Antony and The Johnsons
Swanlights
Antony Hegarty continues his string of recent success by unveiling an exuberant and mysterious collection of tracks on Swanlights. “Everything is New” he sings on the opening track of the same title, and listeners will agree this album extends the scope of an Antony and The Johnsons album. From the magical “The Great White Ocean” to the piano-driven “Ghost,” the album’s movement is inspiring. For those unfamiliar with Antony and his operatic voice, Swanlights may seem too dramatic as it begins, but Antony invents twists and turns to shake it up. He spikes “I’m In Love” with sonorous strings and sprinkles “Salt Silver Oxygen” with delicate winds for a frolicking escapade. Björk joins Antony in a sumptuous and sparse call and response on “Fletta.”
Always contemplative, Antony explains the title’s meaning: “It’s the reflection of light on the surface of the water at night. It’s the moment when a spirit jumps out of a body and turns into a violet ghost.” The album will also be released with a special edition hardcover book of Antony’s writing, photographs, collages and artwork to visually bring Antony’s sonic landscapes to life.
Antony’s second album, I am a Bird Now won the Mercury Music Prize and catapulted him to distinction. As the follow up to the critically acclaimed The Crying Light, Swanlights is seemingly effortless—the mark of a master at work.
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