Paint me a window |
August 23rd, 2005
contributed by |
I’m going to confess right off the bat that I have never been much a fan of Britain’s Antimatter. This fact surprised even myself considering who has been involved in the group. Consisting of ex-Anathema song-writer/bassist Duncan Patterson and Danny Cavanagh, also of Anathema, I assumed the band would be tailer made for me. After all, Anathema are without a doubt one of my favorite bands and I consider both Cavanagh and Patterson to be incredible song writers. Instead, I’ve been rather turned off since first hearing the first Antimatter album, “Saviour” in 2002. While no doubt a dark record, I had an strong distaste many of the methods they used to get there. To be frank, I am not a fan of Portishead whatsoever and they have clearly been a major influence on the first two albums. The “trip-hop” drumloops make me cringe and the female vocals never came close to doing anything for me. The two “acoustic versions” tracks on “Saviour” which stripped both of these elements were exactly what I was hoping the band would be doing instead.
Lucky for me, the band decided to eliminate the drumloops in their latest offering, “Planetary Confinement“. I have found myself loving most of the tracks that Mick Moss sings on, specifically “Weight of the World”, “Epitaph” and “A Portrait of the Young Man as an Artist”. I still can’t seem to stomach the female vocalist, but it’s easy enough to skip the tracks she is on. The strength of the aforementioned songs has taken me off guard. They are unrelenting sad songs without a moment that doesn’t move me. The lyrics are also exceptional — which is especially important considering there isn’t much going on to distract you from them. Pattersons vocals manage to do a superb job of penetrating the sorrow right through to the bone. The violin theme on “Epitaph” hits all the right buttons for me — always leaving me with goosebumps and an masochistic urge to indulge in the sadness just one more time.
Edit: Thanks to Coop for setting me straight on who’s singing/writing what.
August 23rd, 2005
at 8:26 am
Hey, the core lineup is actually Duncan Patterson and Mick Moss, and Moss seems to have been a key force from the start. I think Danny Cavanagh has only appeared on a handful of Antimatter tracks, so that might have something to do with your opinions on it? I don’t know, I love everything they’ve done and actually prefer the other two over the new just a touch.
August 23rd, 2005
at 9:43 am
I always assumed Patterson was the key song writer, but then again, that was an assumption. I know Cavanagh’s role has been very limited in the group. But my opinions are based on the fact I have a strong distaste for “trip hop” beats.. and the very clear parallels with Portishead (whom I also don’t like). With that being said, many of my friends love everything they’ve done, so perhaps I’m in the minority here.
August 23rd, 2005
at 10:55 am
What I really like in music in general are artists that know how to do good layers. When to let the guitar play alone, when to add mournful strings to it, and when to let drums come in to lift the song.
This song manages to make so much out of “so little”, and gives me goosebumps over and over. Great. And next time I visit a recordstore, I’ll look for Antimatter.
August 31st, 2005
at 4:34 pm
It is actually Mick Moss’ songs you like most, as he wrote and sings on the songs you mention.
Duncan’s songs are the ones with the female vocalst.
August 31st, 2005
at 5:27 pm
Thanks for setting me straight.
September 22nd, 2005
at 4:30 pm
Danny Cavanagh is not part of the Antimatter line-up that recorded Saviour and Planetary Confinment. His role so far has been limited to session musician for live gigs during the first Antimatter tour and recorded a few acoustic tracks with Mick Moss. Mick Moss and Duncan Patterson are the sole members of Antimatter, and the only song writers. But, Duncan has left the group after Planetary Confinment. Danny has not appeared on ANY tracks on both Cd’s except for singing “Flowers” as an extra track in a limited edition of Saviour. I just wanted to clear that up.
September 24th, 2006
at 4:22 pm
I love this album, really special stuff. I have the “Lights Out” album also, but never came to really listen to it from start to finish, but as soon as “Planetary Confinement” has got yet another spin, I will try and listen to it to the end.