Album Review: Steven Wilson – The Overview

Expansive, Experimental, Unilateral, Dynamic, Conceptual 

Steven Wilson will release his new concept album, The Overview, on March 14, 2025, influenced by progressive rock that uses sound to suggest the “overview effect” experienced by astronauts when they witness Earth from orbit. The result is a two-part concept album with 10 separate tracks that combines intricate compositions with deep philosophical themes. 

According to Wilson, The Overview will be accompanied by immersive audio-visual events. These screenings featured the album’s music played in immersive audio formats, accompanied by a specially commissioned film by Miles Skarin. The film presents a series of animated sequences that depict the vastness of space and humanity’s presence within it. 

The Financial Times describes it as “a prog-rock exploration themed around space travel,” highlighting its influences from “Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and Vangelis.” Early reviews have praised the album for its ambitious scope and musical depth; however, this album is not for the casual listener. Listeners are recommended to have context about the “overview effect” before listening to this album. It is also recommended to experience the album with the immersive audio visuals provided for the album. The thematic compositions are dense, multi-layered and dynamic, blending elements of classic progressive rock with Wilson’s trademark modern touch. Wilson’s lyrics suggest themes of isolation, time, and the vastness of the universe, questioning humanity’s role in the grand cosmic scheme. Everything together in combination make this album a work of art and an experience bringing listeners on a journey; however, there are many instances of dissonance and irregularities that may turn its audience away from listening all the way through. 

This album is not recommended for the majority; however, from a different perspective other than the listening experience. The sound design is rich and immersive, with every instrument given space to breathe. Wilson’s attention to detail is evident in the layers of sound, from the delicate piano lines and guitar solos. The album is designed to be experienced in high-quality formats, with surround sound mixes that enhance the listening experience even further which without such formats may keep audiences from fully articulating the album.  

In tracks like “The Buddha Of The Modern Age” and “Infinity Measured In Moments,” Wilson suggests the ability to convey emotional vulnerability. These songs have instances that feel personal, yet they tackle themes of time, memory, and the human experience. 

The Overview is a complex collection that blends Wilson’s deep understanding of progressive rock with a fresh experimental edge. The concept is very ambitious, the music is not easily accessible in its fullest intentional format and the themes are expressed in a very experimental manner. The Overview is an album that invites introspection while pushing the boundaries of what progressive rock can achieve in the modern era.

For fans of Wilson’s past work and newcomers to his music, The Overview is an album for audiences who want a challenge. 

Wilson’s event dates include: 

3/18 – Santiago, Chile – Omni Sound Lab

3/20 – Santiago, Chile – Omni Sound Lab

3/21 – Santiago, Chile – Omni Sound Lab

3/22 – Santiago, Chile – Omni Sound Lab

It’s an album that challenges listeners both musically and philosophically.