"Anyone is wants to review their sophomore album is looking in the wrong place. This is their 1995 indie label debut that is long out of print. The cover is green with orange type. It contains many of Radiance's tracks in their early infancy, back when they were only 3 members strong. A definite must have if you can find it. A highlight being an early version of "Away" with different fretwork in the beginning."
Best Unheard of Band
Jason | Charlotte, NC USA | 06/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I found this band completely by accident looking for another group, but I was pleasently surprised by this CD. This group is in my top 5 bands of all time, just their sound and lyrics will blow you away. Here is the track listing:
1. Suddenly - 5/5 - Great opening to the CD, with great lyrics and beat.
2. Danger - 4/5 - Great song as well. A little repetative, but still a great song.
3. Comfort - 5/5 - The "big" song from this CD, it has not lost any of its strength over the radio.
4. Frozen in Time - 4/5 - A great sounding song, just not a personal favorite.
5. Sweeter Love - 5/5 - One of my favorite on the CD, the violins and guitar mixture makes this song amazing.
6. Plurabelle - 5/5 - My favorite song on the CD, with a great feeling and lyrics.
7. All My Life - 3/5 - Worst song on the CD, which is still a good song. Just isnt as good as the rest...
8. Waiting For You - 4/5 - Good song, with a harder sound and feeling then the rest. Great lyrics accompany this song.9. Mistake - 4/5 - Great song about school that gels and flows very well.
10. If Baby's Gone - 5/5 - Great way to end the CD with a great 70's sounding song with a nice synthesizer in the background.One of the best CDs I own, with its only low point is the few number of tracks. Better than Radience in comparison."
Their Back!!
W. B. O'Neill | Philadelphia, PA United States | 08/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After entirely too much time in between releases, the NC band shared the self titled "Athenaeum" with us.
This was not a case of too little too late.
Some of the melodic innocence of "Radiance" has been replaced by a more mature, rocking sensibility. "Comfort", "Plurabel" and "Sweeter Love" all have hints of the bands first album, but also all show that they have grown. Mark Kano's vocals invite you into a world of simple sentiment and real emotions and reactions.
"
Cross between Hootie & Toad
CLBC | 06/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I, like another reviewer, stumbled across this band by accident. I was looking for more music like Toad the Wet Sprocket, one of my favorite 90s bands. This CD is a cross between Toad and Hootie and the Blowfish. In particular, the lead singer sounds much like Darius Rucker of Hootie. The melodies are a cross between Toad and Hootie. They are serious, but with a pop edge that makes them catchy and memorable. The lyrics are also meaningful. I can't address this CD in comparison to other Athenaeum albums, but I will be checking the others out soon! I'm quite sure this CD has not been given its popular due, as many, like me, are just coming across it by accident. It definitely deserves/deserved more promotion and popular airplay. Worth the investment!"