Anathema

The Optimist 2017

Anathema’s back catalogue is filled with highly original progressive music (once you get past their early doom days, that is), so the fact that this tops it all is saying something. With their eleventh album they expertly shaped years of innovation, experimentation, songwriting and emotional upheaval into 11 exquisite tracks. Using a central character (The Optimist) provided Danny and Vincent Cavanagh with a new output through which to channel their own experience (stemming from a tough upbringing in Liverpool), combined with a slick, effortless mix of organic and electronic elements and, crucially, amazing tunes.