Aenima Never Fragile
Equilibrium Music EQM002 1st June 2002
By Russell Garwood
Aenima began life in the autumn of 1997; founding members Carmen (vocals) and Rune (guitar and samples) were both unhappy with the direction of two previous projects so established a new band together. Following the release of debut album Revolutions, the band found a full line-up, and the Never Fragile EP is the result of more than thirty songs recorded with the new line-up to refine the bands music. The reasonably eclectic sound can best be described as amalgamation of gothic rock and ethereal there is an organic, melancholic feel to the six songs on this EP, often juxtaposed by more upbeat backings and samples.
Carmens vocals are excellent - they have more power than is usually found in ethereal, while still conveying considerable emotion, and often remind me of Elizabeth Frasier. The guitars courtesy of Nor and Rune have a similar tone to Robin Guthries in Violet Indiana, and when distorted Black Tape For A Blue Girl. Paulos bass is unusually audible (thanks to the excellent mixing and production), and along with Hugos simplistic but effective drums helps provide a competent rhythm section. Paulos keyboards are rarely used, the guitars being responsible for nearly all the backing melody.
Opener Intro To End All Intros is catchy, the effects-laden drums and keyboards creating impressive atmospheres, before the beginning of Forlorn. Musically this is one of the more downcast and slower songs on the EP, which demonstrates Carmens impressive vocal abilities, while the shimmering melancholic guitars behind make an excellent accompaniment. At The Edge Of The Cliff has lower vox, also well performed, and introduces more of a rocky feel to the template established with Forlorn. Lyrically very dark and depressing, the music has a more upbeat feel. The Light is another strongly gothic-influenced song slightly reminiscent of This Mortal Coil in their more upbeat moments. Lilith is a slower more reflective track which retains the non-distorted guitar, but has a far thinner texture in general. Rapture closes the album with a more electronic sound, while maintaining the emotional approach present in the other songs.
Never Fragile is an impressive release, demonstrating both technical ability and accomplished song-writing. The EP, while not completely original and lacking variation, flies by because of the compelling melodies and memorable songs. Aenimas music will appeal to any lovers of gothic rock or ethereal, and is a must for those in search of melancholic music in general.
Equilibrium Music EQM002 1st June 2002
By Russell Garwood
Aenima began life in the autumn of 1997; founding members Carmen (vocals) and Rune (guitar and samples) were both unhappy with the direction of two previous projects so established a new band together. Following the release of debut album Revolutions, the band found a full line-up, and the Never Fragile EP is the result of more than thirty songs recorded with the new line-up to refine the bands music. The reasonably eclectic sound can best be described as amalgamation of gothic rock and ethereal there is an organic, melancholic feel to the six songs on this EP, often juxtaposed by more upbeat backings and samples.
Carmens vocals are excellent - they have more power than is usually found in ethereal, while still conveying considerable emotion, and often remind me of Elizabeth Frasier. The guitars courtesy of Nor and Rune have a similar tone to Robin Guthries in Violet Indiana, and when distorted Black Tape For A Blue Girl. Paulos bass is unusually audible (thanks to the excellent mixing and production), and along with Hugos simplistic but effective drums helps provide a competent rhythm section. Paulos keyboards are rarely used, the guitars being responsible for nearly all the backing melody.
Opener Intro To End All Intros is catchy, the effects-laden drums and keyboards creating impressive atmospheres, before the beginning of Forlorn. Musically this is one of the more downcast and slower songs on the EP, which demonstrates Carmens impressive vocal abilities, while the shimmering melancholic guitars behind make an excellent accompaniment. At The Edge Of The Cliff has lower vox, also well performed, and introduces more of a rocky feel to the template established with Forlorn. Lyrically very dark and depressing, the music has a more upbeat feel. The Light is another strongly gothic-influenced song slightly reminiscent of This Mortal Coil in their more upbeat moments. Lilith is a slower more reflective track which retains the non-distorted guitar, but has a far thinner texture in general. Rapture closes the album with a more electronic sound, while maintaining the emotional approach present in the other songs.
Never Fragile is an impressive release, demonstrating both technical ability and accomplished song-writing. The EP, while not completely original and lacking variation, flies by because of the compelling melodies and memorable songs. Aenimas music will appeal to any lovers of gothic rock or ethereal, and is a must for those in search of melancholic music in general.
