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ALBUM REVIEW: ANTHONY GREEN - YOUNG LEGS

I am a sucker for pretty much anything that Anthony Green does. I wouldn’t call it obsessive or to the level of a fan girl, but I’m certainly not in any proud rush to admit how much time I spend involving the music he makes with my life in someway. But the good thing is that the world seems to agree with me. If you look at his career, you’ll see that what Anthony Green has his hands in will typically be a success. Saosin ruled, then he left and I can’t tell you the last time I’ve heard of them doing anything. The Sounds of Animals Fighting was basically RX Bandits, Craig Owens, and Anthony Green and they were a huge cult-ish underground thing for a good while. If you go back further he was in Zolof and the Rock and Roll Destroyer, Audience of One, and Jeer at Rome. He now fronts Circa Survive, which are a massive force. And Anthony’s solo career is booming as well.

The apparent pattern that Green follows when releasing a solo album is as follows: Circa Survive will release an album, tour it to oblivion, take a break for three months, Green's solo music career blooms again in a much shorter cycle of the same pattern while Circa is on break, finally the cycle repeats. So when Circa finished touring their latest album, Violent Waves, I knew it was only a matter of time before Green’s third solo effort would be announced. And as perfectly predicted as a post-morning coffee shit, he announced that Young Legs would be released on November 12. To sweeten the news, it was said that Will Yip (Title Fight, Balance and Composure, Blacklisted, Polar Bear Club) would be engineering the album. Given Yip's flawless resume, this was incredible news. After months of anticipation, the full album was posted on Anthony Green’s website. It was also released a day earlier than he set date of November 12th as a surprise to the fans.

Green’s first two albums (Avalon, Beautiful Things) were both recorded in his family’s beach house in New Jersey, setting Young Legs apart as it was recorded at Studio 4 in PA. This absolutely gives the album a different feel than the first two. While he still enlists the help of Good Old War to be the backing band, this album feels different. It feels more grown up, more polished. Not saying his first two weren't, but Young Legs has simply improved on these characteristics. There are much less highs and lows when it comes to the tone and character of the songs. But that isn't a bad thing at all. It seems like Green has found his niche when it comes to writing his solo music. It’s highly focused on the lyrics and vocal melodies, which is perfect because Green is a master of both. The music has more of a relaxed steady vibe that blends really well with the tone of Green’s voice, which has a seemingly endless range.

I’m really happy with this album. I know I’m biased when it comes to most things Anthony Green related, but this is just an enjoyable honest album from front to back. If you’re already a fan of his music, you’ll love it. If you've never heard of Anthony Green and want a really listenable album, Young Legs has you covered. I can’t wait to see the new songs performed live.

Anthony Green is touring his new album right now with support from Dave Davison (of Maps and Atlases, Brick + Mortar, and Psychic Babble (Colin Frangicetto of Circa Survive). Tickets can be purchased through www.anthonygreenschildren.com

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