ANVR – Live at Sunset Recording Studios (2022)
With their EP Live at Sunset Recording Studios, ANVR is doing something a little different to their usual sound. The four tracks include three songs that have never been released before and an acoustic version of their popular track ‘Glowing in Gold’. The melancholic strains of the EP draw listeners into the feelings and events of the tracks, with the acoustic live takes enhancing the raw emotions.
This first delve into acoustic recording comes from Andreas Potgieter (vocals, guitar) and Simon Orrey (drums). The duo first met while they were both studying at Stellenbosch University in 2011. The next year, they formed their first grunge rock band together that slowly changed to pop-rock. They performed under the name Boston Light Band until the end of last year when they rebranded to ANVR.
The EP opens with the acoustic rendition of ‘Glowing Gold’ which tells the story of two people in a toxic relationship. The stripped-back tones of the acoustic guitar add depth to the emotions of the characters, while reaching into your chest and tugging at your emotions. The light tones of the guitar let the vocals shine as they bring both perspectives of the relationship. The lyrics swing between the one person who is unable to leave the toxic relationship and the person who is unable to let the other go. Potgieter’s vocals warble with melancholy and pain that is beautifully tempered with the love the two people feel in the relationship. While the melody is seriously stripped back, there are times when the guitars strum into life for a depth of sound.
‘Dive’ moves on from the toxic relationship of the last track, but does not let up on the pain. The difference is that the pain of this track comes from a place of caring for the best interests of someone else. The vocals are a heady mixture of happiness for someone else, while hiding the pain of loss that comes from them chasing their dreams, and leaving you behind. It is a bittersweet feeling that a lot of people can relate to. While there is a heavy hit of sadness and melancholy, there is also a thread of inspiring energy woven into it that pushes against your chest as the guitar thrums in your ear.
The EP takes a darker turn with ‘Down by the River’ which draws on a real-life experience for Potgieter. His vocals choke you up with emotion from the first moment and you can feel the heavy pain settling around your heart. His performance is packed with a pessimistic feeling that everything is going wrong and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. This negative feeling is soothed slightly by the peace felt when down by the river. The humming backing vocals add a tender texture that takes the single to a whole new level. While there is a very painful feeling to this song, the peace that comes at times lets you know that you can always find a sense of calm in dark times.
The EP comes to an end with ‘Superman’ which balances the protection of others against a loss of self. There is a feeling of conviction in the vocals that is packed with the strength of someone who wants to help others. These good intentions are covered in feelings of needing to sacrifice more than you should to help, and blurring the lines between losing your identity and someone else gaining their own. The song really gets you thinking and brings a heady mix of emotions, that leaves you with some turbulent feelings. The powerful movements of the music through the first half of the track get a gently punchy feeling later that comes through in the guitar line and the vocal delivery.
ANVR strips back their sound for the emotionally powerful yet beautifully melancholic Live at Sunset Recording Studios. Each song is powerful in its own way with the vocals and acoustic guitar capturing the raw emotions of the lyrics. The stories woven into the tracks are relatable and create a well of emotion in your chest.
