ALTERNATIVE 4

The main man behind Alternative 4 is Duncan Patterson. For those who don’t know: Duncan Patterson participated on Alternative 4 from Anathema.

It’s a long while ago, but when you listen to the song Paracosm you will hear that this time hasn’t been forgotten. The same goes for his Antimatter-period because the quiet songs and some of the a-typical built up ones reminds us of the first record Duncan did with this band.

Even his Ion-period is present on here, although not as clear as the earlier mentioned bands. Another important influence is Pink Floyd, but more acoustic oriented. Listen for instance to the nicely built songs The Tragedy Shield, Returning The Screw or the impressive Closure.

The Obscurants sounds mostly melancholic, but never low-spirited (listen to the instrumental opener Theme For The Obscuritantis, the semi-ballad Mr. Black and the ballad Dina). New singer Simon Flatley fits perfectly. The Obscurants is a great album for the fall, listening in front of the (open) fire. It’s taking time to sink in, but when it does you will understand that Duncan created once again a great album.

Ron SCHOONWATER
29/09/2014