ANYMA
Volume I
AnymaWorld.com (2004)

Here is another entry in the ever-expanding collection of artists (and their recordings) who are reinvigorating the Enigma-esque/Delerium electronica subgenre, in which chill-out and ethnic beats are wedded to a variety of keyboards and lush sensuous synthesizers with some additional wordless or chanting vocals. However, like all the artists I have mentioned so far, what Anyma shares with them is special attention paid to production and engineering detail, high quality electronic instrumentation and a knack for integrating melodic hooks with infectious beats. As such, Volume 1 is highly recommended if you enjoy the music of the other musicians I’ve listed above.

Track include the solid opening “Antea Bellum” sparkling with lots of retro EM and quasi-Berlin synthesizers as well as those infectious rhythms. This cut sets the tone for the remaining six pieces, which range from the sensual ethno-tribal laced rhythms and reverbed piano of “I Am,” to the more instrumentally-based “Free Me” (which again swings the electronics into a neo-Berlin vein) and the pulsing and thunderous drums which are heard in the propulsive “Down to Ashes.” Interestingly, “Morpheus,” the longest track on the CD, also features the fewest vocals. It’s an intoxicating and pleasantly eerie blend of percolating beats, background textures and effects, and layer upon layer of assorted keyboards and synthesizers, topped off with medieval sounding bells later in the song. The album concludes with “Exordyum,” echoed hand drums, plucked string synths, and a slow steady build-up as the piece progresses towards an almost enveloping “wall of sound” and faster tempo beats bring the CD to a solid conclusion.

All things considered, Volume I should elevate Anyma’s stature in the electronica and chill-out subgenre considerably if enough people find out about it. The use of retro EM elements on some tracks juxtaposed with the organic ethno-tribal percussion ends up being an evocative and unique combination, one that should broaden the appeal of this CD beyond the expected audience of Enigma/Delerium/Dead Can dance-philes.

Bill Binkelman
Producer and Host
Wind and Wire
KFAI-FM
Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
 
November 23rd, 2005.