HINDSIGHT

With the release of this semi-acoustic compilation, Anathema proves once again that, beyond the technical criteria, music remains a vector for emotions and a universal language. Semi-acoustic indeed, since some pieces are embellished with electric guitar soli and percussions.

This compilation covers several albums, 3 pieces of 'A Natural Disaster' (Are you There, Flying, A Natural Disaster), 2 pieces of 'A Fine Day to Exit' (Leave No Trace, Temporary Peace), 2 pieces of 'Alternative 4' (Fragile Dreams, Inner Silence), 1 piece of 'Eternity' (Angelica), 1 piece of 'Judgement' (One Last Goodbye), and 1 unpublished (Unchained) especially written for this opus. These 'old songs' are therefore subject to a semi-acoustic rewrite, and some pieces can be rediscovered, 'Flying' and 'Angelica' acquire another emotional dimension, and the contribution of the Irish Mandolin is certainly no stranger to it. The listener will take great delight in the guitar arpeggios, coated with layers of cello. Anathema offers a refined music, which combines simple acoustic arrangements, in one word, a captivating and graceful music. Dave Wesling and his cello add an intense depth to all.

The musical intention in Anathema's albums is largely dedicated to a dark structure and sound, but it emerges in this album a sort of soothing euphoria, a bit like a musical dream ... as the last song, Unchained, or Fragile Dreams, atmospheric as one could wish.

Why 52 minutes? The approach is paradoxical, with all the materials in hand to achieve a 75-minute album, they shorten the debate, leaving us with our hungry.

Let us wait for their next album 'Horizons' ...