Hector, Marg and Howard saw Anathema perform in Glasgow on what was the second night of The Optimist Tour in September this year. With everything ready The Roadie appeared to fuck up big style and – Suddenly – Vincent Cavanagh’s pedal set-up had to be re-wired. The result was a lost half hour of music given the curfew at The Garage. Still, they played an excellent set with coverage of the best of recent albums.
Alcest
Prior to the announcement of the UK Tour, Hector had purchased a ticket for this evening’s concert at the Live Music Hall (Köln-Ehrenfeld) with Alcest in support. Having purchased the current Alcest album – Kodama – days before the Glasgow gig there was enough familiarity to confirm an interest in their brand of Heavy Rock. Unfortunately we only caught the last ten minutes of their set.
Tonight Hector was in situ early and caught the full fifty five minutes of Alcest starting at exactly 19.30. Heavy, yes, however, there is always a melody at the root of their compositions. With lyrics in their native French, who cares? The grunting sequences do make me wonder. It was amusing to hear a French Band greet a German Crowd in English.
Anathema
Anathema’s taped intro began at 21.00, as each member took their spot, so the Electronica increased the suspense. Danny Cavanagh was last on stage, sporting the now familiar headphones, it was straight into four songs from 2017’s – The Optimist: San Francisco, Can’t let go, Endless Ways, The Optimist. Having made the effort to find a Media Player which plays the album tracks in the proper order and not alphabetically which too many fall back to, to hear these songs out of order once again tonight was not the surprise it was in Glasgow. I conclude that the Electronic Doodling mid album makes a natural (taped) starting point.
Anathema albums are highly thematic with recurring motifs. The Lost Song, Part 3 (Distant Satellites, 2014) does stand alone, but the first two parts have now been dropped. Lee Douglas on backing vocals came into her own at this point in the set. There would be more from Distant Satellites later.
Twenty minutes or so into the set it became apparent that the Cavanagh brothers, all three of them, would not be stepping into the limelight. Purple, Red and Green lighting continuously flooded the front of the stage, any white light was from the rear. The was a reluctance to address the audience, nay banter.
The Drummer was the band member who we could see most clearly, anyone could have been on Bass. Yes, the photos are crap.
A Fine Day to Exit (2001) was the next album to be featured: Barrier, Pressure, Panic and Looking Outside Inside. This is an album I possess but have not played anything like the material of the last decade.
You never thought you would hear that – said Danny Cavanagh who was finally starting to loosen up and talk to the audience. Why be reticent, most young Germans understand English, there was also the hard core of Fellow Travellers down the front from the UK also.
Only two songs from 2010’s – We’re Here Because We’re Here: Thin Air, and A Simple Mistake. A Chap in the audience had a banner requesting the latter song:
It changed my life – cried the young German fan. Dreaming Light from the same album is perhaps (IMHO) Anathema’s most striking song and was played in Glasgow, not tonight.
Vincent announced that they have been trying to play – everything – resulting in gigs lasting two and a half hours. This gave hope. Danny consulted the others, two songs from Weather Systems (2012) were then declared, official set-lists have yet to name these.
Vincent was doubling up on Rhythm Guitar and Keyboards, why have so much Taped/Midi Keyboards? There used to be a Touring Keyboard player, not on this tour.
Closer (A Natural Disaster, 2004) was played in Glasgow and again tonight, why? The intro began before Vincent touched any keyboard, the Electronic Vocals destroy this song. There were two more songs before the break: Big Love, a Fleetwood Mac cover, and The Exorcist, a Cavnanagh composition but apparently not credited to Anathema. Both were unknown to Hector.
There was an interval. The second set began with more taped Electronica, however, I regard Firelight (Distant Satellites) as one of their standout compositions, but with no Keyboard Player they were correct not to mime it.
The title track from Distant Satellites kicked off the second half(?) with possibly the standout song from The Optimist – Springfield – following on.
I estimated more than a thousand people were present, as ever at Prog Rock concerts, the ages ranged from teenagers to … pensioners. Two songs from Alternative 4 (1998) may have been known by true Anathema Aficionados. Lost Control and Destiny were also unknown to Hector.
Weather Systems was purchased by Hector possibly in 2012, the year it was released. It sat unplayed in my collection after the first spin until the start of last year. The rest is… I wondered how I had missed its brilliance. Untouchable Part 1 naturally led into Untouchable Part 2, the tracks which started their concerts until this tour…
Suddenly… the gig was over, in just under two hours. Was Part 2 the Encore? Do bands really only perform extra songs in Glasgow?
At 23.00 there the possibility that the nearby Empire Masala (Neptunplatz. 6A, 50823 Köln-Ehrenfeld, Köln) was still open (Source – Google Maps). Leider, Kebap-Zeit.
