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From electroage's demodulation section:

Hellothisisalex's second full-length album, The Anachim Thorn, is the perfect companion to their first release, The Acorn Children. In fact, it is the most logical continuation they could have done. Its eleven tracks continue in the same direction as before. They go certainly further than the previous album, but don't bring back much to the listener. It's unfortunate since The Acorn Children was so refreshing and original.

A second album is often critical in a project's reputation and credibility, since it usually gives a good idea about the artistic and technical potential of the project. And in the case of Hellothisisalex, it seems that they had enough material to fill a second entire album that says pretty much the same thing as its predecessor. There's nothing negative about it. Their creative process couldn't be more natural and healthy. But there's nothing there for the listeners who want to have more.

As a result, The Anachim Thorn is as refreshing and original, but is also identical, in terms of first impression and final impact. Of course, don't get me wrong when I say this, because the melodies are actually very diversified. The warm analogous synths are used with great flexibility. The rhythms are often lively, and lead the atmospheres subtly. The mixing is effective, and the general envelope is of good quality.

But still, even if there's an interesting return to the roots of electronic music, and a light musical approach that is almost experimental, the whole thing feels linear, even predictable, especially if you listened to them before. Hellothisisalex is not there to complicate your life, and that's one of their best qualities. But it doesn't take much time to go through their work either, and realise that your ears might still be hungry for more…

Unfortunately, The Anachim Thorn sounds like it has no particular goal or message, apart from being as serene as a vegetable. It is perfect for any ambient purpose, but it doesn't have enough fuel to reach the mind. It's still pretty pleasant, but I'm hungry for more.


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