A NATURAL DISASTER

I'm really suspicious to talk about Anathema, since I'm a great fan of them. But what I really think is that the band is in continuing change, they are trying to reach a sound that mix some melancholy, progressive, and rock stuff. It seems that in every album, the band is not satisfied with the kind of sound they did on the last album, but that's a nice thing. I think they really doing an evolution since Darren White got out of the band, after the Pentecost III. Here it's what I think about the songs:

Harmonium - a very very good intro piece, the master of keyboards Les makes you drown in Anathemas world... as a specially of the band, the song keeps getting stronger and come at a point when they start using distortions and more stronger vocals (masterfully singed by Vinnye).

Balance - most of people don't know this, and neither didn't I until I watched the DVD, but Danny plays the keyboards on this song. Seems that his is coming to be the brain of the band (since he composed all the songs on this album). Well, in my point of view, once again they screw... once again, as the song goes by it keeps getting stronger and stronger, then it ends... just ends..

Closer - continuing with the feelings left on Balence, once again Danny plays the keyboards as his brother Vinnye controls the synthesizer used to change his voice into a kind of robotic thing... he keeps saying just a few phrases... "Your dream world is a very scary place... to be trapped inside". Well, I don't know what you people think about it, but in my opinion, Danny has a wonderful feeling to write lyrics, and even when it's just one phrase, he makes you think a lot about it.

Are You There? - YES... the whisper on the beginning says, this song is one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever listened to, no kidding. Danny sings on this song, the lyrics seems to be really personal for Dannys life... the drums are very well played by John and the simple solo on the middle of the songs it's economic, clean, and beautiful.

Childhood Dream - It's like a little break during the album, sounds something psychedelic that bands like Coldplay would never do thins such as this.

Pulled Under - the heaviest song on the album. Sure it reminds some old Anthema, and songs like Dying Wish, and later then Empty, and then Panic. The song starts with a delaying bass which reminds me a little of One Of These Days from Pink Floyd. Then suddenly like an avalanche of music the song grows stronger and a bit violent. Some interludes and then it ends... just ends... like they did on closer.

A Natural Disaster - there isn't too much to say about this song. Melancholic, Lees voice gives the perfect tune for the song... once again Anathema keeps using female vocals on some songs.

Electricity - once again all honours goes to Danny, he plays the keys on this one and also sings on it. A very simple but beautiful song... no heavy guitars, no scream... just a peaceful song.

Violence - it starts with a single piano line... then progressively the others sounds and instruments keep appearing on the song... like a storm coming on the horizon, then the storm arrives... a strange fast drums that don't make the song faster, a strange guitar riff that although the song keeps going stronger doesnt get heavier.. and then the storm passes away... peace again... another melancholic piano line, like if you were watching the firs ray of the sunlight through the clouds... and although there's sorrow in every where... there's also hope... it's the end...

WONDERFUL ALBUM