Alternative 4 (album)
| Alternative 4 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by Anathema | ||||
| Released | 22 June 1998 | |||
| Recorded | January -- February 1998, at the Windings | |||
| Genre | Gothic rock, progressive rock, alternative rock | |||
| Length | 44:57 | |||
| Label | Peaceville | |||
| Producer | Kit Woolven | |||
| Anathema chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [1] |
| Sputnikmusic | [2] |
| Silencio Hungary | [3] |
Alternative 4 is the fourth album by the British rock band Anathema. It was released on 22 June 1998 through Peaceville Records. Like Eternity, Alternative 4 is sung with clean vocals. Various reviews categorised this album as experimental, depressing and atmospheric.
The title of the album is derived from Leslie Watkins' book entitled Alternative 3. Bassist and co-principal songwriter Duncan Patterson had read it a few years before they wrote the album. The book is about conspiracy theories, and most songs on Alternative 4 are about trust. Patterson is now playing in a band with same title, and the songs are based on similar themes.
It is the last album with Patterson, and also the only album released without John Douglas. He was replaced by Shaun Steels in 1997 but returned in 1998.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Shroud of False" | 1:37 |
| 2. | "Fragile Dreams" | 5:32 |
| 3. | "Empty" | 3:00 |
| 4. | "Lost Control" | 5:50 |
| 5. | "Re-Connect" | 3:52 |
| 6. | "Inner Silence" | 3:08 |
| 7. | "Alternative 4" | 6:18 |
| 8. | "Regret" | 7:58 |
| 9. | "Feel" | 5:28 |
| 10. | "Destiny" | 2:14 |
Total length: |
44:57 | |
| 2003 re-release bonus tracks | ||
|---|---|---|
| No. | Title | Length |
| 11. | "Your Possible Pasts" (Pink Floyd cover) | 4:28 |
| 12. | "One of the Few" (Pink Floyd cover) | 1:50 |
| 13. | "Better Off Dead" (Bad Religion cover) | 4:21 |
| 14. | "Goodbye Cruel World" (Pink Floyd cover) | 1:39 |
Total length: |
57:15 | |
Personnel
- Vincent Cavanagh - vocals, guitars
- Shaun Steels - drums
- Duncan Patterson - bass, keyboards, piano
- Danny Cavanagh - guitars, keyboards, piano
Guest musicians
- Andy Duncan - drum loops on "Empty"
- George Rucci - violin
Production
- Duncan Patterson - cover concept
- Tim Spear - cover art
- Noel Summerville - mastering
- Doug Cook - mixing assistant
- Simon Dawson - engineering assistant
- Kit Woolven - producer, mixing
- Lili Wilde - photography (band)