FLOWERMOUTH

This is a record that's nothing like 'typical' (space) prog, but still can't be named anything else (however, maybe by adding words like, space prog pop rock or space prog dance rock).

Although it sounds nothing like Steven Wilson's normal band PORCUPINE TREE, you'll still find these typical things in the music's composition and the way it is played. It's so typically Steven Wilson. This is a good thing mind you!

The music is a clever mix of rock, pop, ambient and dance. There isn't a single song on this record that has a relative simple composition though, but all songs are almost instantly accessible and likeable.

There are some favourites though:

There's the beauty slightly jazzy tune Angel gets caught in the Beauty Trap. This song is a brilliant opener for any album. You just have to listen to it to understand what I mean, but believe me it's a really addictive 10 min ballad (!).

Than there's the song Animal Ghost that has some beautiful flute passages in it. It also has this really lovely pianoloop.

Shell of a Fighter is my absolute favourite on the album. It has it all: dance-like drumloops, lovely vocals, nice lyrics, and nice synthesizers. But the best is yet to come. Halfway through there's this ambient breakdown which is smoothly followed with an upbeat part with very cool effected guitars and synthesizers, creating a wonderful climax for the song.

Another song with the same kind of cool composition as 'Shell of a Fighter' is Simple. The song starts with some very spacey sounding keyboards. After about 1 min the drums start and with it a couple of very strange extra synthesizers. This song features a woman on additional vocals (expect vocals like on PINK FLOYD's 'Great Gig in the Sky' that means, no lyrics but improvising with tones). The song turns into this ambient- dance tune halfway through and there comes this effect guitarpart in to picture. This builds up to a climax and then the son ends with an about 1.30min lasting spacey instrumental passage.

The closing track on this album is the only track that actually features a real guitarsolo to close the album off.

This album is absolutely a must for anyone who likes PORCUPINE TREE, PINK FLOYD and/or ARCHIVE.

A big thank you to STEVEN WILSON for his incredible instrumentation on this album and to TIM BOWNESS for adding his warm and tender voice to the beautiful soundscapes. This guy really has one of the most likeable voices I've ever heard!

Share this NO-MAN review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Tristan Mulders
• Report this review (#18245)
• Buy NO-MAN music online with PA partners
• Show all NO-MAN MP3/Stream
• Go to NO-MAN page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Flowermouth page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for NO-MAN related discussions