In his diary, Fripp comments that the “audience was generous, although some had difficulty with the Soundscapes. But, generous all the same.”[endtease] Their generosity on this last date supporting Porcupine Tree, was to be rewarded with a ‘scape opening up on an eerie, sombre landscape that both thrills and chills. Listening back to the Schizoid Fantasia, the guitarist was heard to yelp “Yowalamus est!” Those familiar with Oldgoatspeak will recognise this as the cry of someone not so much touched as jabbed by what they’re hearing. To these ears it seems darker the previous evenings exploration. It sounds like someone a long way from home and wondering how to get there. The antidote to this bleakness and despair can be discerned in the soulful playing during Time Stands Still and its shining coda. The hopeful tones that characterise these sections, suggests that although we all have a long way to go on our journey we will eventually get there. There’s comfort in that thought and there’s comfort in this music.
