The latest record from French indie folk outfit Coffee House Anarchists continues the group’s confluence of traditional folk stylistic elements with a more darker and ethereal production background. The second part of Separated by the Sea is moves away from the more poppy punk energy of previous works with a more mellow and dreamy theme adopted by the group. It’s cohesive and purposeful, moving from track to track with a measured intention. No single track sounds too similar, with each piece on the album bringing out a different side to this immediately eclectic group.
The opening piece, ‘Separated by the Sea’ is an ethereal piece of dreamy folk driven music. It’s soft but also comprehensive, meaning it almost entirely envelopes you and pulls on each heartstring. The subtle acoustic backing married with the more hazy and spacious production wholeheartedly takes you under its warmth, a blanket of uniquely pleasant comfort amidst an air that feels cold and chilly. ‘On & On’ is more aggressive, a more rock driven and punk incorporated piece that feels a bit gritty and raw, starkly contrasting the mellow and sombre tone of the opener. Although by no means entirely abrasive, it’s still a unique change of pace from where the record starts from. The album’s third track, and also its longest, is the most progressive and experimental of the lot. With hushed over vocals and an almost tribal backing beat, it feels ominous and foreboding some sort of larger end. It constantly feels as though it’s building towards some sort of crashing conclusion, but the same never seems to come down.
‘IT is well with my soul’ is the perfect closer, a heart-warming vocal driven piece that puts the lyricism and story front and centre. You feel a deep catharsis, an emotional conclusion, and a satiation amidst it all. All in all, Separated by the Sea, Pt. 2 is a remarkably eccentric and exciting piece of folk rock that any folk fan will be more than excited to delve into.