Review Summary: Whatever this Dutch goddess sings makes it sound so beautiful like a lost and forgotten fairytale from the north...
The day the departure of Anneke Van Giersbergen from “The Gathering” was announced most of their fans were devastated(at least I felt like that). Comforted us notice that we will continue to listen to our muse is her new band called Agua De Annique.
The first lesson someone takes from listening to "Air" is this: Whatever this artist sings makes it sound so beautiful like a lost and forgotten fairytale from the north. Even the more generic tunes through Anneke’s magical voice filter are transformed into grandiose and commanding ones. This alone is not enough though. So she gives us exactly what we want. Compositions simple, but not simplistic, lyrics which hit directly in the heart and a flawless INTERPRETATION full of lyrism and emotion. This immediacy was always adored by Anneke’s followers. We feel her like our friend and not impersonal like a star.
After several hearings, one finds the fullness of the album, from start to finish. From the eroticism of "Beautiful One" in anger (well read) the "Witnesses" and the up-tempo "You Are Nice" to melancholy "Yalin". This variety of the tracks is one of the most positive elements of the album.
Along with Anneke, her first personal effort by Rob Snijders, Jacques de Haard (drums and bass in Celestial Season) and Joris Dirks on guitar and vocals. Flute and trumpet heard in some of the pieces offer more to the already emotionally charged atmosphere, while the participation of Kristin Fjellseth is regarded a positive addon. For the ignorant, imagine an atmospheric album of melodic rock. Anneke's influences, from The Beatles to Radiohead and Sigur Ros, can hardly be recognized after all covered by the expressiveness of her voice.
In conclusion, Anneke’s first attempt is successful but I suspect a different approach by those who see “Agua De Annique” as a continuation of “The Gathering’s” golden era with the unique Dutch goddess behind the wheel…
. Album is good but no match for those released at times of The Gathering.
