Anathallo
Floating World
Artist Friendship

Since their earlier days and previous releases, Anathallo has gone through several important evolutionary stages. These processes have led them to one last (but hopefully not final) step: Floating World. This fine piece of art feels like it came straight out of the sky and into the ground, climbed it’s way through roots and branches, received sunlight and was birthed as a beautiful child in a disharmonious world. You’ve not heard any type of music that sounds quite like this, and thus far is the most refreshingly pleasant album of the year. But which big label released it? The answer to that is well, none. The members of Anathallo have relied upon their own creativity and drive to achieve this accomplishment.

Speaking of growing out of the ground into something beautiful, the band itself mimics it’s lyrics in the song Dokkoise House. The album as a whole progresses slowly but elegantly and this track is sort of the turning point of where things speed up. Now you’re asking what is “Dokkoise.” Well it’s a small part of the many lyrics taken from Japanese folk tales, proverbs, and stories. Half in English, half in Japanese. While perhaps difficult for some to understand, it provides for a very fun vocal and lyrical experience. Whether you’re hearing Matt’s airy, even pretty voice and Erica complementing him with a delicate harmony, or all … seven, eight, nine band members (who can tell?) chanting, stomping, and clapping, you are bound to be mesmerized.

No, you didn’t read that wrong, there really are that many members, and the instruments they all play will boggle your mind. Most of them are fairly traditional. They have guitars, pianos, socket wrenches, glockenspiel, drums, Velcro strips, and horns. Okay, so they’re not so traditional. But there are lots of them. Each member plays a few instruments and each member is a percussionist. In the most chaotic moments of the album, there are so many things going on, but you may not recognize it unless you have a good ear or have seen them live. Seeing them live is something I suggest every person should do and while you’re there, pick up this album and talk to the members. The album art matches the music within it. It is very unique, has a certain physical delicacy to it, and in it’s uniqueness is quite bold. So go be unique or different or whatever you are and check out this album. While you’re at it, purchase one for each of your family members.

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