Antony and the Johnsons - I am a Bird Now

Antony and the Johnsons
"I Am A Bird Now"
CD/2005
Rough Trade/Border

Anthony o anthony is this/he/they for real or is this a fata morgana; just a remembrance of things past. I must say that this piece of plastic is one odd little smurf. Odd in its peculiar ways of creeping upon you, entangling you and almost feeling like you more or less sit in Anthonys knees. Anthony and the Johnsons is a outfit that incorporate the soft and minimal approaches of regular instruments like drums, bass, cello and the piano with unorthodox angelic singing. Makes me resemble a itsy bitsy about the haunting vocals of the now seemingly defunct slovenien outfit Devil Doll. But where Devil Doll is a entity that uses the horrors of the movies as inspiration Antony and his Johnsons focus more on gutfeeling. The world that Anthony (and the Johnsons) portraits is bleak and longing but still with a warmth oh so ever present. Through the highlights like "You are my Sister" a nice letmeloveyoutodeath ballad with Boy George to the more traditional "Fistful of Love" (with the guest appearence of none other then Lou Reed) this record is , dare i say it, the perfect soundtrack for long cosy nights with your lover. Whom ever that might be. Over and Out.