The Lady of the House greeted me on entry, it is always good to be recognised. I took my choice of table in the empty room, a Young Waitress brought the Menu. Having studied a well known and reliable Curry Website I was planning once more to revisit the Lamm Vindaloo (€9.00) with – Hector Tweaks. The Lamm Limone (€9.50) suddenly felt like a good idea. Having secured my 0.2l Bottle of Gerolsteiner (€2.00) I was ready to order. 
Lamm Limone – keine Paprika aber mit Methi.
Counting the Lamb, I reached eight, this was enough, the sizes were decent. The Masala was not excessive in ratio to the Meat and Rice, enough to mix in. The Spice was below – Medium – I had not specified a Level. The Seasoning was Perfect, perhaps it this feature which keeps me coming back? There was a subtle Citrus Tang, however, I was missing the requested Methi. 
There are some dates in the calendar which will never be forgotten, this has become one.
*
A Mountain of Basmati was already on what would become my plate when Rizwan announced:
Steve was well ahead of me by the time I completed the ritual photos and note-taking. 
The Faither – of – The Company. There are no words to describe our loss.
Six visits in six years makes Hector almost a Regular at the 
A Methi and Spinach Dish was advertised on the board outside, this was enough to focus the mind, – Vegetable Curry – if I can eat Fruit early in the day, I can surely manage this. Sabji Curry (€6.90) with inclusive Rice and a piece of Poppadom was ordered, plus a Coke (€2.00). For the sake of consistency I shall post the next bit:-
Steve and James were next up: Steve went for Mutton Curry (€8.90), James ordered Butter Chicken (€7.90) and a Garlic Naan (€2.20). We took our seats, the Chap beside us was presented with a Mutton Vindaloo, a Curry which Steve described last year as – Challenging. The Curry served at this venue is not for the faint of heart. 
The Masala was near-Shorva, not excessive, and Medium Spiced. An excess of Seasoning has been the recurring issue on my visits here, this was within acceptable parameters. The Quantity was immense, I would be last finished partly for reasons described above. Carrots, Peas, Potato, Green Beans, Cauliflower and Ginger Strips all featured. This is the Curry I am most likely to have again if our custom of visiting this early in the day maintains. 
I have seen Curry with five pieces of Meat and then some. This was Magnificent, was I glad I had not ordered Lamb this morning? I could not have done it justice. The Masala was decidedly different from the Vegetable equivalent, a healthy hue of – Brown. 
Could do with being warmer – was an early statement made by Steve. 
With a Masala tending towards Red, this was less Creamy than I have encountered. The Garlic Naan was a manageable size for one, well fired, and served – Whole.
Steve decided to have a Starter, Spinach Potato Pakora (£2.80) followed by Classic Lamb Apna Style (£8.30), a Keema Naan (£2.70) would accompany. I heard him ask for – 
I had decided in advance, for research purposes, to have Fish Karahi (£7.70) also in the – Apna (Desi) style. I was about to approach the counter when Marg phoned, this put me a few minutes behind. Having enjoyed my 
Paratha (£3.20): Fish, Mince and Potatoes, a first.
As expected, Steve’s Pakora arrived first, but only seconds before his Mains. He was given a choice of Sauce to cover his Pakora, four large pieces. The Pakora looked Freshly Cooked, not Double Cooked which sadly prevails. 
Phwoar! – was Steve’s exclamation as soon as he dipped some Naan into his Masala.
Delicious, bursting with Flavour. A balance of Tender Meat and Spices, just right.
A Side of Potato is what I had in mind originally, I ended up with what appeared to be a Potato Curry, full portion. With the Keema Paratha, a Feast lay before me. The Paratha was inspected before commencing, again it had separate Mince Grains. Initially it was Excellent, then suddenly it was not. There was a taste I did not like, as if – Off. Half of the Paratha was left, Hector was taking no chances. 
I had been assured there was no Capsicum in this Dish, either in the Blend or stirred in. No Green Chillies topping this Dish, just Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander. The Fish Flavour hit the palate, an instant – Wow! Having eaten here twice previously and been impressed by their Lamb Curry variants, I had hoped the Pedigree would be there to have Fish. The Fish was Soft, sufficient in Quantity, a delight. Once could see the Quality of the Blended Masala, so Rich, Viscous. Had it been blended then more solids added? One cannot hold – Soup -in a fork, this Masala impressed. The Spice, the Seasoning, the Spice Flavours all impressed. Hector has found a venue serving a worthy Fish Karahi in Manchester.
The Masala looked no different from my Companion Dish yet the taste was totally different. Given the Quantity I invited Steve to partake, Hector shared… 
James stayed safe, again, and ordered Butter Chicken (€13.90). Hector had already decided to order the Dish which has impressed in recent years and transformed my attitude towards this venue. Lamm Karahi (€13.90) has the attraction of including an array of Interesting Vegetables. As always in Deutschland, I would ask for – 
We had hoped to catch a Bus @13.20 to Dörfleins to meet up with The Man from Bradford, by 12.55 there was an acceptance that we would be late. Mein Host had half recognised Hector, he remarked that at Lunchtime they are busy. At 13.00 Basmati for three was placed on the table. I concluded that having ordered a la carte, our Curry had been properly prepared. 
