Life can be mysterious, beautiful and often challenging to say the least. Anton’s music documents his journey and exploration of this wonderful thing we call living. With a fascination for both eastern and western philosophies Anton’s lyrical content reflects his preoccupation with the intricacies of the mind. Communicating at a deep level with the listener Anton’s lyrics both stimulate and challenge. Don’t be fooled though, these tunes don’t wallow in a dark quagmire of despair! