The Gathering |
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A couple of years ago, the concept of a live acoustic album from The Gathering seemed completely unlikely, primarily due to an increasing fondness for electronics and technology. At the present time however, it feels like it fits, and the execution of this event, which culminated in two consecutive concerts recorded in a small theatre in Nigmegen last year, is perfect, and the results were combined into one album. The sound mix in particular revels in clarity, and the re-orchestration of the songs means that the focus could shift to new instruments and new accents. Not that it’s a completely acoustic performance either. There are still segments of electric guitar and keyboards filling out the sound, but the edges of the tracks are rounded off, leaving a more laid-back mood, and opening songs up to new interpretations.
Which is all very well, because I cannot dispute that Sleepy Buildings is an incredibly pleasant listen. It sounds great, and for fans of the band it’s an opportunity to hear everything a little differently. My main qualm with the release is the content. Due to the contractual reasons of this being released via Century Media and not the band’s own Psychonaut Records, the concerts did not include any tracks from Black Light District or Souvenirs. I can understand the logistics, but it doesn’t make the situation any less disappointing because those two releases are possibly the strongest so far in this band’s career. I just can’t shake the idea that by reverting back to their previous back-catalogue, even although with a positive attitude, it’s still more of a case of taking one step forward and then taking another right back. However, it’s done, and if beneficial results are born from it, then fair enough.
Of the actual tracks, the reworkings of ‘The Mirror Water’ and ‘Stonegarden’ are virtually new songs in this state. ‘Eleanor’ and ‘In Motion part II’ sit well from the Mandylion period, and are still backed with a bit of oomph, but the tracks that shine best in these surroundings are from How to Measure a Planet? and If_Then_Else. It’s taken me many years to come to terms with those songs completely, and it’s only now I’m beginning to fully appreciate them. In particular, ‘Saturnine’ and ‘Marooned’ just sit supremely in this format, and in that regard, this is what makes Sleepy Buildings a success.
It’s great that The Gathering are continuing to build in strength after all these years, and this release also works as a compiled introduction to their history, so it will keep the fans happy as well as fill out the gaps in the minds of newcomers too. Personally, I can’t wait until they are moving forward again, though.
Steven McCarron
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