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Antony and the Johnsons are a band originating out of Brooklyn, New York but were able to win the Mercury (the UK’s prize for top album of the year) in 2005 to some controversy e.g. not actually being British etc etc.

That’s actually how I heard about Antony and the Johnsons. I’m a Wikipedia freak so I was accustomed to reading of “who” they were but not really checking out their sound.

I’m really having trouble categorizing Antony and the Johnsons for the passerbys, it’s minimalist soul as I would put it. **I just learned that lead singer Antony Hegarty contributed to the odd Hercules and Love Affair disc that was held in high regard with critics. I think after switching back and forth between the artists, the amount of appreciation grew (especially when I called Hercules and Love Affair freakin’ strange).

Anyway the EP begins with “Another World” the title track features slight piano playing with Hegarty’s deep soulful voice that could make you cry. It’s a very simplistic song musically but I must say I’m very impressed with the vocals. Speaking of some funny things lyrically, “I need another world, this one is nearly gone” won’t be this blog’s theme song no matter how bad you find this blog to be.

I would say this 5-song EP is very solid, I’m impressed but not to the point where I’m overly amazed but I “guess” I understand where the critics at PopMatters and Pitchfork are coming from, each awarding 8 out of 10 (on a much harder scale as well).

It’s decent, potentially worth checking out if you like the single Another World. I have no particular background information on other records clearly, so that’s for you to decide. Other songs seem to add the same reverb, subtle in nature and sometimes adding in instruments in an intricate pattern that can make you stray away from the actual song.

I’ll give it a 3.8 out of 5. I like it just not willing to saying it’s great.

Another World by Antony and The Johnsons

Sing For Me by Antony and The Johnsons

Tags: EP