The Future Bites
by Steven Wilson
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 48
  3. Negative: 10 out of 48
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  1. jakeharmon99
    Feb 5, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An extension of what he dabbled with on his previous album, The Future Bites is an exercise in progression. While one critic has called it the OK Computer of the Amazon era, I would consider this akin to Kid A in that it adds elements without detracting from how enjoyable each songs are. And, in a few cases, these songs would fit on some of his older albums, be it 12 Things I Forgot on Hand. Cannot. Erase; Count of Unease on Stupid Dream from Porcupine Tree; or Eminent Sleaze on The Jokes on You from Karma. Lead single, Personal Shopper, while including Elton John and background singers on the chorus, is a 9 minute experience with a funky, dance beat and beautifully harmonized tenor voice from Steven on the bridge (which appears twice) and includes a hard rock coda. And Steven hasn't abandoned rock. Eminent Sleaze includes the Chapman stick and a guitar solo while Follower sounds perfect for 80s rock.… Expand
  2. ViceAVersa
    Jan 29, 2021
    8
    This has the potential to be one of my favorite records from Wilson. Its beauty, especially shown in the track KING GHOST, which the vocals and backing synths give the song a great atmosphere. Another example would be the track COUNT OF UNEASE, as its somber vibe makes this track one of the best in the album. I also like the concept of PERSONAL SHOPPER as it sets up the theme for theThis has the potential to be one of my favorite records from Wilson. Its beauty, especially shown in the track KING GHOST, which the vocals and backing synths give the song a great atmosphere. Another example would be the track COUNT OF UNEASE, as its somber vibe makes this track one of the best in the album. I also like the concept of PERSONAL SHOPPER as it sets up the theme for the entire album in my opinion. The most interesting part of the album was the transition to more of a heavily inspired electronic/indie record with 80s/90s influences, which I was a sucker for a couple years back. Lastly, the only problem I have with this album is how massive of a shift from this installment was from the previous, which is why a lot of people might be turned off by this record or possibly bring in many more fans in the process. Overall though, I still think this is a great and catchy record (in which this might the be Wilson's catchiest solo record) and I don’t mind the change.… Expand
  3. Almostred
    Feb 4, 2021
    8
    Judge this album for what it is, not what it isn't. What it isn't: a Porcupine Tree record replete with random key and time signature changes; noodly, interminable guitar solos; peripatetic ADHD toddler drumming, and whale noises. What it is: a mature and modern electronic pop album that employs a contemporary musical language to evoke the past without living in it. Wilson will never beJudge this album for what it is, not what it isn't. What it isn't: a Porcupine Tree record replete with random key and time signature changes; noodly, interminable guitar solos; peripatetic ADHD toddler drumming, and whale noises. What it is: a mature and modern electronic pop album that employs a contemporary musical language to evoke the past without living in it. Wilson will never be Bowie, but I'll bet now he knows how Bowie felt c. 1975 or so: "Yeah, 'Young Americans' is weird and makes me uncomfortable, so I'd appreciate if Bowie could un-invent himself, re-hire the Spiders from Mars, and do "Ziggy Stardust" again, just with different songs. But not too different."… Expand
  4. JLuis_001
    Jan 31, 2021
    7
    Changes are never easy, that's well known, and in music, changes are usually not welcomed, mostly by fans who stick to a sound or a style.

    I respect any musician who wants to get out of their comfort zone, this as long as the change is natural and more than anything that shows growth for them and their music. When Wilson released the first single, ''Personal Shopper'', the response    Changes are never easy, that's well known, and in music, changes are usually not welcomed, mostly by fans who stick to a sound or a style.

    I respect any musician who wants to get out of their comfort zone, this as long as the change is natural and more than anything that shows growth for them and their music.

    When Wilson released the first single, ''Personal Shopper'', the response from a certain part of the fans, wasn't positive. Wilson opted for a sound that was nothing like what he had done so far as a solo artist, and faced the dark side of progressive rock snobs.

    But frankly it doesn't matter anymore. The album's here and for better or worse, it represents Wilson's next step in his career.

    I personally enjoyed the album, it's fair to admit that it's not his best effort, but it's far from the failure that some were predicting.
    The album is short, but concise. Tracks like King Ghost, Eminent Sleaze and Man of the People are songs that feel completely different from anything he had done before, and yet you can feel that they are part of him, like the rest of his discography.

    Definitely the album flows quite well, but I admit that there are moments that feel a bit uneven, in this case I mean songs like 12 Things I Forgot, which I loved from the first time I heard it, but within the musical concept does not fit very well, especially because I think that its sound is much more similar to what he has done with Blackfield, than what he tries with the rest of the songs on this album.

    The other slump I would say belongs to Follower, which in my opinion is the weakest song on the entire album.

    Ultimately The Future Bites is accessible to all kinds of music lovers, perhaps many fans will not agree, and it's fair, but it's also fair that he seeks new paths and is not focused on satisfying a base.

    Obviously Wilson is looking to expand his horizons, and that always means losing fans, at the same time that he can gain many new ones.

    Notable Tracks

    > King Ghost
    > 12 Things I Forgot
    > Man of the People
    > Personal Shopper
    > Count of Unease    … Expand
  5. GuitarPen
    Feb 6, 2021
    7
    With his 6th studio album, former Porcupine Tree frontman and Prog Rock wonderboy turns sharply into the digital netherworld, challenging his most ardent followers' expectations.

