4.8 Great Moss Effort
Don C | Albany, NY | 01/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"tracks : Redemption , Another face in the Window , Ghosts, Freak Show, Landlocked, Conspire, Leaving Eden, The Immaculate Misconception, Fighting For a Lost Cause.
This is the first CD since the absolute gem that was 'Planetary Confinement'. Difference is that it is now a 1 man vision. Mick Moss is on his own here and the results are excellent. The man has a truly endearing voice and can come up with a guitar melody that will blow the mind. In fact, it was the mixture of Moss's acoustic based tracks balanced with Patterson's mesmerizing Synth or key based tracks made Confinement so extraordinary, they complimented eachother in a truly unique fashion. This could probably be seen as commercially 'accessible' Antimatter, as close as it could be. Though i am sure that is unintentional, just the natural growth. Songs like the title track could be played on Radio, but never will be. Antimatter were never an 'over the top' dark metal band by any means, just falls through the cracks. Stuck on 'The End' records, not getting heard. God forbid any thought provoking music get to the masses. This CD is sweet on the ears, with the 'heaviest track probably being 'Freak Show'. But its heavy to the mind! This is just a great CD altogether.
The changes are that on this disc we are treated to NO female vocals (Which did work, but not missed much), less Keys,Synth form the Patterson style and adding electric guitar from Ex-Anathema associate Cavanagh. Not to say the electric guitar makes it 'Heavier', just gives the project a nice dimension. The soloing in spots is very good indeed, and i like that its Acoustic/Electric mixed. Makes for a more interesting sound. The 2 instrumentals are OK, but missing that eeriness of the Patterson style. very small complaint though.
There is an almost psychedelic tinge on some songs that is reminiscent of like a Pink Floyd style. Especially on 'Another Face In The Window'. That matched with Moss's Eddie Vedder-esque vocal style is quite soothing. There are tracks that include Violin, Light Keys and some damn good guitar work. The drum is merely there to supply a pace at times .This is a blissfully good follow up to 'Confinement', and i am very glad to have it. Hopefully it wont be the end of the Antimatter, because i love the entire catalog, and now that its a one man show, i would love to hear more from Mick Moss. This was his baby now.
Track by track breakdown wont do anyone any good, because if you are reading this chances are you like Antimatter. I will mention that the last track 'Fighting for a lost Cause' is probably the most beautiful yet depressing song i have ever heard. Sung with a tone of somberness that only Mick could create. Brings tears to my eyes..
Mick Moss is a severely overlooked songwriter. This is an incredible musician with something to say. Unfortunately, i dont know if he has left the business all together. Such a sad state in music today.
So if you were worried the project would suffer without the collaborative aspect, fear not! This is great stuff. May not have that back-and-fourth style of the last CD but it doesn't need it. The melodies haunt, the mood is somber and the music soothes. MUST HAVE! Ridiculous that such talent goes unrecognized.
PS- get from Omega Mailorder for a much more fair price.."
This is an excellent album
Bret | USA | 09/22/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been listening to this one for a month. It is REALLY GOOD and worth the five stars. It's mostly acoustic, slow, dark, and really top notch. If that sounds like your style then get this album because it rules."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1