Prog-rockers and offshoots in triple bill
It would not be an overstatement to say that, in terms of music, the past few weeks have proven to be one of the local scene’s most active periods in recent years. Today, at 9 p.m., the latest offering brings three bands with progressive rock leanings – Porcupine Tree, Van Der Graaf Generator, and Blackfield – to the Lycabettus Theater. Considerably popular in Greece, Porcupine Tree, who have nurtured a rising fan base over many visits, are touring with a new album, «Deadwing.» The act’s exploration of older prog-rock techniques has added a modern touch to its seasoned style and attracted younger listeners. A far older example of this genre’s ambitious endeavors, Van Der Graaf Generator, also appearing on tonight’s bill, have joined forces again following several breakups and periods of hiatus in a long course launched in the late 1960s. The group, whose lineup includes cult singer-songwriter Peter Hammill, had officially disbanded in the late 1970s but reunited twice in the 1990s for one-off gigs. This year, Van Der Graaf Generator, one of its era’s more significant art-rock groups, released a new album, «Present.» Hammill’s dark existentialist lyrics and prodding melodies have generated a relatively compact but exceptionally devoted following for both him and Van Der Graaf Generator. The evening’s other act, Blackfield, involves Porcupine Tree’s frontman Steven Wilson in a collaboration with Israeli pop star Aviv Geffen. Five years ago, following years of mutual admiration, Wilson and Geffen, both fans of classic rock albums of the 1960s and ’70s, began meeting sporadically for songwriting and recording sessions. Early plans for an EP were eventually shelved for a full-length album, a self-titled project released last February. It tends to betray the duo’s classic rock interests with hints of 1980s pop influence.
