Ambitious and large in scope, the new record from The Anchoress (Catherine Anne Davies) is one of 2026's boldest efforts. Written and produced by Davies, this Anchoress effort is by turns literary, heartfelt, and rocking. As We Once Were is all of those things, and in sometimes equal measure.
The first single from As We Once Were, the rollicking "Throw Over Your Man", references Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. With guest guitars from James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers, the track soars. Brash, iconoclastic, and smart, it's one of many numbers here on this new one from The Anchoress that sort of stuns. The cleverly-titled "I Had a Baby Not a Lobotomy" finds Davies dealing with perceptions of women after they have children. It's a little Annie Lennox-y, and sleek and supple too. Elsewhere, "Damsels" benefits from guest vocals from Eaves Wilder, with the track clearly showing its inspiration from stuff like Cocteau Twins and early Slowdive. An appearance from Dominic Chad from Mansun on guitar on "What You Did" gives that number a suitably windswept sheen.
Even without significant guests, stuff like the title track is smart synth-rock that blends Davies' own highly personal POV with a style that has broader appeal, even as the intimate and Lennon-y "All I Really Want is Peace" hits a lush note in the right way. That Davies is able to maintain her vision equally well on tracks that are just her as well as on others with such distinctive guest musicians makes As We Once Were all the more impressive.
Much like her mates in the Manics, Catherine Anne Davies makes music as The Anchoress that is literate and emotional at the same time. The tunes are brightly rendered, and full of heart, of course, but there's also a real bookish quality here that elevates this material above the usual indie we're handed. What sets the tunes on As We Once Were apart is ambition. It's a scary word in circles usually given over to shuffling bands losing themselves in feedback or whatever, but Davies clearly is aiming so much higher. This is big, bold music with lyrics that go a little deeper, thankfully, and tracks which both soar and ruminate. This new effort from The Anchoress is highly recommended.
As We Once Were by The Anchoress is out on Friday, August 7. Details below.
[Photo: Talie Eigeland]