Things begin with the magical "Only Rain" which recycles the stings from an earlier track called "Watching Over Me". As the song moves through its different phases you can't help but wonder at the invention and beauty on offer. There's some added vinyl noise for the intro of "No Defence" which revolves around Steven's guitar arpeggios and some deliberately listless drumming by Steve Jansen.
By far the best track on here is "Close Your Eyes" which is capable of sending a shudder down your spine. At the start Tim sings over some basic organ chords and percussion before the synth pads and guitar licks lift the chorus to a new level. In a way this is typical progressive rock as the song builds and builds until it reaches a searing guitar solo that gives way to an extended instrumental - but it sound much better than this description.
"Carolina Skeletons" is a sad and reflective piece that was released on an EP a full three years before the album. The other tracks from the EP are featured on the flip side of the second record and add value to this package.
"Outside The Machine" centres on jazz influenced piano chords and the superlative drumming of Steve Jansen once again. The tile track, "Returning Jesus" sees Steven Wilson work his genius with tuned percussion and a guitar that sounds uncannily like Mike Oldfield. Songs like "Lighthouse" and "Slow It All Down" give me the feeling Steven is driving this part of the album and as he weaves Hammond organ and Mellotron sounds into the mix, it feels very much like an ode to prog rock. We finish with another single "All That You Are" which once again revolves around Steven's guitar arpeggios and Tim's intimate vocal. Good stuff. 3.5/5
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