It is what it is and no doubt satisfies those who order this sort of thing. All Hector ever sees when this Curry is ordered is Tomato Soup, possibly Spicy. 
As soon as Steve had decanted his Curry he remarked that he too should have asked for Capsicum to be excluded. The 
Thicker than Shorva and with a hint of Creaminess, the Masala was hardly contemporary, but to describe Swarg as even approaching Mainstream is a compliment compared to 
In the early days of Curry-Heute, 
The Onion-rich Masala was as Thick as a Masala can be. The Spice and Seasoning were at a good level, Ginger Strips were aplenty. This was a very Flavoursome Curry, quite distinctive too. The Meat was eaten carefully, very Tender Lamb, this Curry needed more Meat or an accompanying Vegetable. Still, this was way above the average German Curry.
The Menu also had an extensive Fish range, including Fish Keema Karahi (€8.90). This will have to be explored, next month perhaps. 
A complimentary glass of Indian Tea was brought with Sugar thankfully on the side. Tasty.
After a rather lengthy and tiresome journey down from Buttenheim this afternoon, Dr. Stan and James – making a first appearance on Curry-Heute – accompanied Hector to 
The Aroma of Spice at 
Lamm Chettinad
Deciding that Fish Curry would be more acceptable past its peak of heat, I started with the Lamb. The Meat count was into double figures, tender Lamb, giving Flavour rather than taking. The Minimal Masala Mash is unique to 
Fisch Chettinad
The first intake of Fish was remarkable, I gasped. Exactly the same Masala yet this Dish is markedly different. The Fish offers another dimension. 
Good Fish – remarked Dr. Stan.
Chicken Badam Pasanda
This was a first, an interesting mix of Lentils and Spinach. It looked Thicker than the standard Tarka Daal. Dr. Stan had this on his plate with his two portions of Rice and the Fisch Chettinad. He also ate very well today.
On my return from the recent Italia/Yorkshire Trip, people were keen to tell me that 
The Village
Four Large pieces of Lamb sat in a Thin Masala. With the Rice occupying half of the plate, this was very much – Lunchtime Menu Curry. Each piece of Meat was halved or more. If it took Mother an age to eat two pieces of Pakora, the now numerous pieces of Meat took a very long time. Hector was well finished by the time Mother stopped eating. Satisfaction was evident:
For Hector, this has always been 
The statutory eight pieces of Meat were decanted to the plate of Peas Pilao. I could appreciate immediately that this Masala was much Thicker than that across the table. Almonds topping the Masala added further Diversity. 
The Meat had to be halved, a Sensible Portion was now perceived. The right amount of chewing was required for the Tender Lamb. Notes on the Seasoning were very much an afterthought, conclusion, it was – spot on. 
The remaining Masala was poured over the final pieces of Meat and Rice. It was all over too soon. Next time I should order this by the Half-Kilo. 
When I returned to the table Pamela was busy writing a Recipe for a Beef Casserole. How she and Mother ended up here remains a mystery. Cranberries, Red Wine and Shallots, bring it on. But it’s not Curry!
After watching a magnificent victory at Murrayfield (words I never thought I would write) on TV, Hector was later than usual for his Saturday Mid-afternoon Curry-Heute. 
With the Menu already on the table, finding my choice for the day was a simple matter of confirmation. I have missed the Handi Gosht (£10.99), a Garlic and Coriander Nan (£2.75) would accompany. The Waitress was keen to serve, she took the Order then returned moments later:
here was a near constant, thud – thud – thud – the partition wall was vibrating. A wean was kicking the wall, thud – thud – thud. This persisted until their Order arrived, Burgers and Pizza. Parents, control your children, please!
The Lamb on-the-bone was so Tender, double figures, a mass of Lamb. The Masala was Magnificent, thick with Tomato Pulp. The Spice Level was Moderate, the Seasoning was a tad under Perfection. The Vegetable Oil used at Ambala is so distinctive, KTC I was told by Naveed in an early visit. I conclude that Naveed is no longer at 
The Ginger Strips, Fresh Coriander Leaves and Stem added Diversity. Bone splinters became an issue, great care had to be taken. Danger, Hector!
The Naan was served in two pieces, why? I must remember to ask for my Bread to be served – Whole, it is so much more impressive. However, the aroma from this Naan hit instantly, – Dripping with Flavour. Closer study revealed perforations, a thin Naan almost in the Kulcha style. I have come to realise in the past couple of weeks that whilst the Garlic on a Naan is so tasty, it can actually contaminate the palate, the Flavour of the Curry can be masked. This was happening today. Coriander Naan in future. 
I had not finished, I was offered The Bill. Keen.