Artist : Anneke Van Giersbergen

Album : The Darkest Skied Are The Brightest

Release Date : 26-02-2021

Added : 30-03-2021

In my playlist of concerts released in the second half of 2020 ici), I presented you that of 'Anneke Van Giersbergen', a href='http://becker.cj.free.fr/myprogmusic/com/albums.php?langue=A&idspot=spotify:album:3yzn3FWpZggik61II8VN1Z' target='_blank'>'Let the Light in (Live)' recorded with the chamber orchestra 'Kamerata Zuid' and 2021 sees the release of a new album from the Dutch, 'The Darkest Skied Are The Brightest', this time entirely acoustic and which was a must for her to recharge her batteries after her various past projects. And the result of this all-rounder is this magnificent opus which takes us on a sweet journey accompanied by the voice and the guitar of Anneke with very beautiful arrangements of the guitarist 'Gijs Coolen' (who participates since 2011 in the project 'Agua de Annique' of the Dutchwoman).

From the first track 'Agape', the magic operates and we are carried away in a harmonious and delicate atmosphere, lulled by Anneke's song and guitar, the string arrangements bringing a delicious melancholy side, then, 'Hurricane' (see video above) accelerates the tempo for an addictive melody with beautiful vocal arrangements and a finale in which the trumpet brings an Andalusian lightness. We continue in this cozy atmosphere with 'My Promise' (see video here ) and the title that follows , 'I Saw A Car' (see video here ) brings the lightness of folk with a catchy rhythm which makes you want to accompany it by clapping your hands (the kind of song that in concert puts a smile on everyone's lips). The alternation between lightness and melancholy continues with 'The Souls Knows' with an always very delicate interpretation of Anneke who on this track rubs shoulders with stars just like the two following compositions 'The End' and 'Keep It Simple'. With 'Lo And Report', the addictive swaying rhythm deliciously alternates with more romantic parts and the melancholy then returns with 'Losing You' with a very moving melody, the singing of Anneke, soft and high pitched, amplifying this feeling even more of fullness. To recover from our emotions, the following track 'Survive' transmits us a contagious good mood with its catchy melody and its guitar accompaniment in the Flamenco way in the fast parts, the album ending with 'Love You Like I Love You 'in a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

In summary, 'Anneke Van Giersbergen' shows once again that she is a complete and entire artist that it is impossible to classify in a precise style which gives her this strength to be able to touch us as well in a metal style with her project 'Vuur', than in progressive music with the magnificent 'The Gentle Storm' from 'Arjen Lucassen', or than with a chamber orchestra with 'Let the Light in (Live)' or than now with this admirable album 'The Darkest Skied Are The Brightest'...

Line Up / Musicians

Anneke Van Giersbergen (Vocal, Guitar), Gijs Coolen (Arrangements)