tiistai 18. elokuuta 2015

Anathema Discography: #8 A Fine Day to Exit (2001)


"Here and now
We are gone in a heartbeat
A dream in the passage your time

Chances are failing
This world isn't waiting
The moment is passing you by"

Anathema took a step in the direction of alternative rock, close to the territory of Radiohead, with 2001's A Fine Day to Exit. The album is guitar-driven like Judgement (1999), but the sound is more modern and less atmospheric. The songs are more mainstream, but not in a negative way - in fact, this is arguably Anathema's most accessible album.

The Beatles-influenced "Pressure" feels like a weird opening track (we'll get to this later) with its minimalistic chord progression, but it has a catchy chorus, so it's a shame it never became a hit, despite the record label's attempts. "Release" is a great track with cool synth bass, rocking guitars, and brilliant vocal harmonies. "Looking Outside Inside" is good as well, even though the beautiful first half and the loud ending feel kind of disconnected from each other.

The synth sounds give "Underworld" a cool vibe, and it's another song that should've been a rock radio hit. "Barriers" is a well-needed respite, but I've never thought Danny Cavanagh's voice was on the same level as his brother Vincent's, so his debut as a lead singer doesn't convince me. If the songs until now have been atypically rocking and modern for Anathema, "Panic" takes this change to its extreme: it's a punky up-tempo track with crazy lyrics, but surprisingly enough the song works and is actually one of the album's highlights.

A Fine Day to Exit ends with what are arguably the two most traditional Anathema songs on the album. The title-track is the peak for me and one of my all-time favorite Anathema tunes - it's got a little bit of the dark Alternative 4 (1998) vibe that I love. "Temporary Peace" is a great closer that sounds melancholy yet gives a little bit of hope: "with you I start to feel a sort of temporary peace." Drummer John Douglas' ramblings about dogs, cats and chickens and the hidden track "In the Dog's House" at the end of the album show that Anathema has a sense of humor and are a nice comic relief.

A reissue with a previously unreleased intro and a rearranged tracklist came out earlier this year. I own this version, as I bought the Fine Days box set this summer. While I think the one-two punch of the intro and "Release" is the best way to open the album, I don't like the way some of the songs that used to be linked with direct segues on the original release have been divided. However, nobody is forced to buy the new version, so the fact that the band finally found peace of mind by using their artistic freedom is what matters the most.

A Fine Day to Exit is a fine album that shows a different side of Anathema. This may also be why the album is slightly divisive among the fans, as not everyone is pleased with its modern rock sound. I have to admit I prefer the band's atmospheric side, but thanks to the fairly solid songwriting and classics like the title cut, "Release" and "Panic", AFDTE has earned a place in my big 4 of Anathema albums.

Rating: 4/5

 

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