The Art of Losing
by The Anchoress
  • Record Label: Kscope
  • Release Date: Mar 12, 2021
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
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  1. ThabisoEziokwu
    Mar 17, 2021
    6
    It gets annoying when you listen to it long enough. Also, I was expecting an unconventinal approach to the album and it’s honestly, it’s nothing we haven’t heard before.
  2. judgeyourself
    Mar 12, 2021
    10
    Simply fantastic, perfect album for 2021. The Cure, Siouxsie and Kate Bush rolled into one, with some deep and intense lyrics.
  3. lmadapaty
    Mar 14, 2021
    10
    Powerful. Compelling. Visionary. Inventive. Melodic. These are a few words that come to mind upon first listen of The Anchoress' second album The Art Of Losing. But none of these words can do enough justice to the impact every song, lyric, melody, and harmony makes upon each subsequent listen. Welsh multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Catherine Anne Davies draws upon her ownPowerful. Compelling. Visionary. Inventive. Melodic. These are a few words that come to mind upon first listen of The Anchoress' second album The Art Of Losing. But none of these words can do enough justice to the impact every song, lyric, melody, and harmony makes upon each subsequent listen. Welsh multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Catherine Anne Davies draws upon her own personal tragedies and channels them into an album of gripping songs from start to finish. While it's easy to veer incessantly in the direction of tragic overtones, the upbeat and at times stark nature of the music and singing sets up a powerful contrast to the hard-hitting lyrics. Therein lies the power of the album. And the nature of the songs is such that each of us can relate to our personal life experiences and make these songs our very own, underscoring the fact that grief is such a personal emotion that cannot be truly shared, but with care can be made relatable to.

    Coming to the music, the album is bookended by two pensive instrumental pieces Moon Rise and Moon, with a related piece in the middle of the album All Shall Be Well that serves as a nice counterpoint and a halfway pause for reflection. Lead single Show Your Face, Unravel and the title track The Art Of Losing are urgent, frenetic, hook-laden songs with the latter asking the hard-hitting question "So what did you learn, that life is unkind? Was there some purpose, to losing my mind?". The Exchange is a collaboration with James Dean Bradfield (Manic Street Preachers) that slowly builds into a dramatic chorus and harmonized vocals between the two, some beautiful guitars that segue into pensive pianos. Let It Hurt, The Heart, With The Boys, and All Farewells are haunting mid-tempo songs with the latter featuring timely and moody bells in the vein of Pink Floyd's High Hopes. The most impactful song on the album is 5 AM. The rest of the songs are weaved into the overall ebb and flow to take the listener through a variety of emotions.

    This is one of the most powerful and compelling albums I've listened to in recent memory. Catherine Anne Davies pulls off a near miracle with songs that you can move to while simultaneously being moved by them. This work deserves a wide audience and sustained appreciation for the subject matter, the thoughtfulness, craftwork, and meticulous design that went into every aspect of the album - from the songwriting to the production, mixing, and packaging across various physical formats. It is heartening to see that the album is already getting rave reviews across the mainstream press and media. This is great art. Now go listen to it in your favorite format, get ready for a thrill ride, and support independent musicians who're creating such impactful works of art.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Under The Radar
    Mar 19, 2021
    80
    It’s Davies’ finest work to date and a testament to her strength and artistic vision.
    Read full review
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 15, 2021
    80
    Davies has given a powerful, challenging voice to her grief. Great music doesn’t necessarily come from great suffering, but if you’ve the strength for the job, it certainly can.
    Read full review
  3. The Quietus
    Mar 15, 2021
    100
    The Art of Losing has been in the can for a couple of years now, delayed by the pandemic. It’s been worth the wait: this is a special record. They don’t come along very often. Quotable, immersive, moving, imaginative, delicate, and dramatic. A stellar achievement.
    Read full review
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