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Antony & The Johnsons

What a voice. Many critics mention how Antony's voice has stopped them in their tracks, dumbfounded, when they first listened to him. It's happened to me to, and will happen to others. I first heard Antony & The Johnsons while going through Current 93's discography and listening to the split Live At St-Olave's Church, London 2002. Expecting David Michael's voice, I became immediately frozen when Antony began singing. This was something completely new to me considering I was mostly into instrumental music and wasn't very interested in people's voices if it wasn't used for atmospheric purposes. But there I was, transfixed. When The Lake, the second song on the album started, I was pushed over the edge and was oblivious to the fact that Antony had now hypnotized me.

At that point, I made my own investigation. I had to find out who this person was, what this group was. I must admit I was somewhat put down by the whole theatricality of the group, the make-up, the gender-bender imagery. It all sounded too easy, in a Marilyn Manson sort of way. Shock value for the sake of shock value. But when I listened to the music and ignored the subject matter, my thoughts flew out the window and I could let myself be lulled away. This is very beautiful music indeed. Or is it? Without Antony's voice all you would have is twisted cabaret music. Quite uninteresting all by itself. The main show here is obviously Antony. I swear to God, the man could sing McDonald's jingles and it would have you paralyzed. Hyperboles aside, not everyone will appreciate his voice. The extreme vibrato (which is reminiscent of Tiny Tim) is present throughout the album and it might be too much for some. And let's face it, singing about breast amputations and man-boys might not be to mom & pop's liking either. There is a strangeness to Antony & The Johnsons (a lot comes from the theatrical side of the group) which should be of appeal to those who like their music different. Regardless if you do like it or not, one thing is for sure, Antony's voice won't fail to spark a reaction in anyone who hears him for the first time.

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