SOUVENIRS

3.5 stars. As much as I love THE GATHERING this one doesn't quite measure up to past albums. The title "Souvenirs" is really the figurative souvenirs that Anneke has received (learned) through life experiences.

"These Good People" is a slow melancholic song with drums and piano coming and going. "Even the Spirits Are Afraid" features some good guitar with the drums and bass keeping the rhythm. "Broken Glass" is the first real highlight as Anneke's vocals amaze, and the guitar is really good. This is more like the material on "How To Measure A Planet". "You Learn About It' is another beautiful song with Anneke's gorgeous, longing vocals being the only thing I can hear. She lays her heart bare on this one.

"Souvenirs" features atmospheric guitar melodies that come and go.The sound is very full to end the song. "We Just Stopped Breathing" features trumpet and hypnotizing vocals, and is experimental sounding with samples. "Monsters" is another highlight, an intense song with a good beat and incredible vocals. "Golden Grounds" is much like the first two songs, in that i'm not that impressed. "Jelena" opens with atmospheric guitar as drums and vocals come in. The song is like sludge. "A Life All Mine" was written by Garm from ULVER who also sings on it with Anneke.

"Broken Glass" ,"You Learn About It" and "Monsters" are worth the price of admission alone.