Put A Record On: Antony And The Johnsons' Perpetual Melancholy
January 19th, 2009 | New York
In 2005, Antony and the Johnsons drowned the world in tears with the release of their melancholic, but critically acclaimed album I Am a Bird Now. Their new release, The Crying Light, will no doubt do the same, so get out your handkerchiefs.
There are songs on this LP that will remind listeners of tender moments from the band's previous outings, but don't expect any of the upbeat utterances found on Antony Hegarty's successful stint as guest lead singer with DFA Records' '70s gay club outfit Hercules And Love Affair. Instead, the piano plays a characteristically lead role, while two violins and a cello contribute to the rain of sad melodies. First single "Another World" continues to impress, but Hegarty is in danger of losing the audience's focus when he sings about how he's "going to miss the animals."
The Crying Light's cover image features Kazuo Ohno, a Japanese dancer who Hegarty adores and calls his "art parent." In addition to promoting his new album, Hegarty is also currently showing his first art exhibition in London, called The Creek.
It might all be sad, but that doesn't mean it's not beautiful—let Antony and the Johnsons suffer for you this winter.
More info on www.myspace.com/antonyandthejohnsons.
—David Hellqvist
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