SCHOOLYARD GHOSTS

This is probably the lowest-keyed No-Man album; and considering these guys that is saying too much. Everyone that went to school; any school; has its own memories; of fears and hopes; and living them among equally fearful and hopeful peers. A lot of "School Memories" snap-shots have been well documented. From Alice Cooper, the "Floyd", Kinks, Marillion and lots and lots of people. So No-Man is no exception. In my opinion this " Schoolyard Ghosts" project; is more inclined towards Tim Bowness aesthetics than Steven Wilsons´s. Of course Steven ripps-off his electric guitar guts; but "it" in a "whole" is darker, intimate (as usual), and yes! "Macabre"; which for Mr. Bowness is like a "kid in a candystore" project. This "macabre" element covers the whole environment of this work. Macabre also; as "School Memories"; we all hold on to;....yet we dont know why we hold them so close. As of course reffered in this "Ghosts" project. Ghosts as in plural as they still appear in the most unexpected and private inner reflections and actions. As if opened-up bruises; that hurt when we remember them. And still; we hold them dearly as if "precious". Someone like Tim can turn this "voyage" in time; into an expandable and solitary experience; as he can only do. Intelligent, provocative lyrics in a vast and empty "Gothic" musical background. That here and there shines some dark gray "sarcastic" lights of hope;.. but not faith. ****4 "Macabre; a rarely visited by NO-MAN land; in a true to life musical conceptual experience" Stars PD: DARK very DARK