Scandi duo anamē release sophomore studio album ‘Hopes & Fears’ on Anjunabeats
‘Things just feel more personal - we’re on the same rollercoaster of happiness and trepidation as everyone we speak to.’
Responsible for instantly recognisable records, including ‘The Best Part’ (with Bien), ‘Anywhere’ and ‘Gratitude’ (with label head honchos Above & Beyond), Marcus Schossow and Thomas Sagstad, a.k.a anamē, embark on a new chapter with ‘Hopes & Fears’, that is out now on Anjunabeats.
‘When we announced Beautiful World over a year ago, we wanted to bring our audience along with the journey of writing the album’, says Thomas. ‘Anjuna trusted us to pull back the magicians curtain on the A&R, art, and marketing process of the album and we’ve met people around the world that want to talk as much about the process as the music that came out of it. Those meet ups, dinners, and drinks kept us sane on the road while away from our families and were equally inspiring and encouraging for what we’re doing’.
‘Hopes & Fears’ is an honest reflection of how Marcus and Thomas feel about the world around them and the connections they’ve made worldwide. An emotive, highly charged, statement driven record, that ultimately leans to the lighter side of life.
With their second studio album, the duo continues their history of bringing in incredibly talented collaborators. Jenny Rossander, better known as Lydmor, is an incredible Danish pop artist, one of the biggest in that territory, whose cultural heritage includes five albums, sold out headline shows across Scandinavia, co-produced albums with Who Made Who’s Thomas Holding, and author of a best selling book, charting her journey through the electric arts world over the last 10 years.
‘A live wire - show stealer - natural performer, Jenny’s at the heart of our writing process. The ambiguity and poetry of everything she does ultimately leads to songs people want to scream at the top of their lungs. She’s also always at the end of the phone - the songs on this album are born out of being together, investing in each other's emotional state, and letting it play out in the music we’re writing’ Thomas says. The focus track of the album showcases that sentiment with ‘Hopeful’, as well as ‘Hero’, a poignant Lydmor tale of one-sided love.
The duo has made a point with this album to focus more on their home Nordic territories this time around, growing from their upbringings in Sweden and Norway. In keeping with the theme of home, their collaborators mostly fit the bill. Lydmor’s voice is front and center on four different tracks and continues to attract her Danish fan base to anamē’s music. Norwegian pop singer-songwriter Moyka makes an appearance on the album with anamē reworking her 2019 hit ‘Colder’.
The album also sees anamē working with Swedish singer-songwriter Welt on ‘It Can Be Better Now’. Released in November 2024 as a double-a side, with Lydmor’s ‘Hero’, ‘It Can Be Better Now’ quickly gained traction in the United States, working its way to the #1 record on SiriusXM Chill. It is an emotional, slow-burning, deeply-yearning tale that kicked off anamē’s 2024 set in Mexico City during the Above & Beyond Group Therapy 600 show - online now. The Swedish artist writes lyrics based on her own experiences and feelings, which the listener can hear in her heartfelt vocal delivery.
With eleven out of the twelve songs on the album featuring a vocalist, anamē’s latest body of work is truly a lesson in teamwork and collaboration with their fellow creatives. Also appearing on the album are Biishop, Bri Zoli, and PEARL, all lending their unique voices and incredible songwriting to the project.
"For us, Hopes and Fears builds on the journey we started with our first album, which was about finding beauty in the world around us. Back then, the way we experienced the world felt far less bleak than the stories we were being force-fed. This new album is about holding onto hope when the times feel increasingly uncertain—a search for light in the dark and the belief that even in the shadows, there’s always a glimmer of light worth fighting for” - anamē
anamē’s ‘Hopes & Fears’ album is out now on Anjunabeats, followed by a North American DJ tour to follow in Spring.
