Disc one is a completely remixed and partially re-recorded version with the sampled drums replaced by the real drum performances of Gavin Harrison, recorded in 2004. Disc two is a remastered version of the mini album containing left over material from the original Up the Downstair sessions.

Performed by Steven Wilson, except:
Colin Edwin – Bass guitar on "Always Never"
Richard Barbieri – Electronics on "Up the Downstair"
Suzanne J Barbieri – Vocals on "Up the Downstair"
Gavin Harrison – Drums (2004 edition only)




"Up The Downstair" is an LP that hides many surprises for the attentive listener. After a few spins you realise that even the sounds mixed into the background and he vocal interventions from old "drug" records all play a part in this warm, soothing lysergic tapestry that contains sparse, but matching lyrics. When I wrote an article on Porcupine Tree last year (published in Crohinga Well 2) I predicted that this act would become a "third way" in New British Psychedelia (the first and second being the psychedelic rock of Bevis Frond and the spacey festival sounds of Ozric Tentacles, of course). This record only confirms my statement. "Up The Downstair" is a record to get incredibly stoned to (and you will...)!

Melody Maker review;

They've embarked upon a mission impossible: to create a truly Nineties progressive rock soundscape, utilising modern technology but avoiding prog pomposity. And they've managed it with room to spare. It's a strange and wonderful brew, taking in Orb ambience, FSoL dub, Metallica steel and all points in between. Ambient space dubs, technological cut- ups and Gregorian chants texture the sound, but the fire at the heart of the noise comes from good old guitar. Be warned, there are solo's here, but they're played with a force and a purity that defies indulgence.