No man is a collaboration between wordsmith Tim Bowness and Porcupine Tree’s much lauded Steven Wilson. However, those expecting more of Porcupine Tree’s other-worldly progressive rock will be surprised as Wilson takes a back seat here to the dreamy poetry of Bowness. Having been together over ten years, it is no surprise that ‘Schoolyard ghosts’ sets a leisurely pace and there is much to admire both musically and lyrically.
‘All sweet things’ starts the album off, a haunting melody off set by Bowness’ downcast voice. The song builds slowly, with Wilson introducing more instruments into the mix while never once giving the impression that he wishes to dominate proceedings. Next comes ‘beautiful song’ which does exactly what it says on the tin before leading us to ‘pigeon drummer’ which starts with a frenzied burst of guitar and drums dragging the listener from the reverie the first two tracks are likely to have imposed. The true highlight of the album arrives in the shape of ‘Truenorth’ a haunting and hypnotic track that builds over rhythmic drums for almost thirteen glorious minutes. By contrast ‘Wherever there is light’ is a gorgeous pop song with a vocal harmony to die for, while ‘song of the surf’ and ‘streaming’ pass by like countryside from a train window before ‘mixtaped’ closes proceedings in a dark jazzy way almost reminiscent of early Radiohead or Low.
Overall this is not music for everyone. If you don’t care to have your emotions given a stir or prefer your music joyful, then you should avoid this like the plague. It is both heavy going and hauntingly sad. However if you like a challenge and enjoy the idea of listening to some of the most beautiful committed to record in sometime then this record will still be giving you pleasure in ten years from now – it’s that good. Far from a mere side-project, No man demands your attention and should you be up to it you will not be disappointed.
