Antidepressive Delivery: The Best Of Antidepressive Delivery

Antidepressive Delivery released their challenging yet rewarding debut album Feel, Melt, Release, Escape through Laser's Edge back in 2004, before following that up with the initially self released (although it was picked up by Musea) and more easily digestible Chain of Foods four years later. Another two years down the line and without a record deal of any sort the Norwegian four piece have returned with album number three which is available from their website as a free download, although a vinyl version of the album will be released later in the year.

Now first things first, The Best Of Antidepressive Delivery is in fact nothing of the sort. This is six new songs that the band have rather confusingly decided to name with the standard compilation moniker, however having said that, there could be an argument to suggest that this is in fact the best album that ADD have recorded. The outcome of any such discussion would depend entirely on whether it was the angular themes and unsettling arrangements of the debut, or the more classic prog, yet song oriented version of the band to be found on their second disc that you prefer, as The Best Of... really picks up where that follow up left off. Much of the music relies on swooping swirling organ and keyboards which can slightly remind of Kansas, however a nod to Genesis, Yes or King Crimson is also in evidence from time to time, as this is more complex than the music those boys from Kansas specialised in. Whilst ADD are unashamedly prog, there are also other elements on show here, with "True Love" kicking in with a riff that those much missed country rockers Drivin' And Cryin' used to throw out with ease, before moving into territory that feels like Tom Petty jamming with Steely Dan. With the prog sensibilities it is a slightly unusual mix, but more enjoyable for being so.

Singer and bassist Pete Beck has a welcomingly straight forward delivery that could really be at home in any progressive, or more straight ahead rock situation and that natural versatility is a real weapon for ADD to use, and he is as happy punching out the words to the wonderful Kansas meets Yes and Genesis of album opener "In Pine" as he is the gently angular jazz-lite of "Lifekeeper". The musicianship on the album is of the highest order and while the keyboard work of Haakon-Marius Pettersen may joyously dominate for long periods, guitarist Christian Broholt makes a hefty yet impressively restrained contribution to every song. His work at the beginning of "Alive" illustrates his versatility perfectly, as in the space of the first thirty seconds he has picked out a gloriously refreshing guitar line, thrown out a biting riff and then blended into some more excellent key work from Pettersen. Drummer Terje Krabol keeps everything grounded through the time changes and ever changing themes with his understanding that the most effective drummers can have a huge impact on their surroundings without needing to rush their hyperactive playing to the front of the mix. However the most rewarding aspect of ADD's style is that they can be overtly progressive one moment, then wonderfully simple and melodious the next while delivering both sides to their sound with consummate ease and grace.

All six songs here are wonderful musical journeys providing their own little stories that also deliver one long and hugely involving vision which encompasses just the right amount of eclecticism and self indulgence which is wonderfully balanced by a great ability to plonk what could be chart friendly passages in between the progressive work outs. Considering the standard of the first two albums from the band, I'm not sure that this will be the "Best Of" Antidepressive Delivery, however it is damn impressive.

Track Listing
1.In Pine
2.Glasses
3.Lifekeeper
4.Goodbye
5.True Love
6.Alive

Added: July 1st 2010
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Antidepressive Delivery Official Site
Hits: 2436
Language: english

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