Marco Mandujaro
IV Leader Music Critic
Best known as the lead singer for the Philadelphia based
progressive punk act Circa Survive, vocalist Anthony Green has finally released
his solo album, Avalon, which is now available everywhere.
Avalon is a 20-track album compromised of songs written by
Green over the past ten years. Encompassing genres from folk rock, alternative
country and even electronic, Avalon is a unique combination of experimentation
and finely crafted tunes.
While the album does span 20 tracks, only 11 songs are
unique. The other versions of Avalon are older demo tracks. The record opens
with “She Loves Me So.” The organic feeling of a simple drum beat with acoustic
guitar and Green’s beautiful vocals make for an “incredibly enjoyable” listen.
The simple—yet honest—lyrics of the track make it even stronger.
Despite being a standard acoustic/folk album at heart there
is a fair amount of variety on the rest of Avalon. There is the airy, dreamy
swoon of ”Drugdealer,” the bluesy saunter of “Stone Hearted Man,” the sunny,
upbeat pop of “Babygirl,” the hushed beauty of “Miracle Sun” and even a bit of
alternative country infusion on “Slowing Down (Long Time Coming).”
If you love, like, respect or even hate what Anthony Green
has been a part of in the past, this is indeed worth a shot since is it so far
removed from his other work.
This album has the potential to find fans in new places
altogether. Avalon is in no way perfect, but its weak spots are decidedly
overshadowed by its bright spots.
Fans of Anthony green and acoustic/folk rock will undoubtedly
enjoy Avalon. To know more about Anthony Green visit
www.anthonygreenschildren.com or his official MySpace at www.myspace.com/anthonygreen.