Progressive Rock Review: Anathema-A Sort Of Homecoming

Release Date: 30th October 2015
Label: KScope
Website: www.anathema.ws

Anathema were formed back in 1990 in Liverpool (the home of the Beatles) and have released 11 studio albums starting with Serenades in 1993 and so far ending with Distant Satellites in 2014. They have also issued 2 live albums, the second of which is reviewed here. This release, A Sort Of Homecoming, was recorded live at the end of a short acoustic tour in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on 7th March 2015. The band comprised Vincent Cavanagh (vocals, guitar, vocoder), Danny Cavanagh (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Jamie Cavanagh (bass), John Douglas (drums, keyboards) and Lee Douglas (vocals) with a couple of guests contributing to some sections of the concert, David Wesling (cello) and Anna Phoebe (violin). As well as being released as a double CD, the concert is also available as a DVD, Blu-ray and a triple vinyl album.

The CD contains 2 discs with a total of 15 tracks, 8 on disc 1 and 7 on disc 2. The package has a total playing time of around 102 minutes with disc 1 being the shorter of the two discs by around 2 minutes, disc 1 having a running time of 50:13 minutes and disc 2 clocking in at 52:07 minutes. The band take the songs from 6 of their albums with the emphasis on the newest 2 releases, Distant Satellites (5 tracks, 2014), Weather Systems (4, 2012), We’re Here Because We’re Here (2, 2010), A Natural Disaster (2, 2003), A Fine Day To Exit (1, 2001) and Alternative 4 (1, 1998).
The opening track on A Sort of Homecoming is “The Lost Song Part 2” (6:39) from Distant Satellites and, as this was an acoustic tour, accompanying the vocals of Lee and Vincent, is a simple acoustic guitar (played by Danny Kavanagh?). This is then followed by “Untouchable Part 1” (6:29) and “Untouchable Part 2” (6:25) both from the Weather Systems album. The treatment of these songs is very sparse in comparison to the studio versions and the beautiful vocals make the trio of tracks very powerful. All in all, this is a very good start to the proceedings, and that view is backed up by the sound of the appreciative audience.

For the last 3 tracks on the first disc, John Douglas, David Wesling and Anna Phoebe join proceedings and “Anathema” (7:32) and “Ariel” (6:08) tend to mirror their studio versions on Distant Satellites more closely before the vocals are taken by Danny Cavanagh for the final song on disc 1, “Electricity” (4:31) from A Natural Disaster.

The opening track on disc 2, “Temporary Peace” (5:15), continues the beautiful serenity that has been prevalent across the first 8 tracks. Stunning vocals from Vincent, with strings, delicate percussion and acoustic guitar, all combine to form an excellent start to the second disc.  A couple of tracks later, on the title track from Distant Satellites, the band is joined by some audience participation. The whole feeling of this concert is that of a band that is truly content with their lot and is happy to show how they have evolved from their beginnings a couple of decades ago.

Older numbers bring the concert to a close with “A Natural Disaster” (8:45), the title track from 2003, and “Fragile Dreams” (7:32) from the 1998 album, Alternative 4.  “A Natural Disaster” is one of the first songs that Lee Douglas guested on back in 2003, as at the time, she was not “officially” in the band, and this version still highlights her powerful, emotive voice. The finale to the evening, “Fragile Dreams” is a superb closing choice with the two voices complementing each other and as the electric guitar runs follow the voices the crowd start to realize the end is close and the ovation starts.

This was perhaps an ambitious project to tour on, and by that I mean, the acoustic set-up. This release, A Sort Of Homecoming, is likely to have already been purchased by fans of the band and they will not have been disappointed in any way. It is possibly not the best entry point for people “trying out” Anathema for the first time as it is slightly different from the studio albums. I thoroughly enjoyed this album but the one glitch on waxing totally lyrical on the album, is that I felt a slight tinge of sameness. Individually the tracks are excellent, but I felt that a double CD just stretched it a little too far. It may sound a bit harsh, but I feel that there is a really excellent single live album hiding in this double album release.

