anamē Search for Light in the Dark on 'Hopes & Fears'

Melodic house maestros anamē** drop off their second album on Anjunabeats, Hopes & Fears, which offers uplifting melodies and inspiring lyrics.**

The past few years have seen Scandinavian duo anamē take hold of the melodic house scene. The pairing of Marcus Schössow and Thomas Sagstad quickly picked up momentum by releasing standout tracks like “Gratitude” with Above & Beyond while exploring live elements with their performances. In 2023, the duo dropped their debut album, Beautiful World, which captivated listeners and solidified their place on Anjunabeats. Now, they’ve returned with their sophomore album, Hopes & Fears.

Hopes & Fears is a continuation of the story that began on Beautiful World, offering 12 new tracks for listeners to explore. “Back then, how we experienced the world felt far less bleak than the stories we were being force-fed,” the duo shared. “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.”

The new soundscapes from anamē on this album are refreshing as the duo layers in everything from gorgeous melodies to soul-stirring lyrics for an intoxicating experience. The sole solo single on the album, “Cloudwalking,” begins this journey with an ambient intro that starts to build with power as the seconds tick away, letting the mind get prepared for what’s to come as it washes over the ears.

From there, it’s off to the races with a flurry of collaborators, including Moyka, Welt, Biishop, Lydmor, PEARL, Bien, and Bri Zoli. Each of these artists, most of whom share anamē’s Scandinavian heritage, adds depth to the soundscapes the duo concocted in the studio, yet a few stand tall among the rest.

One of the lead singles, “It Can Be Better Now,” brings Welt’s soothing vocals into the mix, adding a touch of hopeful energy. Biishop’s features on “Tennessee Bloom” and “Seraph” will both leave you stunned as they sweep you away into a different state of mind. Additionally, the slow-burning beat on “Electric Lights” is accentuated by the powerful performance from PEARL.

You also can’t ignore Lydmor’s impact on Hopes & Fears. This Danish pop artist, who is one of the biggest in the region, joined anamē for four of the album’s songs —”Hero,” “Astronauts,” “What About Me,” and “Hopeful,” which are all simply sublime. Each one is dripping with emotional depth lyrically, playing well with the melodic elements that have become a signature of anamē’s sound.

Additionally, anamē will donate a percentage of all revenue from sales and streams of Hopes & Fears to Mental Helse Ungdom, an organization that supports young people’s mental health, to help further their efforts. They also plan to launch a rolling fundraiser for anyone to join in on and help make a difference. “Over the next year, we want to take this further—to more causes, places, and people who need support. Because no one should feel like they’re alone in this. Hope starts here,” the duo shared.

Listen to Hopes & Fears on Spotify or your preferred platform, and stay tuned for more from anamē by following their social channels.