WHEREVER THERE IS LIGHT

This is an EP by No-man which features "Wherever There is Light" from the album "Schoolyard Ghosts". Is it possible that this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written? I absolutely love this song. It is a perfect song for Tim Bowness' vocals, which are mesmerizing and aching, but you also get a guest flute from Theo Travis and pedal steel guitar from Bruce Kaphan on top of this, if that weren't already enough in itself. There are no words for this song, other than absolutely beautiful, poignant, and emotional.

The next two tracks are exclusively made for this EP. "Death Was California", like the title track, has got that alternative-country flair. It is also a nice song, with a pensive feel and Steven Wilson's atmospheric guitar work. This one is more ambient than the previous, but still a lovely track that fits right in next to the title track. "Counting" has more of a percussive rhythm to it than the previous two tracks. It is still pensive in the beginning, but it suddenly explodes into life halfway through with more guitar work and a dark feel. After the previous soft feel of the EP, this comes as a surprise, but it isn't out of place.

Following this, are 2 live tracks taken from the Autumn 2008 tour. The track "Carolina Skeletons" originally from "Returning Jesus" is given the live treatment here, and is a great pick for this EP. Another beautiful song, the emotional quality is even enhanced by the live performance, and with a live band, it works to add even more depth to the track than the studio version. The electric violin/guitar duet by Steve Bingham and Wilson is amazing and works to build the tension needed at the end of the song. "All the Blue Changes" originally from "Together We're Stranger" is the 2nd live track, this is another beauty of a song that is even better in this live setting for the same reasons as the previous track. This one builds tension throughout the track to the explosive ending. Amazing!

This is an excellent EP and is a good example of No-man's sound in the later part of their career. It is a good way to be introduced to their later music. Unfortunately, it had a limited pressing and might be difficult to find, but it is one that is worth searching for because of the haunting beauty of the songs. But if you can't find it, at least get yourself hooked up with the album "Schoolyard Ghosts" so that you can listen to "Wherever There is Light" if nothing else. It is such a beautiful, amazing song. Yes, I believe it is one of the most beautiful songs ever. I could easily give this 5 stars, but since it is so short, I must give it 4.