Anemo
Stentorian
We like what Anemo have produced so far – mainly because they go their own way and create a sound they believe in rather than a commercially-inclined vehicle to popularity. Which isn’t to say they are in any way alienating, far from it. Their awareness fuels them and the global interest they have drummed up does not surprise us.
Soundwise you can’t help but be drawn in by the vocal arrangements based upon Hazelle Woodhurst and Erika Woodhurst – this was a striking feature of their single ‘Pray’ reviewed here when it came out. A further single ‘Music Box’ is planned. Both tracks are on this new album, the title referring to Stentor the Greek herald in Trojan Wars era.
‘Pray’ still sounds ace and curiously has a Duran Duran pacing and Anemo driving chorus ; then ‘Music Box’ has an erudite, insistent lyric that makes a Girls Aloud cover an unlikely notion. ‘She’s Not Me’ is bitter and choppy..personal or third person ?
Spiky guitar takes us into ‘Filthy Figure Skater’ but a dynamic arrangement doesn’t overkill the number, it strikes the listener just how intensely these songs are put over. ‘Shipping News’ is eerie and set against steady drumming. ‘Heaven Is Waiting’ has a confessional tone and edging into Eurythmics territory.
Musically accomplished, vocally splendid, lyrically anguished – Anemo are just a tad too intense for me at times but their individuality is beyond doubt and they have a focus of their own that commands respect
Pete Sargeant www.fairhearing.co.uk
