Latest album “Anxiety Replacement Therapy” from Greater Manchester’s own The Lottery Winners is a wonderfully quirky and infectiously melodic story of a person’s descent into chaos and journey into healing.
Reflecting the personal experience of lead singer and guitarist Thom Rylance’s mental health struggles with anxiety and ADHD many of the tracks on “Anxiety Replacement Therapy” embody the experience of being utterly overwhelmed.
Chronologically painting the picture of a man’s battle against his own mind and road to recovery in a way that is both hopeful and deeply personal, this record is simultaneously fun and therapeutic.
Furiously energetic and jam-packed with sound, tracks that kick off “Anxiety Replacement Therapy” such as “Worry” and “Burning House” are intentionally animated to the point of madness. Reflecting the brain of someone unable to find a sense of calmness and stability the racing percussion and explosive instrumentals are also catchy ear worms that are a joy to listen to. With raw and relatable lyrics particularly on “Burning House” about self-destruction and sabotage Rylance’s openness and honesty is refreshing.
Exploring the whole spectrum of emotion, the despondent “Long Way Down” is the epitome of the depression hole many have fallen into at some point in their lives. With a slower tempo and waves of guitar cascading throughout the track the atmosphere is one of complete despondency. Despite this melancholy turn, there is a witty and humorous touch in the lyrics describing having “let myself fall into the bathroom floor”. Throughout “Anxiety Replacement Therapy” The Lottery Winners never allow for the album to have a gloomy moment despite its handling of heavy topics.
After the narrated interlude “[PAUSE]” the moment of healing begins, and the album takes a more positive turn. The track “Letter To Myself” featuring Frank Turner is an anthemic indie rock banger with hilarious and touching lyrics on looking back without regret. Towards the end of “Anxiety Replacement Therapy” the songs become calmer, and a sense of peace and tranquillity is finally reached. “Let Me Down” featuring Boy George musically has the feeling of the tide coming in with a rhythmic, steady tempo and the closing title track is cathartically mellow celebrating the simple beauty of life.
“Anxiety Replacement Therapy” is an album you have to listen to from start to finish to gain its full immersive experience. Refreshing in an era where albums often feel full of filler tracks, each song on The Lottery Winners new record builds on the sonic journey it takes you on.
Creating a vivid and melodic story with their music The Lottery Winners have succeeded in discussing mental health struggles in the most entertaining and engaging way possible.
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