Anathema / Mother's Cake

KoKo, London on Fri 26th Sep 2014

Always eager to challenge musical boundaries resulting in an overwhelmingly expressive output, Anathema are back in London with a new album of their emotive take on atmospheric rock to promote. Tonight's gig is deservedly sold out and despite the doors opening early at 6pm on a weekday, the venue rapidly fills.

Sole support comes from Austrian rockers Mother's Cake. Formed in 2008 and with one full-length bearing their moniker, their style of rock balances between hard rock, alternative rock, progressive rock and funk, the latter style arming their music with a particularly early '90s sound. Nods towards genre-bending rebelslike Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faith No More and The Mars Volta can all be traced in their unconventionally-crafted songs. The audience appears to take a while to warm to Mother's Cake but soon enough, it is evident that they are fascinated with this gallery of experimentation. Their style is fresh and scarcely head in this day and age – certainly welcome as a support for a band as anti-genre-committal as the headliners.

Opening with new song the first two parts of new track 'The Long Song', Anathema are greeted by a torrent of applause from the sold out venue. The sound of the KOKO lends itself perfectly to ensure each note is born into the best aural circumstance. This opener is followed by both parts of 'Untouchable' from 2012's 'Weather Systems' and judging by the audience's fervour, this colourful yet melancholic number has fast become a modern Anathema classic. Their unmistakeable brand of alternative rock that embraces the likes of progressive rock, pop and even folk evolving from their death/doom metal past results in a creative atmosphere that only when seen live can the true passionate power of their music be recognised.

This year saw the English six-piece release new album 'Distant Satellites', following in a similar to vein of atmospheric alternative rock to their other most recent work but with more simplified works and a shade or two darker. The vast majority of the setlist emanates from this album and paints the venue in rich soundscapes and emotional sincerity with particular highlights being 'Ariel' and 'Anathema'. 'Weather Systems' rightfully receives a commendable amount of attention tonight too, with the lengthy 'The Storm before the Calm' and the explosive 'The Beginning and the End' showing their faces in addition to the aforementioned 'Untouchable' one-two hit. The stage presence of Anathema is an active one that comes alive during the rockier moments of their music, a testament to their experienced career. Banter between songs from frontman Vincent Cavanagh and guitarist Danny Cavanagh is, contrary to the moods communicated in the music, light-hearted and humorous.

'Closer' from 'A Natural Disaster' seemingly finishes the set but Anathema return on stage as the audience remain unmoved and eager for more. After an intro tape of 'Firelight' seeps through the PA, they launch into the title track of 'Distant Satellites'. This is followed by fan favourite 'A Natural Disaster', which sees vocalist Lee Douglas take centre stage to treat the audience to her soothing voice for this stripped-down track. New song 'Take Shelter'ends on a beautiful note for the band to vacate the stage to but the audience's refusal to leave the venue sees Anathema come out on stage for one final hymn – this one is not on the setlist, Danny Cavanagh informs the crowd – the goth rock tinged 'Fragile Dreams'. The KOKO comes alive in the spectators' bliss, with a plethora of fans singing along and this closer effortlessly claims the strongest ovation. Anathema could not wish for a better conclusion.

A two hour long set does not feel long enough for such an outstanding act and there is something a little blue that the band members themselves are surprised they sold out the venue. With continuous progression in their sound and consistently good output since their inception, Anathema are a premier act in the rock world, making music that undoubtedly beckoned tears in the eyes of its audience with mature and romantic themes. An Anathema concert in London is not a rare occurrence but they can never play the capital too many times.

article by: Elena Francis

published: 30/09/2014 11:23



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