GRAVITY

In the liner notes Nicklas Berg's name is shown as Nicklas Barker, now i'm thinking he just wants people to think he's related to Bob Barker from The Price Is Right, but apparently he got married and took his wife's last name ! Like Nicklas' name change, the music has also changed.There are actually a couple of radio friendly songs here. Things are softer now, although "Monolith" and "Gravity" would have fit nicely on the previous album. This album ("Gravity") continues in the style of "From Within" with the extended instrumentals, while the stark contrasts that were prominant on "Vemod" and "Nucleus" are lessened considerably. Nicklas sings lead on all songs except for "Ricochet" where Jan Erik does a great job on what I feel is one of the best songs they have ever done.

A mellotron storm with a good beat leads off on "Ricochet", then the vocals come in.This is so moving. He sings "So which of all the lies you told should I keep as my own ?" The instrumental interlude before 3 1/2 minutes in with the organ and bass is such a pleasure. On the last verse of this song the vocals become emotional as he sings "Hands outstretched, along the river" Yes ! I mention that because i've never heard this emotion vocally in an ANEKDOTEN song before. Awesome tune ! "The War Is Over" is another song that just transports me. It's like a dream come true, laughing in the sun. Two of the best songs I have ever heard back to back. This song is different from anything they have done before. The acoustic guitar and pleasant vocals just move me. Just gorgeous. Listen to Nicklas sing "A blue whippoorwill sings on the other side of the rain" and "So come my kingdom come-come today", this is followed by majestic mellotron. Back to the opening track "Monolith" which by the way they have opened concerts with as well. Anyway it opens with a nice riff before a fuller sound with vocals takes over. This is a mid-paced beauty with great vocals. The mellotron comes and goes, although it sounds especially good after 2 1/2 minutes. Love the sound 5 1/2 minutes in as we get hit with mellotron gale force winds. "What Should But Did Not Die" is a slow atmospheric song that seems like it's building towards something but doesn't. Vocals after a minute. A lighter but fuller sound before 3 1/2 minutes before it gets heavier again.

"Sw4" is another song that doesn't typify ANEKDOTEN. It's also the only track without mellotron on it. Seems like it was written from an experience the band may have had while on tour in London. It's mid-paced but fairly dark and atmospheric. Love when Anna comes in with the keys 1 1/2 minutes in and after 2 1/2 minutes. They stretch it out instrumentally to end it. "Gravity" is another highlight ! Nicklas said this was one of his favourites to play live. It's all about the vocals early. It kicks into gear with mellotron and a great beat 1 1/2 minutes in. The contrasts continue. Fantastic tune ! "The Games We Play" is a gentle haunting piece, with higher pitched vocals. Strummed guitar while piano comes in around a minute. Cool song. "Seljak" starts with piano and chunky bass before drums and sax arrive, which reminds me of the PSYCHEDELIC FURS and I love it ! It settles after 2 1/2 minutes with vocal melodies coming in after 3 minutes. It's building to a full and heavy sound to end it.

I really like the cover art on this one. "Monolith" and "Gravity" remind me of the "From Within" album but other then that, this is a much more accessible record. The band thanks Sorrentini and Roversi from MOONGARDEN, Akerfeldt from OPETH, Reine Fiske and many more in the liner notes.

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