Download/Stream the album HERE
Disc 1
1. Cloudwalking - anamē
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] Anamē - Hopes & Fears [/item]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]
1. Cloudwalking - anamē
2. Colder - anamē & Moyka
3. It Can Be Better Now - anamē & Welt
4. Tennessee Bloom - anamē & Biishop
5. Hero - anamē & Lydmor
6. Electric Lights - anamē & PEARL
7. Happy To Be Alive - anamē & Bien
8. Astronauts - anamē & Lydmor
9. Break The Silence - anamē & Bri Zoli
10. Seraph - anamē & Biishop
11. What About Me - anamē & Lydmor
12. Hopeful - anamē & Lydmor
Disc 2
1. Cloudwalking (Extended Mix) - anamē
2. Colder (Extended Mix) - anamē & Moyka
3. It Can Be Better Now (Extended Mix) - anamē & Welt
4. Tennessee Bloom (Extended Mix) - anamē & Biishop
5. Hero (Extended Mix) - anamē & Lydmor
6. Happy To Be Alive (Extended Mix) - anamē & Bien
7. Astronauts (Extended Mix) - anamē & Lydmor
8. Break The Silence (Extended Mix) - anamē & Bri Zoli
9. Seraph (Extended Mix) - anamē & Biishop
10. What About Me (Extended Mix) - anamē & Lydmor
11. Hopeful (Extended Mix) - anamē & Lydmor
4. Tennessee Bloom - anamē & Biishop
5. Hero - anamē & Lydmor
6. Electric Lights - anamē & PEARL
7. Happy To Be Alive - anamē & Bien
8. Astronauts - anamē & Lydmor
9. Break The Silence - anamē & Bri Zoli
10. Seraph - anamē & Biishop
11. What About Me - anamē & Lydmor
12. Hopeful - anamē & Lydmor
Disc 2
1. Cloudwalking (Extended Mix) - anamē
2. Colder (Extended Mix) - anamē & Moyka
3. It Can Be Better Now (Extended Mix) - anamē & Welt
4. Tennessee Bloom (Extended Mix) - anamē & Biishop
5. Hero (Extended Mix) - anamē & Lydmor
6. Happy To Be Alive (Extended Mix) - anamē & Bien
7. Astronauts (Extended Mix) - anamē & Lydmor
8. Break The Silence (Extended Mix) - anamē & Bri Zoli
9. Seraph (Extended Mix) - anamē & Biishop
10. What About Me (Extended Mix) - anamē & Lydmor
11. Hopeful (Extended Mix) - anamē & Lydmor
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] Anamē - Hopes & Fears [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]The album opens with "Cloudwalking," a track that immediately sets an ethereal tone. The atmospheric layers and intricate melodies transport listeners into a dreamscape, reflecting anamē’s signature style of blending introspective soundscapes with melodic house.
Colder (feat. Moyka): Moyka’s haunting vocals add a chilling yet captivating quality to "Colder." The synergy between Moyka and anamē creates a poignant atmosphere, capturing the essence of emotional vulnerability and introspection. It Can Be Better Now (feat. Welt): Welt’s emotive vocal delivery shines in "It Can Be Better Now," a track that explores themes of hope and redemption. The slow-burning build-up allows the song to unfurl its emotional depth, resonating with listeners on a personal level. Tennessee Bloom (feat. Biishop): With its lush, organic instrumentation, "Tennessee Bloom" feels like a warm embrace. Biishop’s voice weaves seamlessly with anamē’s production, crafting a soothing narrative of growth and renewal. Hero (feat. Lydmor): Lydmor delivers a powerful performance in "Hero," a song that tackles the complexities of unrequited love. Her voice carries the weight of the song’s emotional intensity, making it a standout on the album. Electric Lights (feat. PEARL): "Electric Lights" introduces a vibrant energy with PEARL’s dynamic vocals leading the charge. The track's pulsating rhythm and shimmering synths create an electrifying experience, making it one of the more upbeat songs on the album. Happy To Be Alive (feat. Bien): Continuing their successful collaboration, anamē and Bien deliver "Happy To Be Alive," a feel-good anthem that exudes positivity and optimism. The infectious melody and summery vibe make it impossible not to smile. Astronauts (feat. Lydmor): Lydmor returns with "Astronauts," a dreamy exploration of escapism and wonder. The track’s celestial ambience and lyrical depth invite listeners to lose themselves in its expansive sound. Break The Silence (feat. Bri Zoli): Bri Zoli lends her voice to "Break The Silence," a powerful track about finding one's voice and the courage to speak out. The driving beat and emotive lyrics create an empowering listening experience. Seraph (feat. Biishop): "Seraph" combines Biishop’s soulful vocals with anamē’s lush production, creating a transcendent sound that feels both angelic and grounded. The song’s intricate layers and celestial themes make it a highlight. What About Me (feat. Lydmor): In "What About Me," Lydmor delivers a poignant reflection on self-worth and identity. The introspective lyrics are paired with a hauntingly beautiful melody, showcasing her storytelling prowess. Hopeful (feat. Lydmor): Closing Disc 1, "Hopeful" captures the essence of the album’s theme. Lydmor’s vocals are both comforting and inspiring, serving as a beacon of hope in uncertain times. Disc 2 offers extended mixes of each track, allowing listeners to dive deeper into the intricate layers and extended builds that anamē is known for. Each mix maintains the emotional core of the original, while offering a more immersive experience for fans who appreciate the extended journey. Overall, ‘Hopes & Fears’ is a beautifully crafted collection of tracks that exemplify anamē’s ability to blend emotive storytelling with melodic house elements. The album’s collaborative nature adds depth and variety, making it a compelling listen from start to finish. A true Poem. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]
Additional info:
