ALTERNATIVE 4: The Obscurants (ATMOSPHERIC ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Three years have passed since 'The Brink', the first album of Alternative 4, the band led by Duncan Patterson (ex-Anathema). This previous opus had caught the attention of Music Waves' editorial staff for the black simplicity of its music. For 'The Obscurants', patterson has surrounded himself with Simon Flatley (singer/guitar) and Mauro Frison (drums) and the same technical team for a similar production that reinforces Alternative 4's musical identity.

Like an Antimatter or some Anathema productions, Alternative 4 once again builds its music on strong atmospheric bases. Focused on the dark melancholy of minimalist arrangements, Patterson's compositions do not breathe cheerfulness, but they remain very expressive because they convey a flood of immediate emotions thanks to their accurate writing and sober interpretation. The melancholy of the melodies and the simplicity of the phrasing further strengthen the atmospheric aspect of the ensemble, as does Simon Flatley's sensual and sad voice.

From an intoxicatingly melancholic "Dina" to an intimate and personal "Lifeline", via a "Mr Black" with a hypnotic piano, Patterson paints a sad and cold picture of the current world. The bass, very present, also contributes to the languor that emerges from each note, rocking our ears in a sweet melancholy, the key word of this album. The themes addressed, between a distorted vision of reality and the darkness of feelings, perfectly match the musical atmosphere conducive to reflection and introspection.

This ability to convey emotions, even if they are not the most joyful, is one of the great qualities of the band. The album can be listened to in one go, leaving the listener to be tossed around as the melancholic ramblings go on and on throughout its 50 minutes. Two titles, however, may attract attention. "Paracosm" first of all, with its introduction in acoustic arpeggios like Antimatter, its long progressive developments (in every sense of the word) and its soaring passages and rhythm guitar seeming to come from Animals, the most atmospheric album of the Pink Floyd. Then, "Closure" which bears its name admirably since it brilliantly concludes the opus, offering a saving respite, a note of hope with electro arrangements strangely reminiscent of Anathema's latest album. The finale is also at odds with the rest of the album as the guitars become clearer, bringing a little clarity to all this darkness.

Patterson is writing a new page in the history of atmospheric rock with this latest album, whose communicative melancholy breathes life into it. Less experimental than its predecessor,'The Obscurants' is not an album to listen to when you are in a moody at the risk of falling into deep depression. On the other hand, it will appeal to those who like to let themselves be lulled by autumnal reveries guided by simple and haunting melodies. This album is aimed at fans of Anathema, Antimatter as well as fans of intimate and inspired atmospheres. - Official website

ALTERNATIVE 4

THE OBSCURANTS

PROPHECY PRODUCTIONS

ATMOSPHERIC ROCK