ANTONY AND THE JOHNSONS - 'The Crying Light' CD (Rough Trade)
"The Crying Light" is the third studio album by New York group Antony and The Johnsons. Fronted by Anthony Hegarty, this record draws upon the themes of landscape and future. An intimate and moving record, this sees Anthony reach new artistic heights which will please fans and newcomers alike. "The Crying Light is both grander and more intimate in tone than its predecessor, ten tracks arranged with the help of composer Nico Muhly that find Hegarty pondering themes of nature and humanity, death and rebirth. Grand, because here, Hegarty's florid piano pieces are fleshed out by musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Milan Symphony, but intimate, because songs like 'Another World' and the gorgeous 'Epilepsy Is Dancing' employ orchestral trimmings with such grace and restraint. Most surprising, though, is 'Aeon', a cut of forceful, passionate soul that finds Hegarty preaching empowerment over raw, circling electric guitar. A grand return, from one of music's true originals." (Louis Pattison)
