Daniel CAvanagh is the main creative force of famous Liverpool collective Anathema. Fans know that If there are ten songs on Anathema record, at least seven of them are signed by Danny. It is worth remembering that Anathema dropped a phenomenal album The Optimist earlier this year, although I would note that this is their second album in a row that is significantly weaker than any of their previous releases. Well, now we know that might be because Daniel was saving the best for himself.
This is not Daniel's first excursion into solo fields. A Place To Be - A Tribute To Nick Drake from 2004, Memory and Meaningfrom 2015 and experimental narrative release The Passage from 2013 have all showed us what Danny can do on its own. This years Monochrome is his first full length solo studio album, and it is far better than The Optimist and creative debacle Distance Satellitewas. Since he was the author of most of the material on both of those records, I have no choice but to conclude that the cream was saved for Monochrome. His songs, his justice, I guess. Still, Monochrome would round up Anathema's discography so perfectly If it was released right after Anathema's last grand record, 2012 Weather Satellites.
Monochrome is a transcendental, introspective and calming journey. Is a soundtrack stressful, but also romantic life events. From the music perspective, Daniel avoided repetition of massive climaxes that characterized Anathema's recent materials and turned to pittoresque melodies strongly rooted in piano and acoustic guitars with sporadic electric solos. Everything is intertwined with Anna Phoebe's magic vocal melismas.
On Monochrome, we also witness Daniel's vocal abilities. I mean, he was singing on Anathema's records as well, but this proves that he was holding back. He literally burned the house down on the opening The Exorcist and moved his younger brother and the lead singer of Anathema in the shadow.
The zenith comes with instrumental beast, a nine minute long track The Slight Flight Of The Raven Winged Hours. It represent a courageous trip into the night, a flight beyond this Earth. Aberrant eerie folk served by Cavanagh is something that Anathema is missing in their discography so badly. Whoever lost their faith in Anathema, this track is going to bring them hope back. Miniature Dawn is melancholic Irish peace that irritates the listener in the best way possible. Honesly, I would sign the petition against the song's short duration.
Gorgeous end credits in the form of Oceans of Time and Some Dreams Come True come after tragic segments and offer hope. Sonic impressions of waves and children smile are supported by piano and you are left wondering whether Cavanagh refers to the past, the present or the future. Whichever the case, this man managed to build something simple, beautiful and wise without any sentimentality and pathetic tendencies. Thank you for the hope, Daniel. We will pray for Anathema.
