blindsider's Full Review: Alternative 4 (Peaceville) by Anathema
Anathema hits me hard, ladies and gentlemen. In addition to this British rock band being one of the most emotive bands I have ever encountered, their versatility and dark, atmospheric sound always manages to draw me in, holding me captive for hours upon end. These days, it's rare to find me not listening to Anathema.
Alternative 4 was released in 1998, and it is my second favorite Anathema album (falling behind only 1999's melancholy masterpiece Judgement). It is viewed by Anathema's fanbase as a release of great significance, symbolizing the band's transition from the heavier strains of doom-metal to softer, experimental, alternative rock. Oh, yeah, here's a side note -- Alternative 4 also has a reputation for being one of the most depressing albums of all time, so those looking for something to lift their spirits or an album to boost up their workout should quickly take their search elsewhere.
"Shroud of False" is an elegant introduction piece with a simple keyboard melody and hushed vocals from Vincent Cavanagh, ending abruptly with his profusely haunting statement of "I hope you don't understand." This intro is perfect because even in a short minute, it hints toward all of the most important elements of Alternative 4: the abrupt changes in tempo, the simplicity but complexity of dark emotions, and the lyrical themes of trust, paranoia, regret, loss, love and pain. The introduction track segues into the most celebrated and recognizable song in Anathema's catalogue, "Fragile Dreams," adored for its whimsical violin introduction, melodious, bold guitar riffs, and Cavanagh's chillingly raw emotion, both vocally and lyrically. "Today I introduced myself to my own feelings / in silent agony, after all these years they spoke to me / after all these years, maybe I always knew..." This song's impact is beautifully devastating, capturing so perfectly the feelings of letting go and learning to trust and to feel again after being badly jarred around and hurt.
"Empty" manages to maintain such a hollow feeling of numbness, anger and revenge, while still being insanely catchy. An addictive clapping drum loop dances wildly amidst Cavanagh's voice, which is uniquely angry this time around. "I abhor you, I condemn you, 'cause this pain will never end / you got away without a scratch and now you're walking on a lucky path / I have to laugh...but you'd better watch your back," he cries disgustedly. "Lost Control" retreats to quieter territory, with gorgeously arranged, light instrumentals and a heartbreaking vocal performance. "Inner Silence" is a tender expression of love and one of Alternative 4's most striking moments -- kind of over before you even realize what is going on, but that's the nature of many songs on this album, and believe me, it works beautifully.
The multi-layered harmonies and winding mid-tempo groove of "Re-Connect" bring to mind Maynard James Keenan and Tool, while the downright eerie, paranoid, thudding and suspenseful "Alternative 4" is unlike anything else in every aspect imaginable. Cavanagh drags out each word slowly and psychotically, with an exaggerated, unusual accent, sounding every bit like a deranged sociopath; instrumentation is sparse and that's perfectly effective. The mesmerizing tearjerker "Regret" transitions easily from a smooth, slow build-up of gentle acoustic guitars to faster, progressive stylings, with some of Cavanagh's most heavenly vocal melodies to date.
Alternative 4 includes four bonus cover songs, three of which are Pink Floyd re-toolings: "Your Possible Pasts," "One of the Few" and "Goodbye Cruel World." Anathema manages to make these covers their own, filled to the brim with emotion. "One of the Few" turns out rather haunting, while "Your Possible Pasts" allows Cavanagh to fully show off his astonishing vocal range, alternating from near-whispers to impassioned shouts without any warning. Additionally, Anathema puts a rather somber, unique twist on Bad Religion's "Better off Dead," transforming a punky song to a piano-based, sorrowful piece, utilizing the aching voice of guest Michelle Richfield.
This album, like many other releases by Anathema, is nothing short of a masterpiece. I would like to recommend Alternative 4 to all who really feel music down to their core, to those who immerse themselves fully in the magic of powerful, beautiful emotions. I especially urge fans of The Gathering, Pink Floyd and Katatonia to investigate Anathema much further. Alternative 4 is splendid in every way.
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