    After Wilson's brilliant Hand Cannot Erase and To the Bone, it was anyone's guess as to which direction he'd turn. Yet, the deep and profound songs of alienation and marginalization backed by more digital    With his 6th studio album, former Porcupine Tree frontman and Prog Rock wonderboy turns sharply into the digital netherworld, challenging his most ardent followers' expectations.

    After Wilson's brilliant Hand Cannot Erase and To the Bone, it was anyone's guess as to which direction he'd turn. Yet, the deep and profound songs of alienation and marginalization backed by more digital underpinnings such as "Routine," "Perfect Life," and "Permanating" should have tipped us off. The dangerous impact technology has in slowly stripping away our bodies' souls and transforming people into automatons continues to be the thread that runs through Wilson's most recent endeavors.

    Let's be clear, this is unlike anything you've ever heard from Wilson, and there are certain risks in steering down this path. It didn't bode well for Dennis DeYoung, and Styx with 1983's Kilroy was Here. "Mr. Roboto" remains the unfortunate example of how not to make this turn, and there are moments on this album that made me wonder if I was listening to a prog-rock mastermind or a failed Barry Gibb project from the late '80s.

    Still, there's an argument to be made for suspending your disbelief, dispelling your preconceived notions, and giving this album a good honest listen. In doing so, I was pleasantly surprised by several tracks. "12 Things I Forgot" is quintessential Wilson with confessional, soul-searing lyrics riding upon layers of acoustic guitar rhythm and piano. It would not be out of place on any Wilson or Porcupine Tree album. "Eminent Sleaze" is an innovative mix of genres and a song helped along by a strong chorus of backing female vocals, while " Follower" delivers poignant, timely lyrics upon smart and diverse sonic textures.

    In full disclosure, Wilson's recent dissing of Eddie Van Halen's playing style after his death and his sudden shift in genres may have clouded my opinion. Once I accepted the man as the shape-shifting virtuoso he is, I was able to appreciate The Future Bites for the smart and complex achievement that it is.

    - Guitar & Pen    … Expand
  6. Acid3P
    Feb 18, 2022
    9
    Steven Wilson fights for the position of alternative pop king! However, he will have to dethrone Beck, so the most logical outcome of this duel could be a joint album. We'll see where his next musical steps will lead. Anyway, THE FUTURE BITES
    is the culmination of Wilson's work to date, and features weighty themes underscored by surgically perfect production at the intersection of pop and    Steven Wilson fights for the position of alternative pop king! However, he will have to dethrone Beck, so the most logical outcome of this duel could be a joint album. We'll see where his next musical steps will lead. Anyway, THE FUTURE BITES
    is the culmination of Wilson's work to date, and features weighty themes underscored by surgically perfect production at the intersection of pop and electronica. The instrumental complexity of the simpler motifs doesn't even need to be mentioned at first listen.    … Expand
  7. GratefulNate
    Nov 11, 2022
    8
    Steven's still a hell of a songwriter. Is this album as good as Hand Cannot Erase, Raven, or To The Bone? No it definitely isn't but DAMN is this a good album.

    Steven plays a lot more into the electronic side of his influences which I can admire. This is incredibly apparent with songs like King Ghost, Personal Shopper, and Eminent Sleaze, all of which have a very 80s new wave/synthpop    Steven's still a hell of a songwriter. Is this album as good as Hand Cannot Erase, Raven, or To The Bone? No it definitely isn't but DAMN is this a good album.

    Steven plays a lot more into the electronic side of his influences which I can admire. This is incredibly apparent with songs like King Ghost, Personal Shopper, and Eminent Sleaze, all of which have a very 80s new wave/synthpop vibe to them while tackling modern topics like mental health and predatory capitalism.

    However, the rock cuts on this record stand out for me as some of the BEST work he's ever done.

    -Unself/Self - This album starts off with a two part opener that would sound right at home on To The Bone with a special guest appearance from Japan/Porcupine Tree key player Richard Barbieri.

    -12 Things I Forgot - I feel like this is a love letter to everyone who grew up idealizing the real world in their youth who now struggle to assimilate into a society that has neglected them. All the while bound together with Steven's guitar playing that evokes George Harrison's spiritual-like melodies in albums like 33 1/3 or Living in the Material World coupled with backing harmonies reminiscent of Dark Side of the Moon era Pink Floyd.

    -Man of the People - Steven goes for a more political tone with this track all the while evoking echoes of early Porcupine Tree on this one. Brilliant lyrics and an incredibly catchy chorus

    -Follower - Like we got in To The Bone with Same Asylum as Before, Steven captures some energy from Porcupine Tree's most popular period and gives it a modern twist.

    Also don't miss the Elton John cameo on Personal Shopper.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Under The Radar
    Feb 10, 2021
    75
    If The Future Bites is heard as a provocative record, it also underscores how Wilson continues to creatively challenge himself.
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  2. No Ripcord
    Feb 5, 2021
    30
    The Future Bites is the worst sounding album he’s ever put out.
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  3. Record Collector
    Feb 5, 2021
    100
    It’s hard to imagine a more prescient-sounding record than one that explores how nascent technologies affect our motivations as modern consumers at a time when we’re all frantically buying online to stave off the effects of lockdown. The songs dealing directly with this are The Future Bites’ most captivating. ... There’s no need for the buyer to be wary here. The Future Bites is guaranteed to weather the ravages of time.
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