Chill Out Fanatics Only
Collaborations are a funny thing. On the one hand you have the basic formula of bands coming together, or more commonly, a singer lending their voice to a group for the sheer fun of it, but then you get some combinations that just make you sit back, scratch your head and say "what the ...?" Anti Atlas is one such collaboration. On the one hand there's the classically trained composer Ned Bigham whose inclusion by and large makes sense but then you find out the other half is a music manager. Sure, when you find out that the bands Chris Hufford has managed have included Radiohead things become a little clearer but still you kind of wonder why? Whatever the reasoning behind it all Anti Atlas are now on their second album suggesting that something has to be working for the duo as they unveil their latest collection, 'Between Voices', the only snag is those who don't like their music to be dripping in the chill out factor may be left still scratching their heads and pondering the bands existence.
Using vocalists from no less than eight different countries, Between Voices is a lesson in pure chill out and relaxation. With waves of electronica swirling around amongst subtle beats and lullaby soft vocals, Between Voices is most defiantly for those trying to unwind, if you want something with a little more bite you better look elsewhere. 'Wait For Me' gently opens proceedings at a calming tranquil pace that will undoubtedly start to ease away the troubles until you hear sounds reminiscent of whale calls, a sure way to snap you back to consciousness if ever there was one. From this Gemma Hayes gets in on the act (well Chris Hufford is her manager so what did you expect!) with perhaps the highlight of the album, 'It's A Shame'. Laden with woefulness 'It's A Shame' ups the chill out stakes as it works harder to ease the days cares away. But herein lies the problem. As great as it is to have an album to unwind to there comes a point where too much will essentially do more harm then good to the point where you're an inch away from being comatose and sadly Between Voices strays close to this line with the soaring vocals of 'The Travellers' getting a little too close for comfort. In the end it's left to 'Spring Lullaby' to save the day. Sure it has a hedonistically oriental feel to it that acts just as the title would suggest, as a lullaby, but the abrupt ending of the track is guaranteed to snap you back to reality with a much needed jolt.
For chill out fanatics Between Voices provides the perfect dose of relaxation. Musically apt and brimming with soothing beats, it will certainly relieve the stresses and strains but if your music usually carries a bit more of a punch you probably won't make it to the end. In the simplest terms Between Voices is for listeners of Smooth FM, for those who tune their dial to the likes of Kerrang, now would be the perfect time to follow Bruce Dickinson's advice and "Run to the hills" because there's only so much you can relax.