Anathema – The Optimist (2017): Album Review, Tracklist, Credits, Concept & Trivia
Released on 9 June 2017, The Optimist is the eleventh studio album by British rock band Anathema. A milestone in the band’s long career, the record combines atmospheric rock, progressive art‑rock, electronic textures, and deeply emotional songwriting — continuing the group’s ongoing evolution from their early metal roots into cinematic, expressive soundscapes.
The album also functions as a concept sequel to their 2001 record A Fine Day to Exit, tying narrative and emotional threads across the band’s catalogue.
Album Overview
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Artist: Anathema
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Album: The Optimist
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Release Date: 9 June 2017
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Genre: Atmospheric Rock / Post‑Progressive / Art Rock
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Label: Kscope
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Producer: Tony Doogan
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Length: Approx. 56:27
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Concept: Directly inspired by A Fine Day to Exit (2001), the album revisits and continues the narrative of a protagonist struggling with despair and rediscovery.
The Optimist was acclaimed upon release and won Album of the Year at the 2017 Progressive Music Awards, making it one of Anathema’s most celebrated later‑career albums.
Tracklist
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32.63N 117.14W (instrumental coordinate intro)
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Leaving It Behind
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Endless Ways
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The Optimist
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San Francisco (instrumental, cinematic piece)
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Springfield
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Ghosts
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Can’t Let Go
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Close Your Eyes
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Wildfires
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Back to the Start
Album Credits
Band Members
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Vincent Cavanagh – Vocals, guitars, keyboards, programming
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Daniel Cavanagh – Guitars, vocals, keyboards
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Lee Douglas – Vocals
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Jamie Cavanagh – Bass
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John Douglas – Drums, electronic percussion, keyboards
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Daniel Cardoso – Drums
Production
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Producer: Tony Doogan (known for work with Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian)
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Studios: Attica Audio (Donegal, Ireland) & Castle of Doom (Glasgow, UK)
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Label: Kscope
Concept & Themes
The Optimist is a concept album that revisits the character and story introduced in A Fine Day to Exit (2001), picking up the journey of a man who once sought escape from his life and now searches for meaning and renewal.
The opening track, “32.63N 117.14W,” references the latitude and longitude of Silver Strand Beach in San Diego — the location where the original album’s protagonist abandoned his car, tying narrative threads across two decades of music.
Sonically and lyrically, the album explores themes of self‑discovery, hope, existential reflection, emotional rebirth, and the tension between past despair and forward momentum.
Notable Tracks
“Leaving It Behind”
A propulsive opening rock song combining atmospheric textures with electronic rhythms — symbolising the protagonist’s attempt to move forward.
“Endless Ways”
Highlighting Lee Douglas’s expressive vocals, this track blends introspective piano with cinematic crescendos.
“The Optimist”
The title track is one of the album’s emotional centerpieces — layered, melodic, and anthemic.
“San Francisco” & “Springfield”
Instrumental and post‑rock influenced pieces, these tracks create vivid soundscapes that feel like cinematic interludes in the narrative.
“Back to the Start”
An epic closing track that brings the story full circle with layered build‑ups, expansive mood, and climactic resolution.
Reception & Impact
The Optimist received generally favorable reviews, with critical praise for its emotional depth, ambition, and sonic evolution. It earned an average Metacritic score reflecting strong critical support and was included in several Best of 2017 lists.
It charted across Europe and expanded Anathema’s presence in progressive rock communities. Winning Album of the Year at the Progressive Music Awards further solidified its standing within the genre.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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🎧 Concept Continuation: The album picks up the story from A Fine Day to Exit (2001), making it one of the few long‑term concept arcs in the band’s catalog.
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🌍 Latitude Track: “32.63N 117.14W” represents real coordinates (Silver Strand Beach, California) tied to the bookending narrative.
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🎤 Dual Vocals: Both Vincent Cavanagh and Lee Douglas share lead vocal duties, providing rich emotional contrast throughout.
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🎹 Electronic & Orchestral Elements: The album incorporates electronics and orchestral textures alongside rock and post‑rock elements, creating a cinematic feel.
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🏆 Award‑Winning: Album of the Year at the 2017 Progressive Music Awards — a prestigious nod in the prog/rock world.
