I have deliberately held off from listening to any of the lead off tracks that were released as promo for the album, as I wanted to listen to the whole piece – as was intended by Catherine. I’m very old school, and still believe that the album is a piece of art and should be drooled and dissected to absorb every inch.
For those who don’t know, The Anchoress is the alter-ego of Welsh singer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist, producer, author and all round super talent, Catherine Anne Davies. The album itself deals with the subject of grief, loss and pain. Catherine went through the loss of her father, she was treated for cervical cancer, and also had miscarriages and other surgeries all in the space of her last release, Confessions Of A Romance Novelist and the recording of this masterpiece.
Now don’t go running and think that this is a totally depressing album, because it’s not. Sure, you will go through all of the emotions and indeed on the track 5am you will probably be in tears, but by the end you will feel euphoric and feel as though you have been on a journey and that there is always hope. The music is very upbeat and the production is amazing. Every breath and croak in her voice is super clear, and it’s as though you were sat next to her while she was recording. There are also a couple of guest appearances, James Dean Bradfield guests on the track The Exchange where he duets with Catherine, and Show Your Face where he straps on the guitar. Bowie drummer, Sterling Campbell, drums on a couple of tracks also.
Hopefully live gigs will commence at some point towards the end of the year, as I would really love to see these songs performed live. I very much doubt there will be a better album released this year, and if you like to be moved emotionally by your musical choices, then please add this masterpiece into your life.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
