Search - Athenaeum :: Hourglass

Farewell to an amazing band

Dan Solera | Chicago, IL USA | 08/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First off, Athenaeum is one of my favorite bands. This may come as a surprise because that means I'm placing it with the likes of Dream Theater, Rhapsody and Dave Matthews, musicians capable of highly complex musical arrangements. Although Athenaeum excels in musicianship, their songs don't have the same twists and turns that these three said bands have. Their songs are much more (for lack of a better word) simple.



But even so, I am inexplicably drawn to their simplicity, and in having done so, I connect with the sound in ways I cannot explain. It started with the first song on their self-titled album, "Suddenly". The harmonizing voices and whimsical guitars were enough to enamor me of the band and its intimate sound. And now they have released their third album, Hourglass, a compilation of previously recorded and unreleased material. As far as anyone goes, it's a new album, completely new material. So I give it a listen, hoping that it will be half as good as Athenaeum and their 1998 release Radiance.



No disappointment. None whatsoever.



Hourglass's catchy hooks made their way through my head just as Radiance kept me hypnotized for months. Besides being able to `hook' the listener, Athenaeum is also very capable of varying the speed at which they play their songs. The second track, "On Her Way", which is quite possibly one of the best songs the band has ever recorded, is much faster than the band's trademark tempo. At the same time, "I Don't Wanna Be the One" has a sound reminiscent to Hootie, like the kind of song you'll listen to on your front porch. And despite its name, "Banana", will have you singing along with Mark Kano, whose voice seems to fit absolutely every emotion.



I can't help but listen to them endlessly. It's the music I can't get tired of, and it seems to fit the moment no matter what you're doing. You can be remembering a memorable day, lost in a love-struck conundrum, or simply thinking of someone. The songs will find their way to the moment, they will live the moment with you, and you won't feel so alone anymore.



I love this band.



Recommendations: "On Her Way", "I Don't Wanna Be the One", "Walk Away", "Banana", "Hourglass""

Melodic music graced by flowing lyrics

Blake Brundidge | Annapolis, MD United States | 12/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This group of songs really gets better the more time you give to it. It has beautiful subtleties in melody and the lyrics flow easily in relaxed ballads, such as Hourglass and If Baby's Gone. Just a great overall album."

Simply incredible

Blake Brundidge | 08/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hourglass is just great. Usually b-side or albums made up of unused music is just a novelty album to get if you're a fan of the band. Well this compilation is made up of unused material that didn't make it to their past releases...but every song is just as good as those that did. After two truly great rock albums they have released in the past couple years, Hourglass more than stands on it's own...and being that these songs are older material that for one reason or another didn't make the cut...That just shows how great this guys are. My favorites are Walk Away(sure-fire hit if given the chance), On her Way, and Lacy. Most def an album to check out if you like rock music."