((SPEAK))

The songs here were recorded between 1988 and 1989, and this album came out (as Steven Wilson notes) "before NO-MAN even had a record deal or an audience" for that matter. At this time they were listening to a lot of Nick Drake and Donovon, in fact they cover both artists on this album.

As usual with NO-MAN we have a pastoral, atmospheric setting, with lots of space and room to breathe."Speak" is a short song that opens with a vocal melody before the violin of Ben Coleman comes in. Vocal melodies return. "Pink Moon" is the Nick Drake cover. This is a fragile and atmospheric track. "Iris Murdoch Cut Me Down" is dark and atmospheric to open. Percussion comes in. Very cool sounding. Vocals after 2 minutes. A child's voice comes in late. "Curtain Dream" features atmospheric guitar sounds as vocals come in. "Heaven's Break" opens with what sounds like moog as vocals come in. Guitar after a minute. "French Tree Terror Suspect" opens with synths and violin. It turns eerie and dark.

"River Song" is the Donovon cover. Great song. I really like this one. Acoustic guitar with vocals and bass. Synths come in. "Riverrun" becomes spacey once it kicks in. "The Ballet Beast" continues with the vocals and atmosphere. "Night Sky Sweet Earth" is my favourite track. It's dreamy with Steven Wilson singing background vocals. Great lyrics too. "Life With Picasso" has Tim playing guitar on it as well as the vocals of course.Very spacey and atmospheric. Piano later. "Death And Dodgson's Dreamchild" is mostly piano and vocals, although we get horns late. "The Hidden Art Of Man Ray" is the almost 12 minute closer. This one slowly plays out in a haunting and dark manner.

You pretty much know what your going to get with a NO-MAN record. Maybe essential for NO-MAN fans as this is where it all began but it's really hit and miss for me.