Having heard about the queuing horrors for Record Store Day the day before I wrote this, it had me thinking about the strategic moves that record labels are deploying to aid us in parting with our cash only for some parasites to place items immediately on auctions sites and their ilk. Cynically speaking the reissue of this trio of albums could be viewed in the same parasitic light as what happens on RSD but at least this trio of re-releases has been endorsed by the band themselves and gives newer fans an opportunity to own these releases on updated packaging with additional artwork plus the albums have been re-mastered for this release. All the releases except “A Natural Disaster” have had original vinyl releases plus subsequent reissues via Peaceville or KScope which begs the question of whether shelling out for these is really worth it. For some the answer to that question is a plain yes but for others that may already own these albums on CD or vinyl that is a more difficult question. Listening to each of the releases one can detect a cleaner sound but in all honesty if you’re not an audiophile (which I am not) then the differences are likely to be marginal. That being said the original albums had wonderful luxurious productions but ten plus years is a long time in technological terms and airing these albums gives a breath of spring air to the albums, with crystalline acoustics offering a newer perspective for those willing to pay for it.
The first of the trio “Judgement“, from 1999, was probably more of a landmark release than its predecessor “Alternative 4” which saw the band branch off suddenly into newer unexplored territory that begins with the awesome track “Deep”, a regular on the bands set list for a few years the tune sits memorably within anyone that has heard it; its flowing melody nails the bands forthcoming sonic template firmly in place. Added to that this release was the first without Duncan Patterson on bass and co-song-writing duties. The flow from song to song is effortless with a cotton soft but pristine production enhancing the eloquent melodies of “Pitiless”. With potent despondency the vocal lines are fluidised dignity and none more so than the first introduction of Lee Douglas within the band’s songs on “Parisienne Moonlight” which follows the beautiful and tearfully gorgeous “One Last Goodbye”. The bands heart breaking song writing style is unmatched to this day when you get the textural auditory delights of the title track and signified what the band was about as like the proverbial chrysalis to butterfly the metamorphosis of this band has been breathtaking over the years. (9)
Mystical and possessing utter charm is 2001’s “A Fine Day To Exit” as every nuance of the album has been sculpted within the songs to breathe life and aura into songs of soothing delectation. There is a 60s vibe on this album and testament to the bands affection for The Beatles possibly as percussive elements accentuate each song with delicate finesse throughout. Contrasting with the previous album, the true test of any band is to retain their uniqueness yet radiate tendrils of experimentation. A tune like “Pressure” showcases this ability by gathering old rock styles of bands like Blue Öyster Cult and Barclay James Harvest where a trippy ethos blankets the listener. John Douglas was also at the helm for song writing on half of the songs and alongside Les Smith joining on keyboards and with John’s sister Lee taking a more prominent role, that metamorphosis was well under way with this release. More subtle in approach the ambience is sublime on “Looking Outside Inside” as the song typifies the bands attitude to music, calm serenity amalgamated to more intense passages where the apices and natural qualities of the music are emphasised brilliantly. There is sadness to this release where fragile sonic adornments add delicate poise via vocal lines, percussive elements or the guitar work on the title track and the epic closing song of “Temporary Peace” a culmination of harvested heart-stopping creativeness. (8.5)
Possibly my favourite album by the band “A Natural Disaster” hit my heart like cupid’s arrow tipped with an addictive narcotic. Everything about this release is different to the previous albums before it and whilst many metal fans prefer the bands early death doom offerings, for me this is Anathema and I can’t imagine my life without hearing their music. Their recent church tour where I caught them at Leeds Minster was a moment in my gig history I will never forget and hearing a couple of songs from this album done acoustically was gushingly effusive. Eclectic and diverse the album has an esoteric quality where each song offers varying levels of enjoyment and serenity which isn’t to say it doesn’t have its heavier side as on “Pulled Under At 2000 Metres A Second”. The title track and “Closer” are regulars within the bands live set to this day and if anything the songs have far more impact live than the studio release especially the title track where Lee’s soulful vocal delivery gives me goose pimples every time I hear it and is my favourite song by the band. The unconditional artistry of “Are You There?” is alluring, possessing a refined tenderness, the vocals are sorrowful and completely mesmerising. There are no faults on this album for me and even though the band continues to take gigantic steps in art rock progressiveness, striding ever further and beyond anyone else, this album is timeless and always will be to the day I die. (10)
(Martin Harris)
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