Live Review: Anathema, Meniscus

Given their penchant for creating dreamy, introspective soundscapes, local lads Meniscus had a real task cramming everything into a measly 30 minutes. Still, a few sound gremlins aside, the quartet delivered an engaging set that was well-received by the growing crowd.

The smattering of Paradise Lost and Napalm Death shirts were the only clues that Anathema were once a death doom juggernaut. You wouldn't know it these days by listening to the band, whose set list was culled exclusively from the last ten or so years of their existence.

Not surprisingly the austere The Optimist LP was well represented with the likes of Springfield, Endless Ways and San Francisco lovingly rendered. Added to the mix was a greatest hits offering from their 'post-rock' years including the divine Thin Air and The Beginning and The End. The tempo was raised with a frantic version of Panic but it was the more dulcet numbers like The Lost Song, Pt 3 that really dominated the evening.

As always, the musicianship of the band was flawless (even without the presence of John Douglas) and Lee Douglas' vocals gave the tunes an otherworldly quality. For an encore, the band offered up the skittish Distant Satellites before launching into the fan favourite and signature epic 'two fer one' Untouchable.

Overall, this was yet another superb live offering from Anathema, who have now placed Australia firmly on their regular touring schedule. Let's hope one day the band decide to treat us to one their famed (and rare) trips down memory lane with a set that covers all parts of their illustrious career. But for now, we'll take the ethereal and well-constructed sets on offer.