Antony & The Johnsons
The Crying Light

Review By Matt Conner

The haunting, almost skeletal Japanese dancer framed on the monochromatic cover of The Crying Light, the third proper studio LP from Antony & the Johnsons, perfectly describes the artistry found within. The striking, minimal artwork mimics the Secretly Canadian act’s distinct indie arrangements, and both are equally polarizing. Some things haven’t changed. The Crying Light features Antony Hegarty’s signature trill — that emotional, resonant quiver — resting comfortably amidst soft, minimal orchestral arrangements. It’s a predictable, perfect follow-up for 2005’s I Am A Bird Now. Staccato percussion breaks up any early monotony on “Kiss My Name,” allowing the music box beauty of “Her Eyes Are Underneath the Ground” and “One Dove” to remain intact. Antony sweeps and swirls alone on a grand floor, giving you enough room to join if you like, but perfectly content to dance alone.