Antony is the somewhat androgynous leader of this seven-piece NYC band that counts Boy George, Lou Reed, and Rufus Wainwright as fans and Devendra Banhart as friend and inspiration. Antony's warbled falsetto is unique in the same kind of way as Bro. Danielson's -- once you hear it, you'll never forget it (for better or for worse). You can just hear the pain and melancholy in every syllable sung. And an arrestingly beautiful accompaniment of strings, pianos, flutes and horns document the dramatic hardship and heartbreak.
The band's latest album on Secretly Canadian, I Am A Bird Now, has received almost-universal critical acclaim with several "best of the year" claims, even though there's still a whole lot of year left. It seems as if Antony and the Johnsons is equal parts band and art project. There's just way too much going on under the surface to simply think of them in musical terms. This is a comment on the state of humanity. Love it or hate it, they certainly sell out shows fast. So get your tickets early if you're gonna go for it.
-Patrick-
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