UNIVERSAL

The most obvious one is that it features an orchestra. The orchestra does add a lot, but it's used very sparingly. In fact, almost to the point of me being tempted to say that they're squandering the opportunity. However, after listening carefully and thinking about the music, it's not really the case. They use the orchestra as texturing in order to build up the almost mammoth soundscapes that form an integral part of their sound. Not how I would use an orchestra, but it works perfectly for them.

While it might just pertain to Anathema's discography in general, there also aren't a whole ton of individual songs that represent what I would normally consider highs and lows of the show. Instead, it is all very structureless and free-flowing. There are incredibly expressive dynamics and giant contrasts in this music, but they're usually very gradual transitions taking place over the course of several minutes. Generally they also run overtop of hypnotic repeated guitar themes that range from simple to quite amazingly intricate. In a sense, these guys are the kings of the rock ostinato.

As for the band's playing, it's truly second to none. To start with, they're amazingly emotional players. The delivery absolutely brings the music to life. I generally wouldn't say this sort of thing requires a whole ton of virtuosity, but in this case I am going to disagree with myself. Anybody that can manage to make a single repeating theme interesting to a crowd of prog fans for five minutes deserves a f#$king medal. The dynamics are beautiful, they are obviously ridiculously well rehearsed, the onstage energy is amazing, everyone's having fun, and everything is just generally great. Also, while the band deserves credit for creating these massive walls of sound, the singers also deserve to be noted for their amazing ability to cut through and be heard. Their voices are both great and are perfect for what they do.

In essence, an amazing live gig from an unexpectedly effective band. Definitely an excellent addition to the collection of any open-minded listener.

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