Antony And The Johnsons: The Crying Light

Antony And The Johnsons
The Crying Light
Secretly Canadian Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: A true work of art from Antony (again)!

Album Review:
The Crying Light is the much anticipated third release from the eclectic Antony And The Johnsons following their Mercury Prize winning and critically lauded 2005 record I Am A Bird Now. Just by taking one glance at the legendary Butoh dancer Kazuo Ohno that graces the cover of this record you just know that you are in for another interesting and fantastic 40 minute journey through the world of group leader Antony Hegarty. The Crying Light is a record that no matter where you tune into it, there is something that occurs which simply takes your breath away - be it the powerful violin that strums feverishly in the peppier "Kiss My Name", Hegarty's dynamic range which never seems to have an end nor break on "Epilepsy Is Dancing" or the striking closer "Everglade" with its blown out orchestra arrangement with the help of Nico Muhly, whom has worked with Bjork and provided the music to the Golden Globe winning movie The Reader (2008). It is a record of simplicity, even though it has a thematic focus on Antony's relationship with the natural world and many complex orchestrated moments, the energy all comes out in planned and controlled bursts. This precision is what solidifies The Crying Light as a piece of art that regardless of the time of day, day of the week or hemisphere you are on it will engulf you and take you out of the normal grind, which for many is much needed! For new listeners to Antony And The Johnsons, I simply recommend that you give it several spins before discarding because Hegarty's voice is an acquired taste but once you are on board you will certainly appreciate The Crying Light well beyond 2009!

Key Tracks: "Another World", "Everglade", "Epilepsy Is Dancing"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Rufus Wainwright
Hercules And Love Affair
Jeff Buckley

Official Antony And The Johnsons Website
Antony And The Johnsons MySpace
Antony And The Johnsons Info [Allmusic]
Secretly Canadian Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri