Alternative 4 (album)

Alternative 4 is an album by the British band Anathema. It was released on June 22, 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 main composer 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.

Track listing

1. "Shroud of False" (Duncan Patterson) – 1:37
2. "Fragile Dreams" (Daniel Cavanagh) – 5:32
3. "Empty" (Patterson) – 3:00
4. "Lost Control" (Patterson) – 5:50
5. "Re-Connect" (Vincent Cavanagh) – 3:52
6. "Inner Silence" (D. Cavanagh) – 3:09
   • (End of this song consists of 27 seconds of silence)
7. "Alternative 4" (Patterson) – 6:18
8. "Regret" (D. Cavanagh) – 7:58
9. "Feel" (Patterson) – 5:28
10. "Destiny" (Patterson) – 2:14

Bonus tracks on 2004 reissue:

1. "Your Possible Pasts" - 4:28
2. "One of the Few" - 1:51
3. "Better Off Dead" - 4:22
4. "Goodbye Cruel World" - 1:40

All of the bonus tracks are Pink Floyd covers, with the exception of the Bad Religion cover, 'Better Off Dead'.

Credits

• Vincent Cavanagh — vocals, guitar
• Daniel Cavanagh — Guitar, piano, keyboards
• Duncan Patterson — Bass guitar, piano
• Shaun Steels — drums
• George Ricci — Violin
• Andy Duncan — Drum loops on "Empty"

References