Hmm RADIOHEAD meets OPETH...very interesting. Liverpool-based ANATHEMA are one of those bands that doesn't really grab you immediately, but the more you listen, the more you become enthralled with the absolutely gorgeous melodies and arrangements. At first listening I felt that most of the songs shared common characteristics which almost made this disk feel monotonous, but after a few more repeated listenings, I discovered that this band can indeed craft intense, introspective, but most of all brooding music that can only be described as 'different'. "Harmonium', 'Balance', and 'Childhood Dream' retain a very airy feel about them, and the lush musical landscapes are quite beautiful. Often, the band relies on their songs to ebb and flow into different emotional levels, but there isn't a harsh note to be played, yet the music is somber and heavy without resorting to massive distorto guitars and screaming, guttural vocals.
Granted, you won't catch yourself slamming around your cubical in pure anger after spinning, but then again, I don't think that is their
desired effect on you. If your searching for one of those discs that can best be described as 'mood' music, look no further than this release.
