No-Man are a British experimental pop duo whose music blends several genres–including art rock, ambient, electronic, trip-hop, and progressive rock–to yield a very atmospheric and emotionally-resonant sound. The group’s unique style is characterized by the combination of Tim Bowness’ melancholy vocals and Steven Wilson’s lush soundscapes. Wilson and Bowness have been making music together for nearly three decades, and continue to collaborate on a variety of projects including The Album Years podcast.

No-Man’s fifth studio album Together We’re Stranger, released in September 2003, contained some of their most intimate and confessional recordings compositions to date. Boasting impressive performances from Ben Castle (clarinets), Roger Eno (harmonium) and Gramophone's David Picking (percussion, trumpet), the album is a profound exploration of loss, solitude, and emotional vulnerability.

After a nearly five-year hiatus, No-Man re-emerged in May 2008 with Schoolyard Ghosts–garnering some of the best press and sales of the band’s career. Recorded between Autumn 2007 and Spring 2008, the album boasts an impressive cast of guest contributors including Californian pedal steel ace Bruce Kaphan (American Music Club), saxophonist/flautist Theo Travis, drummers Pat Mastelotto and Gavin Harrison, and the London Session Orchestra.

In February 2007, Together We’re Stranger was reissued by KScope in the DVD-Audio format–containing a brand-new 5.1 surround sound mix by Steven Wilson. No-Man’s music is perfect for the multichannel format, with its layers of ambient drone, ethereal guitar work, and subtle electronic elements that combine to create an otherworldly sonic environment. A similar two-disc CD/DVD-A deluxe edition of Schoolyard Ghosts followed in May 2007, released concurrently with its stereo counterpart.

We’re proud to announce that both albums are now available as 48-khz/24-bit 5.1 FLAC downloads exclusively via the IAA shop! Since the CD/DVD-A deluxe editions are long out-of-print, this digital release represents a great opportunity for fans who missed the physical releases to experience No-Man’s music in surround sound. Wilson’s 5.1 mixes of these albums are every bit as engaging as you’d expect, spreading the soundscapes out into the rear speakers while Bowness’ voice is placed primarily in the center channel. 

No-Man remains a cult favorite, highly regarded for their artistic integrity and ability to transcend genres. The band's sporadic output and focus on quality over quantity have ensured that each release is highly anticipated by its devoted fan base. While Steven Wilson’s solo career and involved in other projects like Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, and Storm Corrosion have often overshadowed No-Man, this project holds a unique place in the world of experimental music.

Together We’re Stranger and Schoolyard Ghosts are the latest digital immersive releases in an ongoing collaboration between IAA and Snapper Music, a London-based independent music company. Snapper controls a vast portfolio of record labels including three front-line imprints which release both new and catalog recordings: Peaceville, the long-established metal label; Kscope, featuring post-progressive sounds; and Madfish, for alternative releases.

Much of Snapper’s catalog is available in surround sound and immersive audio, including acclaimed releases from acts such as Anathema, Katatonia, Porcupine Tree, The Pineapple Thief, Bruce Soord, Gong, and more! Over the coming months, we plan to make more of this fantastic immersive catalog available in hi-res downloadable form through our online shop.

Purchase Together We’re Stranger and Schoolyard Ghosts in the IAA Shop!

About the Author

Immersive Audio Album is a marketplace where immersive and surround sound artists can sell their music.