Parting words, as usual, are that this is a very personal opinion and I will always suggest that people have a listen to any of my reviewed albums, as they may well feel very differently towards the music.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Lost Song Part 2, Distant Satellites, Fragile Dreams

Tracks:

Disc 1
The Lost Song Part 2
Untouchable Part 1
Untouchable Part 2
Thin Air
Dreaming Light
Anathema
Ariel
Electricity

Disc 2
Temporary Peace
The Beginning and The end
Distant Satellites
Take Shelter
Internal Landscapes
A Natural Disaster
Fragile Dreams

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk
February 3, 2016
Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk
 

Progressive Rock Review: Anathema-A Sort Of Homecoming

Release Date: 30th October 2015
Label: KScope
Website: www.anathema.ws

Anathema were formed back in 1990 in Liverpool (the home of the Beatles) and have released 11 studio albums starting with Serenades in 1993 and so far ending with Distant Satellites in 2014. They have also issued 2 live albums, the second of which is reviewed here. This release, A Sort Of Homecoming, was recorded live at the end of a short acoustic tour in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on 7th March 2015. The band comprised Vincent Cavanagh (vocals, guitar, vocoder), Danny Cavanagh (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Jamie Cavanagh (bass), John Douglas (drums, keyboards) and Lee Douglas (vocals) with a couple of guests contributing to some sections of the concert, David Wesling (cello) and Anna Phoebe (violin). As well as being released as a double CD, the concert is also available as a DVD, Blu-ray and a triple vinyl album.

The CD contains 2 discs with a total of 15 tracks, 8 on disc 1 and 7 on disc 2. The package has a total playing time of around 102 minutes with disc 1 being the shorter of the two discs by around 2 minutes, disc 1 having a running time of 50:13 minutes and disc 2 clocking in at 52:07 minutes. The band take the songs from 6 of their albums with the emphasis on the newest 2 releases, Distant Satellites (5 tracks, 2014), Weather Systems (4, 2012), We’re Here Because We’re Here (2, 2010), A Natural Disaster (2, 2003), A Fine Day To Exit (1, 2001) and Alternative 4 (1, 1998).
The opening track on A Sort of Homecoming is “The Lost Song Part 2” (6:39) from Distant Satellites and, as this was an acoustic tour, accompanying the vocals of Lee and Vincent, is a simple acoustic guitar (played by Danny Kavanagh?). This is then followed by “Untouchable Part 1” (6:29) and “Untouchable Part 2” (6:25) both from the Weather Systems album. The treatment of these songs is very sparse in comparison to the studio versions and the beautiful vocals make the trio of tracks very powerful. All in all, this is a very good start to the proceedings, and that view is backed up by the sound of the appreciative audience.

For the last 3 tracks on the first disc, John Douglas, David Wesling and Anna Phoebe join proceedings and “Anathema” (7:32) and “Ariel” (6:08) tend to mirror their studio versions on Distant Satellites more closely before the vocals are taken by Danny Cavanagh for the final song on disc 1, “Electricity” (4:31) from A Natural Disaster.

The opening track on disc 2, “Temporary Peace” (5:15), continues the beautiful serenity that has been prevalent across the first 8 tracks. Stunning vocals from Vincent, with strings, delicate percussion and acoustic guitar, all combine to form an excellent start to the second disc.  A couple of tracks later, on the title track from Distant Satellites, the band is joined by some audience participation. The whole feeling of this concert is that of a band that is truly content with their lot and is happy to show how they have evolved from their beginnings a couple of decades ago.

Older numbers bring the concert to a close with “A Natural Disaster” (8:45), the title track from 2003, and “Fragile Dreams” (7:32) from the 1998 album, Alternative 4.  “A Natural Disaster” is one of the first songs that Lee Douglas guested on back in 2003, as at the time, she was not “officially” in the band, and this version still highlights her powerful, emotive voice. The finale to the evening, “Fragile Dreams” is a superb closing choice with the two voices complementing each other and as the electric guitar runs follow the voices the crowd start to realize the end is close and the ovation starts.

This was perhaps an ambitious project to tour on, and by that I mean, the acoustic set-up. This release, A Sort Of Homecoming, is likely to have already been purchased by fans of the band and they will not have been disappointed in any way. It is possibly not the best entry point for people “trying out” Anathema for the first time as it is slightly different from the studio albums. I thoroughly enjoyed this album but the one glitch on waxing totally lyrical on the album, is that I felt a slight tinge of sameness. Individually the tracks are excellent, but I felt that a double CD just stretched it a little too far. It may sound a bit harsh, but I feel that there is a really excellent single live album hiding in this double album release.

Parting words, as usual, are that this is a very personal opinion and I will always suggest that people have a listen to any of my reviewed albums, as they may well feel very differently towards the music.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Lost Song Part 2, Distant Satellites, Fragile Dreams

Tracks:

Disc 1
The Lost Song Part 2
Untouchable Part 1
Untouchable Part 2
Thin Air
Dreaming Light
Anathema
Ariel
Electricity

Disc 2
Temporary Peace
The Beginning and The end
Distant Satellites
Take Shelter
Internal Landscapes
A Natural Disaster
Fragile Dreams

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk
February 3, 2016
Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk
 

Prog/Art Rock Review: Anathema-Distant Satellites

Release Date: June 10, 2014 
Label: KScope

Website

Starting out as a death/doom metal band back in 1990, Anathema has undergone a drastic evolution to the band that has just released Distant Satellites, album number 10. The debut album was released in 1993, entitled Serenades, and the previous studio album to this one was released in 2012, entitled Weather Systems. Between that release and the new album, I reviewed the live release, Universal, issued in 2013.

