The Mix Eclectic: Anathema @ O2 Academy 2, Sheffield

I first saw Anathema play live in Sheffield's O2 Academy 2 a couple of years ago. That gig sticks with me as possibly the most perfect live performance I have ever experienced. When I found out they were returning to tour their latest album, We're Here Because We're Here, previously reviewed by me, I knew I had to go. 23inertia also attended just to find out what it was about Anathema that prompted the outpouring of praise since their last visit.

We arrived in time to see North Atlantic Oscillation, a shoe-gazery type band with similarities to Anathema, Sigur Rós, and even 65dos. A pleasant to start to proceedings and set the mood to take us into Anathema's set.

I'm not sure I have words sufficient to describe Anathema's set. Starting out by playing We're Here Because We're Here in full, and continuing with a selection of their best work, the sound enveloped the room, shut out the world, and made the music the only focus. There is something about the way Anathema play live that captures a mood, a moment, even more than their recorded albums. A palpable emotional weight carrying sadness, happiness, melancholy and serenity in equal measure.

Rather than try to describe the set, I will instead post a selection of photographs I took during the evening. Put on your headphones, play your favourite Anathema album (if you don't have any, listen on Spotify) and immerse yourself in the music. When they play again, I for one will be in attendance.