CAROLINA SKELETONS

This Mini Album represented what was their most consistent and complete body of work released in the 8 years since their formation. Since then they have released many new tracks and albums but this captures the unique sound of no-man. ("Close Your Eyes" and "Carolina Skeletons" can also be found on the 2001 No-Man studio album "Returning Jesus".

Inhabiting a timeless territory between the exquisite ambient-soul of The Blue Nile, the bruised emotionalism of Scott Walker and the breathy melancholia of Nick Drake and Red House Painters. A delicate and haunting piano-led ballad, topped by a glacially understated vocal performance.

Tracklist: 1. Carolina Skeletons 2. Something Falls 3. Close Your Eyes 4. Carolina Reprise

"One of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous mini-albums of the year. 'Carolina Skeletons' is a thing of rare beauty; the title track, all lilting pianos, free-flowing guitars, surreal background echoes and heart-in-mouth melodies... oozes a sense of melancholy and nostalgia all of its own... 'Close Your Eyes' gnaws at the heartstrings, fusing an almost tribal percussion pattern with a plaintive guitar line that flows effortlessly around you before unleashing an overdriven storm of sheer brilliance... With 'Carolina Reprise' Steven Wilson's music takes to the fore, with that intoxicating piano refrain given full freedom on its journey to your heart. Unmistakably genius, unmistakably No-Man."

Even though this is only a 20 minute EP it's probably my favorite No-Man CD because of its soft touch and delicasy. Definitely worth a 4 star rating!