It takes some bands five years to find their true identity. It takes others a decade. Perhaps in some rare cases a band will get an opportunity to find their real self twenty years into their existence. Anathema may just be one of those rare bands. 2010’s 'We’re Here Because We’re Here' was a stupendous return from a group who had been absent for seven years. That record turned Anathema from a good band to a truly great band, a band whose output deserves to go down in history with the finest artists of their time. Last year’s 'Falling Deeper', a largely orchestral reworking of old doomier material, confirmed that their run of good form was to continue and, in case you were in any doubt, 'Weather Systems' is another truly spectacular release.
In fact, this record might be the culmination of this period of Anathema’s discography. The orchestration of 'Falling Deeper' is a crucial part of this album, which collates acoustic and electric instrumentation in stunning fashion to create something closer than ever to a definitive Anathema sound. Some will argue that Pink Floyd remain a clear influence, but then what the hell is wrong with being influenced by one of the most innovative bands of all time if you can still create your own musical character like Anathema have? This album feels, more than ever, like it is the work of a band at total ease in their musical skin.
For some, Anathema’s newfound ease may lead to accusations of complacency. They will point to the fact that virtually all of the songs present on 'Weather Systems' feature similar musical structures. The acoustic guitar/piano intro is certainly the order of the day here but to focus on this is missing the point. Anathema’s finest work has always been about playing to the band’s strengths and on this release that is certainly what they do. This album takes the template they set out on 'We’re Here Because We’re Here', adds additional features explored on 'Falling Deeper', and ramps it all up a level to the point that everything here is pretty much the peak of Anathema’s songwriting ability.
Their confidence is such that they are even able to take the odd completely unexpected diversion without it even registering as strange to the ears of the listener. 'The Storm Before the Calm' threatens to divert itself in the direction of harsh electronic noise halfway through, and 'The Lost Child' opens with a minute or so of distinctly eerie hymnal vocals before kicking in properly. Meanwhile the fact is that the likes of 'Lightning Song' and 'The Beginning of the End' are just brilliant melodic rock songs, warm and sobering like an autumn day where the sun is shining but the trees are all bare. At times this album just begs to reach out and give the listener the warmest of embraces; such is its combination of emotional weight and listenable joy.
'Weather Systems' is the peak of Anathema’s astonishing career to date and, with the band as inspired and dedicated today as they ever have been, it seems unlikely that it will be the last work of brilliance they produce. Wherever the wind may take them next, this band really are their own genuinely unique musical force now and, on this evidence, the sky really is the limit.
'Weather Systems' is out on April 16th via K-Scope. Anathema play London’s Koko on 3rd May with special guests Amplifier.
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In fact, this record might be the culmination of this period of Anathema’s discography. The orchestration of 'Falling Deeper' is a crucial part of this album, which collates acoustic and electric instrumentation in stunning fashion to create something closer than ever to a definitive Anathema sound. Some will argue that Pink Floyd remain a clear influence, but then what the hell is wrong with being influenced by one of the most innovative bands of all time if you can still create your own musical character like Anathema have? This album feels, more than ever, like it is the work of a band at total ease in their musical skin.
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