At the time of recording Distant Satellites, Anathema comprised 6 members, the Cavanagh brothers, Vincent (voice, guitar, vocoder), Danny (guitar, keyboards, voice) and Jamie (bass) together with the Douglas siblings, Lee (vocals) and John (drums) and Daniel Cardosa (keyboards, drums). Daniel Cardosa was a touring member of the band, but became a full member in 2012.

Distant Satellites is a 10 track album with a playing time nudging an hour in length (58 minutes).The longest offering on the album is the title track “Distant Satellites” with a running time of 8:36 minutes and “Firelight” is the shortest track at 2:49 minutes.

The opening track to Distant Satellites, “The Lost Song Part 1” (6:07), is the first of a three part track and enters with strings and keyboards before some frantic drumming ushers in the voice of Vincent Cavanagh. Vincent possesses a very powerful voice and it is ably backed up on this track by the crystal clear voice of Lee Douglas. The track powers along with insistent piano, drumming and layers of guitar adding the icing on the cake, so to speak. My problem with this opening track is that it doesn’t seem to go anywhere. The track builds in intensity, but there is no real shift in the music, it is the same from start to finish and I really wanted it to have some direction.

The second track, “The Lost Song Part 2” (6:01) has a gentle piano start before Lee Douglas takes center stage in a more angst ballad track. The band join in and the track moves along with some sections of building sound before the music drops away and gently makes an exit. This is a different style from the opener, but without that “je ne sais quoi” that pulls a listener into the music. “The Lost Song Part 3,” which is a few tracks further into the album, is more up-tempo and a return to Vincent on lead vocals. Drums and bass are the driving lynchpins of this track which again possesses an insistent piano theme. The guitar is a bit more prominent from time to time, but again I have that feeling that the track starts and ends, and when it does, any melody has just slipped out of my mind.

Named after the band, track 6, “Anathema” (6:56) is more of a slow burner before crescendo-ing into a superb violin, then guitar, passage. A good track without any doubt which leads into a track, “You’re Not Alone” (3:25), which I found a little out of place and seems to run the gamut of various styles in the short time it exists.

“Firelight” (2:49) is another track which seemed a bit “odd,” in that it seems to be nothing more than an instrumental bridge, utilizing church style organ, between the tracks “You’re Not Alone” and “Distant Satellites.” The title track (8:36) has a programmed drum feel about it with that superb voice from Vincent over the top and again I felt was one of the best tracks on offer.

The final track “Take Shelter” (6:18) has a more ethereal voiced Vincent over a subdued piano with some beautiful violin over the top. Some more programmed drumming, very similar to the last track, puts in a muted appearance but bursts into life as the song starts to increase in intensity, ultimately giving in to a full band workout. The last minute is a very poignant exit to a violin theme.

I struggled with this review of Distant Satellites as I genuinely do not dislike the album, it is just that at no point does the hand burst from the speakers, grab me by the throat and yell, “You will listen to this!” While the music on offer is played by skilled musicians, I felt that the spark required to ignite the album just wasn’t to be found.

Anathema followers will be eager to add Distant Satellites to their collections, but I am not convinced that this album will attract newer listeners to the band. As always, this is a very personal view, so give Distant Satellites a few listens to decide if you want to make a small space on your CD shelves.

3.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Anathema, Distant Satellites, Take Shelter

Tracks: 

The Lost Song Part 1
The Lost Song Part 2
Dusk (Dark is Descending)
Ariel
The Lost Song Part 3
Anathema
You’re Not Alone
Firelight
Distant Satellites
Take Shelter

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

August 5, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Prog/Art Rock Review: Anathema-Distant Satellites

Release Date: June 10, 2014 
Label: KScope

Website

Starting out as a death/doom metal band back in 1990, Anathema has undergone a drastic evolution to the band that has just released Distant Satellites, album number 10. The debut album was released in 1993, entitled Serenades, and the previous studio album to this one was released in 2012, entitled Weather Systems. Between that release and the new album, I reviewed the live release, Universal, issued in 2013.

At the time of recording Distant Satellites, Anathema comprised 6 members, the Cavanagh brothers, Vincent (voice, guitar, vocoder), Danny (guitar, keyboards, voice) and Jamie (bass) together with the Douglas siblings, Lee (vocals) and John (drums) and Daniel Cardosa (keyboards, drums). Daniel Cardosa was a touring member of the band, but became a full member in 2012.

