OCEAN WITHOUT A SHORE

Weather Systems, born out of the interrupted existence of Anathema, is a new musical project led by Daniel Cavanagh and Daniel Cardoso, two former members, happening to be one of the most exciting new bands of the UK progressive rock scene. Releasing their debut album 'Ocean Without a Shore' in 2024, the duo alongside several contributors have crafted a rather emotive, overwhelming and eclectic mixture of alternative rock with a progressive attitude, imposing art rock with gorgeous melodies, and electronic overdubs embellishing the songs every now and then. Reportedly, many of the songs on here had been conceived during the last Anathema sessions before the announcement of the band's hiatus, directly linking this album to 'The Optimist' from 2017, with which many parallels could be drawn. Not only this, but the band apparently take their name from Anathema's eponymous 2012 studio album, which ultimately renders 'Ocean Without a Shore' the heir apparent to the Anathema legacy.

9-minute opener 'Synaesthesia' is a charming, intricate and emotional piece that sets a dramatic and beautiful tone to the entire album as the listener encounters the brilliant and gradual build-up of tension, as opposed to the jarring culminations coming later on. 'Do Angels Sing Like Rain?' is another suspenseful and invigorating track, one of the most memorable on this album, followed by 'Untouchable Part 3', a beautiful addition to the previous entries appearing on 'Weather Systems' from 2012. 'Ghost in the Machine' is quite captivating, while 'Are You There' is a really atmospheric, with an almost post-rock-like development. The following two tracks are quite intricate art rock numbers with lots of electronic instruments, culminating in the title track, which is mysterious and unexpected, followed only by 'The Space Between Us', another fine entry on the album. The entire work flows naturally between post-rock build-ups and art rock soundscapes as the magnificent vocals of Daniel Cavanagh guide the listener through the realm of Weather Systems, a worthy successor to Anathema, with their near-perfect debut album.

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