More info: http://www.anti-m.com/, www.myspace.com/antimband
Verdict: Diversity works
To fully appreciate this album you first have the know the history of Anti-M. The first album by the band was a surfing concept album called "No Waves In Hell" which seems to have been a none too serious attempt with the focus on electronic synth music but with quite a quirky mix of styles. For the second album the band went for a Depeche Mode approach with Ronnie Montrose on guitar helping the band to get more exposure. During the lead up to this third album John Wardlaw discovered female fronted goth rock bands such as Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation and Evanescence and Barbara Moseley, who had guested on the second album, was asked to join as main vocalist. The band is completed by Jon Moseley on guitars, Ruston Slager on keyboards, John Wardlaw on (guitars, bass, keyboards +) and Derek Poultney on drums and programming.
The references to female goth rock bands and the presence of Ronnie Montrose on a previous album certainly hint a rock affair, but the band haven't abandoned their past completely, which makes for a interesting journey through the album tracks.
"Dream in Metaphor" has a spoken vocal and Spanish guitar at the start before moving onto more determined guitars and a electronic programmed backing, which is the type of music you might expect on a guitar player's solo album. The female fronted goth style mentioned earlier takes over on the next couple of tracks - "Let U In" and "Damage".
When it comes to sheer beauty the winning track has got be "Deep" where Barbara's vocals simply shine. In contrast "Rage" has an epic middle eastern vibe. The relaxing "It's All Inside" changes pace and vocals to male. "Little Things" is a mid-tempo track that evokes thoughts of Suzanne Vega's Luka. The first time I listened to the next track "Beautiful Babe" I thought I had some sort of computer virus as David Bowie seemed to appear from nowhere. In fact, Anit-M feature 3 vocalists with the third one sounding very like Ziggy in his 80's Let Dance persona. "Waita While" is another chillout session from vocalist No. 2.
The reason I went into the band's past at the start of the review was because their electronic past surfaces on "Rose Of Love" and "Godzilla vs Rodan", especially the latter which is hardcore electronica.
"Into The Rain" moves things back into more of a rock vein as it builds up into a slow guitar workout. "Incineration" cranks up the guitars for a short instrumental. "Shiver" leads into the slow rock ballad "Damage In The Dream". As "The Sixth Extinction" get into full flight it seems like Tangerine Dream might have been an influence somewhere along the line. "No Kill I" seems like it is going to close the album with a Gary Numan/Kraftwerk electronic affair but the guitars take over, then Barbara's vocals cut in and the band rock their way to the end.
Quite a long journey at 70+ minutes and quite a diverse one. It seems like there is at least 3 different bands - electronic, female fronted goth & progressive instrumental rock - trying to grab my attention. When thrown togther in the melting pot that is Anti-M, the result is an interesting album that is well worth listening to.
