Album of the Week - 'Hand. Cannot. Erase'

This week, Lee Manning, our Production Director, shares his favourite album of the week - 'Hand. Cannot. Erase' by Steven Wilson.

"Many may claim to possess an eclectic musical taste. Is mine? Well, very possibly. Certainly, I would say I remain open to many styles and genres of music, though generally I find I am drawn to a very ‘alternative’ path and edge. Since the early 90’s, I truly embraced CD’s as a musical media, though I still have a decent portion of the vinyl collection amassed during my earlier formative years. And since before that teenage angst, I simply do not know what I would do without music every day – be it preparing for the day at home before the gym, on an early run or long bike ride, driving in the countryside or recovering and relaxing at home. Music is ever-present, bound to my existence, and makes what I do for a living that much more meaningful.

I have many ‘favourite’ artists in truth, and it was during the early noughties I discovered the progressive rock band Porcupine Tree. Described as Ambient Metal by some, my first experiences came in the forms of 2002’s release “In Absentia”, and the later critically acclaimed album “Deadwing” in 2005. Formed in the late eighties, Porcupine Tree’s back catalogue became an instant treasure trove from which I could plunder.

Fortunate enough to subsequently see them in concert many times, invariably I’ll add accompanied by my great mate Phil, I was instantly hooked by the complex time signatures, ridiculous musicianship, and shear energy of their output – it really is decadent music, seemingly unconcerned by recording studio time and expense, and for me all the more absorbing for it. Those first (for me) live Porcupine Tree gigs crystallized my awareness of the principle band members, namely Richard Barbieri, originally a founding member of the new wave group Japan, who coincidently had been an enormous influence on my adolescent vinyl record collection years earlier. And out front, the unassuming, somewhat geeky Steven Wilson, song writer, guitar maestro and founder of the band.

And it is to Mr Wilson’s solo work that I turn with my Album of the Month recommendation - “Hand. Cannot. Erase” by Steven Wilson. Released in 2015, this would be his 4th solo studio release, and although not technically a concept album, I personally find it completely impossible not to listen to it from the start to the finish, every time.

A soul lifting and emotive masterpiece in my eyes, and although there are natural highlights within, as with many albums in any collection, I’m rendered incapable of simply selecting individual tracks in isolation irrespective of whether it’s the 5th or 100th play – it’s the full 66 minutes and 7 seconds every time! Culminating with the beautiful ‘Happy Returns’, I’m not afraid to admit there’s never a dry eye in the house. The power of music eh?!"

About the artist

Steven Wilson is a progressive rock musician, singer and songwriter from London, UK. He rose to fame as the lead performer of band Porcupine Tree which formed in 1987. Since 2003, Wilson has released solo work including 6 studio albums.

About the album

Steven Wilson's 'Hand. Cannot. Erase' is the fourth studio album by the English musician. The album is inspired by the story of Joyce Vincent, who died in her London flat and was not found for 2 years, despite being loved by family and friends. The album has a less 'jazzy' approach, focusing on more electronic instruments.

How to Listen

Spotify | Tidal | Apple Music