Pure Love - Anthems Album Review
When Frank Carter, incendiary frontman of Gallows, announced his departure a little over 18 months ago, fans went into what can only be described as mourning. Choosing to channel his energy into something altogether more upbeat, Carter joined forces with former Hope Conspiracy guitarist Jim Carroll and, as Pure Love, centred in on writing music that they both enjoyed. Anthems is the fruit of their hard work, the product of their vision and a joyous musical celebration.
One of the first things that hits when listening to Anthems is that Frank Carter can really sing. Gone are his characteristic throat-shedding vocals from the likes of Gallows' 'Misery' or 'In The Belly Of A Shark'. Instead, Carter's vocals are surprisingly mature, showing excellent melody and range. By the time opening track 'She' fades away and the familiar introduction to 'Bury My Bones' rings out, it is clear that Pure Love are something new and exciting. It was the first single released by the band in early in 2012, and when Carter croons the opening lines: "I'm so sick of singing about hate. It's never gonna make a change. It breaks me down bit by bit. Keep me steadily feeling sick", his sincerity translates effortlessly.
When the album moves into the brooding 'Anthem', Carroll's playing is complemented by a piano part that hearkens back to the 1950s and with Carter displaying all his soulful qualities, the climax is a swirling musical mass, drawing the listener in deeply. The album's pivotal moment arrives in the form of one of the best songs either Carter or Carroll have ever put their name to, 'Beach Of Diamonds'. Already a shoe-in for the best tracks of the year, its infectious chorus call of "Dive in, Dive in" sinks in slowly, weaving its way into the back of the mind until it emerges days later, hummed out of the blue.
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