Distant Satellites is a 10 track album with a playing time nudging an hour in length (58 minutes).The longest offering on the album is the title track “Distant Satellites” with a running time of 8:36 minutes and “Firelight” is the shortest track at 2:49 minutes.

The opening track to Distant Satellites, “The Lost Song Part 1” (6:07), is the first of a three part track and enters with strings and keyboards before some frantic drumming ushers in the voice of Vincent Cavanagh. Vincent possesses a very powerful voice and it is ably backed up on this track by the crystal clear voice of Lee Douglas. The track powers along with insistent piano, drumming and layers of guitar adding the icing on the cake, so to speak. My problem with this opening track is that it doesn’t seem to go anywhere. The track builds in intensity, but there is no real shift in the music, it is the same from start to finish and I really wanted it to have some direction.

The second track, “The Lost Song Part 2” (6:01) has a gentle piano start before Lee Douglas takes center stage in a more angst ballad track. The band join in and the track moves along with some sections of building sound before the music drops away and gently makes an exit. This is a different style from the opener, but without that “je ne sais quoi” that pulls a listener into the music. “The Lost Song Part 3,” which is a few tracks further into the album, is more up-tempo and a return to Vincent on lead vocals. Drums and bass are the driving lynchpins of this track which again possesses an insistent piano theme. The guitar is a bit more prominent from time to time, but again I have that feeling that the track starts and ends, and when it does, any melody has just slipped out of my mind.

Named after the band, track 6, “Anathema” (6:56) is more of a slow burner before crescendo-ing into a superb violin, then guitar, passage. A good track without any doubt which leads into a track, “You’re Not Alone” (3:25), which I found a little out of place and seems to run the gamut of various styles in the short time it exists.

“Firelight” (2:49) is another track which seemed a bit “odd,” in that it seems to be nothing more than an instrumental bridge, utilizing church style organ, between the tracks “You’re Not Alone” and “Distant Satellites.” The title track (8:36) has a programmed drum feel about it with that superb voice from Vincent over the top and again I felt was one of the best tracks on offer.

The final track “Take Shelter” (6:18) has a more ethereal voiced Vincent over a subdued piano with some beautiful violin over the top. Some more programmed drumming, very similar to the last track, puts in a muted appearance but bursts into life as the song starts to increase in intensity, ultimately giving in to a full band workout. The last minute is a very poignant exit to a violin theme.

I struggled with this review of Distant Satellites as I genuinely do not dislike the album, it is just that at no point does the hand burst from the speakers, grab me by the throat and yell, “You will listen to this!” While the music on offer is played by skilled musicians, I felt that the spark required to ignite the album just wasn’t to be found.

Anathema followers will be eager to add Distant Satellites to their collections, but I am not convinced that this album will attract newer listeners to the band. As always, this is a very personal view, so give Distant Satellites a few listens to decide if you want to make a small space on your CD shelves.

3.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Anathema, Distant Satellites, Take Shelter

Tracks: 

The Lost Song Part 1
The Lost Song Part 2
Dusk (Dark is Descending)
Ariel
The Lost Song Part 3
Anathema
You’re Not Alone
Firelight
Distant Satellites
Take Shelter

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

August 5, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Anathema Reveal ‘Beautiful, Intense’ Album

Martin Kielty at 01:00pm March 28 2014

Anathema have confirmed their 10th album is called Distant Satellites, and it’s set for release on June 9 via Kscope.

They describe the follow-up to 2012′s Weather Systems as “the culmination of everything we have been working on in our musical path,” and add: “It contains almost every conceivable element of the heartbeat of Anathema music that it is possible to have.

“There is beauty, intensity, drama, quietude, and extra musical dimensions that we have previously only hinted at. It is all built on the song writing chemistry of Daniel, John and Vincent Cavanagh – and the haunting voice of Lee Douglas.”

Steven Wilson mixed some of the tracks, while the others were prepared by Christer-Andre Cederbeg, who also worked on Weather Systems.

The band have also confirmed a short run of UK concerts, starting with an appearance at the Celebr8.3 prog festival at the Islington Assembly Hall in London on May 31. They’ll appear there alongside Frost*, The Tangent, Twelfth Night, Karmakanic, Galahad and others. Anathema also play this year’s Download festival.

Anathema acoustic dates

May 31: Celebr8.3
Jun 06: Leamington Spa Assembly
Jun 15: Gloucester Cathedral

Source Link: http://www.progrockmag.com/news/anathema-reveal-beautiful-intense-album/