ERIC PACELLA/THE LANTERNIndie band Antony and the Johnsons perform courtesy of ‘Next @ Wex.’Performing music from their acclaimed new album, “The Crying Light,” Antony and the Johnsons mesmerized the audience with their soulful music throughout the evening.
The event began much like any other concert. Yet, as frontman Antony Hegarty’s haunting vocals penetrated the ears of his listeners, the theater’s atmosphere indicated the audience was in the presence of something truly wonderful.
Influenced by artists like Boy George, Antony’s emotional lyrics often concern finding love and addressing issues of transgender identity.
The “Johnsons” portion of the group deserves just as much praise as their band leader, for the unforgettable vocals would be nothing without the soothing accompanying music.
These six musicians, all of whom ironically lack the name Johnson, beautifully play instruments ranging from the traditional guitar and drums, to the lesser-seen violin and cello.
This was Antony and the Johnsons’ second visit to the Ohio State community, the first being a 2002 performance at the Wexner Center.
Antony and the Johnsons have also performed at a variety of other venues, including the “Late Show with David Letterman.”
The band members have worked with many influential musicians, including Lou Reed of The Velvet Underground, and Björk.
The band has also had their music featured in several movies, including “V for Vendetta” and the Bob Dylan biopic, “I’m Not There.”
The popular “Next @ Wex” series’ next program features Los Campesinos!, a bubbly Welsh band that gained much recognition from its performance at last year’s South by Southwest Festival. Their performance is Wednesday Feb. 11 in the Black Box on Mershon Stage.
Ian Bostick can be reached at [email protected].
