Anathema's come-back (I use the term loosely; they never really split) in 2008 has culminated in a mixed bag of recordings. Since signing to KScope they have released the great ('Hindsight' and 'We're Here Because We're Here') and the confounding ('Falling Deeper' and 'Weather Systems'). Now, don't get me wrong, even their 'confouding' releases have had some glorious moments; 'The Beginning And The End' being among the band's greatest compositions. It's just that 'Weather Systems' in particular felt like a collection of mini concepts without a unifying centre. Alarm bells rang when the track-listing for 'distant satellites' was released; really, a 3-part song? Thankfully, the band are in no danger of repeating themselves, despite the opening one-two of 'The Lost Song' feeling remarkably like 'Untouchable' from 'Weather Systems. However, my biggest fear for this album was the whispers of the use of electronics. I love electronic music, but Anathema used it to such poor effect on 'Weather Systems' (on the track 'The Storm Before The Calm'), that I was truly worried the band were about to unleash their 'Metal Machine Music'. No such worries; the electronics are subtle and beautifully orchestrated. In their own words, this is their 'Kid A' after the multi-layering and orchestration of their 'OK Computer'. It's an apt analogy.
It was tempting to review this album as soon as it hit the shelves, but I wanted to spend time with it. I'm glad I did, as the subtleties do take time and repeated listening to sink in; as all great music should. As touched upon earlier, the greatest moments are reserved for the experimentation. The title track is a wonderful melding of the emotional core of Anathema, with the electronic music so beloved by Vincent and John. In fact, it's a blessing to hear John get his mojo back after the aforementioned 'The Storm Before The Calm'. I wonder if John will ever record a solo album... I digress. If there is a negative to 'distant satellites', it's that feeling of "where to go from here?" I sincerely hope that Anathema run with the new sense of purpose they will undoubtedly have been given by the freedom to branch out without fear. If they can harness the power of electronic music, whilst retaining the emotional guitar work, I feel the next chapter of Anathema may well be their best.
No comments:
Post a Comment