Anacrusis - Hindsight: Suffering Hour & Reason Revisited (self-release) *****

Anacrusis gloriously returns from the long hiatus. The band reformed, and re-recorded their first two records. What we are dealing with here is a known material, but the execution and the final delivery is of the finest caliber. Anacrusis was one of those overlooked bands in the 80s and the early 90s that continuously was getting better and better. Their uncompromising attitude was exemplary. The band developed their style with each release. Despite the high quality of the records Anacrusis released the success was hard to come as was the label support. The band absolutely peaked in 1993 with the release of "Screams and Whispers," and unfortunately broke up shortly after.

This re-recording is superb, and a must have for the fans. The band's debut, "Suffering Hour" certainly benefits from the process the most. The album sounds a lot more cohesive now, not to mention fresh. You hear things on the re-recording you knew were there but were not as detectable as they are now. It was an album on which Anacrusis was trying to find their personality. The new versions of those songs paint it more in a way we learned to remember Anacrusis.

"Reason" was a huge step forward for Anacrusis. On this record, the band found their style, and began to develop as a serious outfit. The original production showed some limitations, but the material was simply fantastic. That record had a spirit, and the band was able to bring it back again. Twenty years later, it still sounds fantastic, only better. The music here is very progressive, and still so vital. "Reason" was a criminally overlooked album, as were the records Anacrusis followed it with.

Both of the records are currently in the contractual limbo. They are not available from the record label, therefore this re-recording makes sense for more reasons than one. The release validates how great Anacrusis was in their heyday, and it shows the current face of the band. The release is beautifully packaged as a digipack. Included are very insightful liner notes, photos, but above all the great overall contrast between then and now. One can't help to wonder how many new fans will discover Anacrusis upon hearing this release.

Mark Kadzielawa

Contact:
http://anacrusis.us/anac_hindsight.htm