Description
Therapy? – High Anxiety – Compact Disc
High Anxiety is an album by the Northern Irish rock band Therapy?, released in 2003. This album marked a return to the band’s earlier, more aggressive sound after experimenting with a more polished approach in their previous work. It’s the eighth studio album by the band and encapsulates the raw energy and intensity that Therapy? is known for, blending elements of punk rock, alternative metal, and noise rock.
After several changes in their lineup and experimenting with different musical styles, Therapy? aimed to recapture the heavy and uncompromising sound of their earlier records with “High Anxiety.” The album was produced by Pete Bartlett and the band itself, a move that allowed them more creative control and helped them achieve the gritty sound they were aiming for.
High Anxiety features several standout tracks that showcase the band’s knack for combining catchy hooks with heavy guitar riffs:
“If It Kills Me” and “Not In Any Name” are notable for their driving rhythms and anthemic choruses, embodying the album’s energetic and confrontational style.
“My Voodoo Doll” and “Limbo” explore darker themes, both lyrically and musically, reflecting the band’s interest in psychological and existential topics.
The album is characterized by its heavy guitar work, prominent bass lines, and vigorous drumming, all complemented by lead singer Andy Cairns’ distinctive vocals. The band’s approach on this album is straightforward and unapologetically loud, with a focus on creating intense and engaging rock songs that resonate with the angst and vigor typical of Therapy?’s music.
High Anxiety was well-received by fans who appreciated the band’s return to a harder sound. Critics also responded positively to the album’s energy and directness, considering it a strong comeback after the band’s more experimental phase in the late 90s and early 2000s. The album helped to reaffirm Therapy?’s status as a leading force in the alternative metal scene.
High Anxiety is regarded as a significant entry in Therapy?’s discography, demonstrating their ability to evolve while staying true to the explosive, raw sound that originally defined them. It remains a favorite among fans for its vitality and the band’s passionate performance throughout the album. For those new to Therapy? or fans of punk and alternative metal, “High Anxiety” offers a compelling mix of aggression and melody, making it a noteworthy example of the band’s enduring appeal and musical prowess.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory
Track Listing
Hey Satan… You Rock
Who Knows
Stand In Line
Nobody Here But Us
Watch You Go
If It Kills Me
Not In Any Name
My Voodoo Doll
Limbo
Last Blast
Rust
