Anchor

Trespassers William | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 30, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 30, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sonikwire Records
• ASIN: B000035X9U
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #218,603 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #94 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > Singer Songwriters

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Nurtured by playing small clubs and cafes in the demanding L.A. music scene, Trespassers William have brewed a poetic blend of introspective pop on Anchor, their first independent release. Sounding like a modern mix of Patsy Cline, Mazzy Star, and the Cocteau Twins, the heartbreaking vocals of Anna-Lynne Williams waiver between throaty harmonies and piercing caterwauls. Her voice is further punctuated by emotionally charged lyrics that ring with an intimacy and candor seldom shared by similar artists. And despite the apparent sadness in these romantic episodes, her determination is clear when she sings, "You've been slicing like a knife / like Eve with her bite / but I don't think you've wounded me." Meanwhile, the plaintive chord structures, subtle guitar embellishments, and temperate rhythms of Matt Brown keep the sounds rooted in straightforward styles that provide the perfect backdrop for the album's ethereal moods. --Lucas Hilbert

Product Description

Often called "melancholy" and "haunting", Trespassers William isn't for everybody. But for those seeking tales of unrequited-love and romantic bitterness, Trespassers William may be the perfect band. Their debut CD "Anchor" is a mix of genuine moments of dreamy pop and delicate ballads. The lush, heartbreaking vocals of lead singer Anna-Lynne Williams and the simple, graceful, guitar work of guitarist Matt Brown combine to form the core of the band's sound. Described as "alternative-county" and "art-pop", it's no wonder that they've been compared to everything from Patsy Cline to the Cocteau Twins.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars unique and promising, August 18, 2000

By 

Pete (NYC, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anchor (Audio CD)

Records like this remind me of why I try not to patronize the major labels. This independent record is stunning in respect to songwriting, production and the tasteful guitar playing of Matt Brown. Add to that the flowing vocals of Anna Williams, and you have a unique and intelligent set of songs probably done for a tiny fraction of what the majors would have spent. Ms. Wiiliams vocal style of controlled "cracking"(if you've ever sang, you know how hard this is to do) is reminiscent of Eillen Henry(Chimera) and certainly of the Cocteau Twins. I can see how her style could become a bit much but it does not bother me. "It's been a shame" has sleeper, non-commercial radio single written all over it. If you pride yourself on being ahead of the game in your music selections, you should be all over this. Very promising debut effort.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most promising new bands going, April 4, 2000

By 

"paulwurld" (Redondo Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anchor (Audio CD)

What a fabulous debut! This is one of those truly great albums that stays with you. Most of my favorite recordings are either deeply emotional and touching or captivatingly melodic. Trespassers William manage to be both. The songwriting is uniformly strong (I like every track!) and even the most delicate and beautiful arrangements possess power thanks to earnest performances and moving lyrics that are filled with poetic imagery.

Anna-Lynne Williams' vocals are amazing! I've heard her compared to Sarah McLachlan, Cranberries and Cocteau Twins, and I do hear some of that, but her voice is unique and, in my opinion, even more dynamic and emotionally direct than those other talented singers. To my ears she possesses the "special something" elements of many of music's great singers - like Patsy Cline and even John Lennon. Matt Brown's innovative and unpredictable guitar work also runs throughout the album - creating atmospheric sonic landscapes for Williams to stand in as she delivers her powerful vocal messages. People who like warm, direct emotional music with memorable melodies and innovative arrangements (like Daniel Lanois, Aimee Mann, some Fiona Apple and recent Neil Finn) should definitely buy this album!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This album will open up the deepest of emotion!, December 20, 1999

By 

D. Paschall (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anchor (Audio CD)

Moody and melodic, graceful and beautiful. I just got this CD in the mail and it is unbelievable. It will make you smile while the tears are running down your face. Matt's guitar playing is incredible. Each note seems to pluck at the heart strings. Anna-Lynne's voice is like the cry of angels. I highly recommend this CD. It will take you to a place of dreams!