"Wherever There Is Light" is the latest release from the 15 year old rock duo; No-Man. The band is comprised of Tim Bowness and Steven Wilson (of Porcupine Tree). No-Man’s discography boasts six full length albums. Six singles and EPs, six collections of b-sides, remixes, unreleased tracks, and rarities (a lot huh?!). No-Man is also featured on various compilations. Needless to say, these guys have been around the proverbial block a time or two, ... or three.
Like most EPs "Wherever There Is Light" is just a teaser. It offers a little taste of No-Man’s latest work, just enough to get a good feel for the sound but not quite enough to really delve into the entire musical spectrum that a seasoned act like No-Man can offer. It features three new studio tracks, 'Wherever There Is Light', 'Death Was California', and 'Counting', two live tracks 'Carolina Skeletons' and 'All The Blue Changes', and two videos, 'Wherever There Is Light', and the live video of 'All The Blue Changes'.
"Wherever There Is Light" is the title track and it also happens to be the track that stands out most. Musically, it’s a very simple song, nothing complicated or cluttered about it. It builds up perfectly from start to finish and ends just strong enough to maintain a sort of thought provoking melancholic feel.
The bonus videos at the end of the EP are the best part of this effort. The video for 'Wherever There Is Light' is elegant in its simplicity and adds a whole new wonderful dynamic to the song. The live video for 'All The Blue Changes' allows the viewer to interact more fully with the band and really witness first hand the passion and musicianship of No-Man.
Though "Wherever There Is Light" doesn’t come off as and instant classic, it is the type of record that gets better with every listen. For me its greatest strength lies in the simplicity behind each song. Nothing complicated or overproduced, just right.
My Fave Track
Wherever There Is Light: Soothing, relaxing, and poignant.