FLOWERMOUTH

A good mixture of atmospheres, instrumental work, dance beats, attractive vocals and balladry ooze through this classy recording which-- undeniably-- is a big improvement sonically over "Love Blows." "Flowermouth" sees a very similar set of songs performed with much more variability and creativeness, incorporating many more instruments which help impart a stronger impact than before. Wilson's guitar has a stronger presence throughout, and the atmospherics are as a general thing of higher quality both in their performance and recording.

The opening ballad "Angel Gets Caught in a Beauty Trap" will likely hook the listener immediately, with dynamic instrumental work and the unique Fripp sound finishing the job. Successive traps are admittedly not as good, having a stronger pop feel to them; No-Man is at its best at a slow tempo and with heaps of symphonic textures to wash over the listener, not with a dance loop pulsing out stale beats. Fortunately these fine moments out number the few bad, and I recommend "Flowermouth" to any seeking something soft and laid-back to listen to while retaining an artsy feel.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 4