2022
    69
    Wilson first walked away when he felt the band’s songwriting had become too formulaic. Closure/Continuation is admirable in its attempts to reject that formula, but in the end, it also proves just how good they were at it.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Jun 20, 2022
    60
    Its weaker moments suggest a group that’s struggling to find something new to say, both thematically and musically. But when the band stretches out and explores their full dynamic range, capturing the dystopian overtones wafting through Wilson’s lyrics, they’re still capable of reaching cathartic heights.
  7. The Guardian
    Jun 24, 2022
    60
    Progressive to the very soles of its nine-minute songs, and characterised by a level of instrumental proficiency that is, occasionally, emotionally detached.

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. AHindD
    Jun 26, 2022
    10
    What an awesome return for Porcupine Tree, I thought the day of sliding another PT album into my collection was long over! The new album isWhat an awesome return for Porcupine Tree, I thought the day of sliding another PT album into my collection was long over! The new album is incredible, its same but different to their previous albums, with Chrimera's Wreck and Dignity being true standout songs.
    Its a great album to introduce to new fans too.    … Expand
  2. BudderDud
    Jun 24, 2022
    10
    Literally the best porcupine tree album in a decade.
    I am absolutely in love with this album. It goes hard af.
    I love all the songs other than    Literally the best porcupine tree album in a decade.
    I am absolutely in love with this album. It goes hard af.
    I love all the songs other than rats return.
    Harridan goes off with all of the sick drums. Gavin Harrison delivers some of the best drumming in all porcupine tree discography.    … Expand
  4. Norab83
    Jun 29, 2022
    10
    A fantastic return from the (now) threesome. Familiar in some respects but fresh and dynamic in others. Three stunning musicians at the top ofA fantastic return from the (now) threesome. Familiar in some respects but fresh and dynamic in others. Three stunning musicians at the top of their art. If you can, get the deluxe version, the 3 extra tracks are a great addition.
    Great to have you back gents, hopefully there is more to come and this is not closure.    … Expand
  5. Jungstir
    Jul 1, 2022
    10
    Wow! A Great album. TBH I did not have high hopes after a long hiatus. Porcupine Tree doesn't miss a step on this one! I am so happy to haveWow! A Great album. TBH I did not have high hopes after a long hiatus. Porcupine Tree doesn't miss a step on this one! I am so happy to have found it. Do yourself a favor and listen with headphones
    This is on the order of Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull. Enjoy. If you need to stream something on a long trip this is a great choice.    … Expand
  6. mb_shupto
    Jul 9, 2022
    9
    I never expected a surprise like this. From the moment they announced their get-together as a band. I just felt it through steven's interviewI never expected a surprise like this. From the moment they announced their get-together as a band. I just felt it through steven's interview about the new record. This album contains 4/5 masterpieces. I loved the "Harridan" and "Of the new day" the first time I heard them. After releasing the whole album, I had to wait for the right moment to listen to the record. Then when I heard it, I was amazed and got tears. 'Dignity', 'Chimera's wreck' and specially 'Walk the plank'. These are the things that made me think that closure/continuation is the best album that I've listened while I am alive.… Expand