Anathallo has been a band I’ve followed for quite some time. I remember seeing them in an Elk’s Club in the way eastern desert territory of southern California opening for a band who were, at the time, relatively small (Chiodos). Since the captivating show, I’ve been continually impressed with the band’s sense of subtle melody and unstoppable attention to dynamics and rhythm. Their first real full length, “Floating World,” was released and few heads turned—even on their tour featuring several sold out shows with The Format, it seems people by and large just aren’t taking notice to the band.
Even I, a pretty avid fan, found myself occasionally listening to “Floating World” with, generally, little attention. Many of the tracks were largely forgettable and while the two “singles” were triumphant and perhaps my ideal mix of mathy indie and pop (Hoodwink, A Great Wind…) many of the songs seemed to get a little too far off the map for me to willingly hone in.
On “Canopy Glow,” released on the highly prominent indie Anticon, the band is noticeably more focused—and decidedly darker. From the ominous cover art to the mysterious and eerie dynamics of every song, “Canopy Glow” is a giant step in the right direction. The songs contain the feel the band has been going for from day one--vocal rhythms, hand claps, and such--but the songs are quite hookier and quite more memorable than ever before. Lyrically, the band has made a significant step towards a more thematic approach. “Canopy Glow” follows the commonly used theme of death, but the songs are more exciting and lively, brought to life by vivid imagery (“Cafetorium”). There’s still plenty of sparse, desolate songs that encapsulate a feeling of pure loneliness, though (see “Noni’s Field”).
Vocally, the album is much more focused—it’s a lot more rocking on the guitars as well. It seems the band has their former style still equipped, but has moved towards a more focused overall sound. The vocal harmonies between the two singers are reminiscent of an almost Beach Boys meets The Anniversary vibe, and it’s very diggable.
By and large, “Canopy Glow” is one of my late night anthem records of the year, as its dark, encapsulating mystery and more focused vocal work is at once inviting, familiar, memorable, and insanely interesting. I strongly recommend everyone finally gets on the bandwagon with this band.
Even I, a pretty avid fan, found myself occasionally listening to “Floating World” with, generally, little attention. Many of the tracks were largely forgettable and while the two “singles” were triumphant and perhaps my ideal mix of mathy indie and pop (Hoodwink, A Great Wind…) many of the songs seemed to get a little too far off the map for me to willingly hone in.
On “Canopy Glow,” released on the highly prominent indie Anticon, the band is noticeably more focused—and decidedly darker. From the ominous cover art to the mysterious and eerie dynamics of every song, “Canopy Glow” is a giant step in the right direction. The songs contain the feel the band has been going for from day one--vocal rhythms, hand claps, and such--but the songs are quite hookier and quite more memorable than ever before. Lyrically, the band has made a significant step towards a more thematic approach. “Canopy Glow” follows the commonly used theme of death, but the songs are more exciting and lively, brought to life by vivid imagery (“Cafetorium”). There’s still plenty of sparse, desolate songs that encapsulate a feeling of pure loneliness, though (see “Noni’s Field”).
Vocally, the album is much more focused—it’s a lot more rocking on the guitars as well. It seems the band has their former style still equipped, but has moved towards a more focused overall sound. The vocal harmonies between the two singers are reminiscent of an almost Beach Boys meets The Anniversary vibe, and it’s very diggable.
By and large, “Canopy Glow” is one of my late night anthem records of the year, as its dark, encapsulating mystery and more focused vocal work is at once inviting, familiar, memorable, and insanely interesting. I strongly recommend everyone finally gets on the bandwagon with this band.
1 comment:
I'm on the wagon, sir. I've been listening to it a lot lately. The first few listens, I wasn't so enthusiastic but I've really come around to it.
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