Anathema - Scala, London - 17th February 2011 (Live Review)
Monday, 21 February 2011
Written by Ben Bland
The word ‘triumphant’ is one that is probably used too often across the live review spectrum. Sometimes however there really isn’t any other word to describe what one has just witnessed and, in the case of this show, it really is the only word to accurately sum up a performance by a band that has reached a somewhat unexpected peak over twenty years after their original formation. After the critical acclaim that was (rightly) awarded to last year’s “We’re Here Because We’re Here” album, Anathema decided to book their highest profile UK tour to date with the culmination of said tour arriving at the 1200 capacity Scala.
Before the headliners take to the stage there is a set by promising Scottish electro rock act North Atlantic Oscillation. It is hard to imagine such a band supporting Anathema in years gone by, back when they were still to some extent bound by their reputation as one of the founding fathers of the British doom metal scene. Boasting a summery, synth heavy sound that sounds not that far away from MGMT yet with an edge of experimentalism more in common with The Flaming Lips, North Atlantic Oscillation receive a mixed reception from the crowd. Many of those present have clearly reached Anathema through their metal heritage and seem to have little appreciation of the talents the support has to offer during their allotted forty-five minute slot.
With songs such as the undeniably catchy 'Cell Count' there is actually a lot to like about the group but, whilst a few are nodding their heads and tapping their feet, the majority of those present seem totally disinterested. Thankfully this does not stop the band putting in a good performance; although they somehow neglect to mention their name once during their set (something that’s pretty high up on the ‘things to do whilst being a support act’ list).
The crowd have livened up a bit by the time Anathema finally takes to the stage. To the applause of a sold out venue, frontman Vincent Cavanagh punches his fist into the air showing his visible delight at playing to such a large crowd. It doesn’t take long for the band to reciprocate the singer’s delight. Announcing that they will start by playing the whole of 'We’re Here Because We’re Here', the band receives a huge ovation and begins with the superb 'Thin Air'. Its peaceful opening provides a great atmosphere setter before the more energetic riffs come in, getting heads banging down the front. In fact, despite the fact that their newer material is far from heavy for the most part, there are plenty of metalheads in the venue who seem to be greatly enjoying the set. Perhaps this can be seen as a testament to the open-mindedness of many followers of a supposedly close-minded genre or maybe it is just a testament to the true excellence of Anathema’s most recent work.
As the likes of 'Everything' and 'A Simple Mistake' roll past in what seems like double quick time, it appears to dawn on everyone present just how special a band Anathema have become. They’ve always been a good band but they have taken things to a new level, and that includes on the live performance front. Every note is sumptuously recreated in front of the audience and they seem to have acquired a reinvigorated joy for playing live as well. Their enthusiasm proves infectious with their smiles soon being replicated by large swathes of the assembled gig-goers.
Although things take a slight dip atmospherically with new album closer 'Hindsight' which seems to bore a couple of impatient audience members, the performance levels are rarely compromised. Danny Cavanagh, the band’s main songwriter, proves his guitar playing chops with perfectly executed solos throughout and, although not always spot on, Vincent is on good vocal form. The oft-overlooked binding force of Anathema live though is undoubtedly keyboardist Les Smith. Without his input much of the material would undoubtedly fall flat live but his work does a great job of preventing such an injustice, providing the elegance that is noticeable on their more progressive recordings. Lee Douglas also deserves a mention for her excellent contributions, especially during a stunning rendition of the title track from 2003’s 'A Natural Disaster' album in which she is allowed to come to the fore.
As a live band they have become a force to be reckoned with, a force that is on par with their increasingly ambitious and brilliant studio output. Although old classics like 'Deep' and 'One Last Goodbye' are as sumptuous here as ever, it is clear that the first half of the show is the highlight. Anathema is finally arriving at where they deserve to be and it can only be hoped that their future progress continues to delight and entrance. A, you guessed it, triumphant performance.
Anathema setlist:
Thin Air
Summernight Horizon
Dreaming Light
Everything
Angels Walk Among Us
Presence
A Simple Mistake
Get Off, Get Out
Universal
Hindsight
Deep
Pitiless
Forgotten Hopes
Destiny Is Dead
One Last Goodbye
Empty
Release
Flying
Wish You Were Here (Danny Cavanagh solo)
Closer
A Natural Disaster
Fragile Dreams
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With songs such as the undeniably catchy 'Cell Count' there is actually a lot to like about the group but, whilst a few are nodding their heads and tapping their feet, the majority of those present seem totally disinterested. Thankfully this does not stop the band putting in a good performance; although they somehow neglect to mention their name once during their set (something that’s pretty high up on the ‘things to do whilst being a support act’ list). 
