Description
Steven Wilson – The Future Bites – Vinyl Record
Steven Wilson’s The Future Bites (2021) is a concept album that explores the themes of consumerism, technology, self-identity, and the digital age. Known for his work as a progressive rock artist and the leader of Porcupine Tree, Wilson shifts his musical style on this album, blending art-pop, electronic, and progressive elements to create a thought-provoking critique of modern society.
The overarching theme of The Future Bites revolves around the negative impacts of technology and hyper-consumerism. Wilson explores how the internet and social media distort reality, leading to a fragmented sense of self and a constant desire for validation and material excess.
He critiques the commodification of identity, addressing how algorithms, consumer culture, and online personas shape who we are. The album is a reflection on modern life in the digital era, warning about the loss of individuality in the face of mass consumerism and corporate manipulation. Lyrically, the album touches on the dangers of digital addiction, the obsession with luxury and status symbols, and how technology alienates individuals rather than connecting them.
The Future Bites marks a departure from the more progressive rock-driven sound Wilson is known for, as he embraces a more streamlined, art-pop and electronic approach. The album features synth-heavy tracks, danceable beats, and a focus on minimalist arrangements rather than complex time signatures or extended solos typical of his prog rock background. The music on this album leans towards synth-pop, art rock, and even disco at times, showing Wilson’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries. While there are still moments of his signature melancholy, the album feels more accessible and concise than his previous works.
Key Tracks
“Self”: This song is a critical reflection on the narcissism driven by social media and the digital age. Musically, it blends infectious electronic beats with sharp lyrics about the curated personas people project online. The track has a sleek, synthetic feel that complements its themes of digital self-obsession.
“Personal Shopper”: One of the standout tracks on the album, “Personal Shopper” critiques consumer culture and the addictive nature of shopping for luxury goods. The nearly 10-minute track is a sprawling, pulsating mix of electronic beats, catchy hooks, and spoken-word interludes. Elton John makes a cameo in the track’s spoken section, listing luxury items and indulgences, further driving home the message of rampant materialism.
“12 Things I Forgot”: This song offers a more reflective and intimate moment on the album. It’s a melodic, acoustic-driven track that feels emotionally raw, standing in contrast to the more futuristic electronic soundscapes elsewhere. The lyrics touch on regret and self-reflection, making it one of the more personal songs on the album.
“Eminent Sleaze”: A funk-influenced track with a sarcastic and biting tone, “Eminent Sleaze” satirizes the arrogance and greed of those in positions of power. The song’s groove and infectious bassline combine with Wilson’s scathing lyrics to create a memorable, darkly humorous critique of excess and corruption.
“Man of the People”: A slower, more atmospheric track, this song deals with the manipulation of public perception by figures of authority. The haunting melody and hypnotic electronics evoke a sense of unease, reinforcing the dystopian tone of the album.
“King Ghost”: This song is one of the most atmospheric on the album, with glitchy beats and haunting synths creating an eerie soundscape. It touches on themes of isolation and paranoia, with Wilson’s ethereal vocals complementing the track’s unsettling atmosphere.
In addition to the music, The Future Bites is accompanied by a strong visual identity. The album’s aesthetic reflects the themes of consumerism, with artwork, videos, and promotional materials designed to mimic high-end advertising for luxury brands. Wilson even created a fictional brand called “The Future Bites”, which offers absurd, overpriced products as a satirical commentary on consumer culture. The album’s cover art is sleek and minimal, resembling a modern advertising campaign or the branding of a tech company. This minimalist visual style extends to the music videos, which are often stark, featuring abstract imagery or critiques of modern life, such as in the video for “Personal Shopper.”
Wilson’s lyrics on The Future Bites are critical of modern consumerism, focusing on how technology shapes and distorts human behavior. The album questions whether technology is truly enhancing our lives or merely controlling and commodifying them.
Themes of alienation, disconnection, and the search for meaning in an overly commodified world are prevalent throughout the album. Wilson also touches on the idea of people becoming products themselves, as individuals are sold and marketed in the form of social media profiles and curated online personas. The lyrics range from personal introspection, such as in “12 Things I Forgot,” to social commentary, as in “Eminent Sleaze” and “Personal Shopper.”
The Future Bites received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Wilson for taking creative risks and embracing a more electronic, pop-oriented sound. While some fans of his progressive rock work were initially divided by the shift in style, the album was generally lauded for its intelligent concept and thematic depth. Critics highlighted tracks like “Personal Shopper” and “King Ghost” as standout moments, noting how Wilson successfully combined catchy pop sensibilities with dark social commentary.
Wilson is known for his meticulous approach to production, and The Future Bites is no exception. The album features a sleek, polished sound, with an emphasis on synths, electronic textures, and a pared-down instrumental approach. The production on tracks like “King Ghost” and “Self” is crisp and spacious, allowing for a futuristic, digital soundscape that complements the album’s themes. Wilson’s use of vocal effects, such as auto-tune and distortion, enhances the sense of artificiality and distance, reinforcing the concept of individuals being transformed by technology.
The Future Bites marks a significant moment in Steven Wilson’s evolution as an artist. While his work with Porcupine Tree and his earlier solo albums leaned heavily into progressive rock, this album showed a willingness to embrace new influences and shift into art-pop and electronic music.
Wilson’s thematic exploration of technology, consumerism, and identity reflects broader societal concerns about the impact of digital culture. The album’s timing, released during a period where many people were dealing with increased isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, added an extra layer of relevance to its messages about disconnection and the dehumanizing effects of technology.
The Future Bites is a bold and thought-provoking album that sees Steven Wilson stepping outside his progressive rock roots to explore more modern musical landscapes and relevant social issues. Its blend of electronic pop and introspective themes offers a cutting-edge critique of the digital age, consumerism, and the commodification of self, making it one of the most conceptually rich and innovative albums in his catalog. Wilson’s decision to embrace a more streamlined and accessible sound may have divided some fans, but it solidified his reputation as an artist unafraid to take creative risks and evolve with the times.
Black vinyl version in slip cover around a gatefold sleeve with a 16-page booklet.
Sixth studio album. ‘The Future Bites’ was originally slated for release on June 12th 2020, but was delayed due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Released Friday, January 29th 2021.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Unself
Self
King Ghost
12 Things I Forgot
Eminent Sleaze
Man Of The People
Personal Shopper
Follower
Count Of Unease