Anneke Van Giersbergen, Drive (Agua Recordings)
Last year this great singer put out one great album in Everything is Changing. So good it made my list for the albums of 2012.
I was also lucky to catch her live and I have to say it is an even better show. Her voice is so great and during the concert Anneke did say the next album may be a little rockier.
Thankfully I think that has not happened, she does not need any big rock sound but just her song writing and voice. I can see why she said that as the album starts with "We Live On" all out big band sound to get the album going. Not so much guitars but melodic passages of noise. The drums seem to take quite a bit of the attention here and that is what I love about the opener. As ever Anneke delivers a fantastic vocal performance.
"Treat Me Like A Lady" Nice little guitar riff in a twin Lizzy style but not too over powering. Anneke has a great way of singing her lines making you believe the song. The song title does show what this song is about and one thing I have noticed in her work is a real air of honesty. Not so much in politics or religion but just in her general life.
Title track "Drive" is like a great dance floor filler. Loud and catchy, big bass lines and vocals that make you want to go into a bar playing it to hear more. "Mother Said" has another highlight and much like her last album a tribute to a family member. Very simply done and touching, Anneke and a piano, it is all that she needs to be honest but the band help make that ballad feel (It does not need it).
The album does change a little "Forgive Me" is faster and does feel rushed. I think it is to help flow into the latter half of the album "You Will Never Change" takes us right back to where we want. More catchy vocals and great music. Easy to sing along and enjoy on the bus, just close the eyes and dream.
A kind of alt rocker is next "Mental Jungle" it keeps you wondering what is happening next. With a background in the metal world and also singing for Devin Townsend the title of the song is well placed. With some male vocals that split the song much like a very popular Italian band (I think the band in question would be worried).
Positives in "Shooting For The Stars" help to close the album. Anneke sings "There is know way I am going to make it, unless I am I am wide awake..." and awake she is. The production is crystal clear on this album with this song the proof of that. There has been no snoozing in the studio at all in this album. Closer "The Best Is Yet To Come" may have a cheesy title but so what. It makes good use of my headphones making as much of the last few minutes they can. Much like the alt rock track a bit back, you really have no idea where it is going.
For someone who used to be in a metal band I think it is time the rest of the worlds press take a look at her music. But as we all know pigeonholes are what the press need to write a review. How about my way of pigeonholing music? Good or bad.
8/10
Twitter: @29xthefun
