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Were it not for Anneke van Giersbergen’s output as vocalist of The Gathering between 1995 and 2007, I doubt I would have been given this album to review. Indeed “Drive” feels closer in genre to The Cranberries than anything Metal. Nevertheless the album’s qualities have a universal appeal to them and this is definitely one of Anneke’s strongest solo releases to date.
Anneke has a great voice – mellow and powerful wherever needed but unfailingly eclectic and emotional. The songwriting in “Drive” is fairly standard run-of-the-mill soft Rock but it’s all done with a refined sense of taste and class. Integral to the music are the production values – the sleek and polished sound is ideally suited to Anneke’s songs and singing style, occasionally fostering a subtle Gothic aura.
Although I’ve always loved most of Anneke’s work with The Gathering (“Nighttime Birds”, “Mandylion” and even the live “Sleepy Buildings” are timeless classics as far as I’m concerned), it’s only now that I’ve begun to appreciate her true worth as a vocal virtuoso. Moreover “Drive” feels like Anneke has opened the door to her home and allowed us inside to share her concerns.
Had a rough day? Worry not for “Drive” will help smoothen the metaphorical bumps and potholes you’ve had to face along the road. | ||||||||||||||||||
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