The new no-man album, schoolyard ghosts, is released on Monday, and let me tell you: it’s amazing.

This is yet another creative peak for Steven Wilson and Tim Bowness; the first release by the duo since 2003’s together we’re stranger sees them once again exploring subtle textures and moods in a contemplative, melancholic setting. Every track is stunning in its own right, but the standout has to be the near-13 minute epic “truenorth”, which moves through several phases as it shifts and evolves, not once feeling like pieces stitched together. This is music to send chills down your spine.

Wilson, of course, has also released albums under the banners Porcupine Tree, Blackfield and Bass Communion in the intervening five years since no-man’s last masterpiece, but I can’t imagine (say) the metalheads who are recent ‘Tree fans ever really liking schoolyard ghosts (except maybe the dynamic track “pigeon drummer”). Wilson’s strength is his ability to work within different styles and genres yet still sound unmistakeably like himself.

Of note are the appearances by Pat Mastelotto and Gavin Harrison, both of whom are King Crimson alumni (with Pat being the former drummer for Mr. Mister, of all things, and Gavin, of course, being the drummer for Porcupine Tree since 2002). These guys are masters behind the kit (would Robert Fripp have it any other way?) and, once again, it shows.

schoolyard ghosts is a work of great beauty that deserves a listen by anyone interested in subtly evocative textural explorations.