OCEAN WITHOUT A SHORE

As is fairly well know now, this is the band that rises from the ashes of the dear departed Liverpudlian band Anathema. That was started as a metal band by the 3 Cavanagh brothers who then decided to develop a more 'alternative' style of music on albums such as 1999's Judgement (probably their most popular) and carried forward on the next 2 albums A Fine Day To Exit and A Natural Disaster. The sister of drummer John Douglas was added to the line up and she was to prove the magical added x-factor for arguably their finest albums We're Here Because We're Here and Weather Systems (my favourite). This seemed to be a peak that was hard to build on with it's wonderful mesh of post metal, pop and prog in evidence. A couple of further albums followed but eventually this wonderful band had to call it a day. However the new material has now re-surfaced on this Daniel Cavanagah lead re-birth of the band (sort of). Also features Daniel Cardoso on keys, so in fact it now becomes a 2 piece band. This for me is almost as good as the Weather Systems album and is currently in my top 5 albums for the year, only beaten so far by A Swarm Of The Sun (more post metal!), Neal Morse and Geordie Greep. Highly recommended if you like Anathema in general. 4.9 stars rounded up.

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Posted Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | Review this album | Report (Review #3114704)

Weather Systems, born out of the interrupted existence of Anathema, is a new musical project led by Daniel Cavanagh and Daniel Cardoso, two former members, happening to be one of the most exciting new bands of the UK progressive rock scene. Releasing their debut album 'Ocean Without a Shore' in 2024, the duo alongside several contributors have crafted a rather emotive, overwhelming and eclectic mixture of alternative rock with a progressive attitude, imposing art rock with gorgeous melodies, and electronic overdubs embellishing the songs every now and then. Reportedly, many of the songs on here had been conceived during the last Anathema sessions before the announcement of the band's hiatus, directly linking this album to 'The Optimist' from 2017, with which many parallels could be drawn. Not only this, but the band apparently take their name from Anathema's eponymous 2012 studio album, which ultimately renders 'Ocean Without a Shore' the heir apparent to the Anathema legacy.

9-minute opener 'Synaesthesia' is a charming, intricate and emotional piece that sets a dramatic and beautiful tone to the entire album as the listener encounters the brilliant and gradual build-up of tension, as opposed to the jarring culminations coming later on. 'Do Angels Sing Like Rain?' is another suspenseful and invigorating track, one of the most memorable on this album, followed by 'Untouchable Part 3', a beautiful addition to the previous entries appearing on 'Weather Systems' from 2012. 'Ghost in the Machine' is quite captivating, while 'Are You There' is a really atmospheric, with an almost post-rock-like development. The following two tracks are quite intricate art rock numbers with lots of electronic instruments, culminating in the title track, which is mysterious and unexpected, followed only by 'The Space Between Us', another fine entry on the album. The entire work flows naturally between post-rock build-ups and art rock soundscapes as the magnificent vocals of Daniel Cavanagh guide the listener through the realm of Weather Systems, a worthy successor to Anathema, with their near-perfect debut album.

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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | Review this album | Report (Review #3167315)

Weather Systems, reincarnation of Anathema, offers an atmospheric, post-rock-prog journey. First Steps: 'Synaesthesia' energetic electro sound, the flame is there; a catchy guitar, Daniel's drums, Soraia as Lee, the killer crescendo with the raging guitar halfway through; a nostalgic piece in ... (read more)

Report this review (#3117635) | Posted by alainPP | Friday, November 22, 2024 | Review Permanlink

A very, very strong album that serves as an Anathema redux. As a long time Anathema fan, I was deeply saddened by all the recent drama which ultimately led to their abrupt disbanding. One would have thought we wouldn't get fresh new music - but this release proves otherwise. This album is pu ... (read more)

Report this review (#3116809) | Posted by Paschendale | Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | Review Permanlink

Great to see you back Daniel Cavanagh, and what a way to do it. Anyone who loves later era Anathema, in particular its namesake, will adore this. Great song writing (as always), musicianship and as emotive as ever. I truly hope the band tour this and play it in full. Mr Cavanagh deserves far more re ... (read more)

Report this review (#3110333) | Posted by DestrukiwKommandoh | Saturday, October 26, 2024 | Review Permanlink

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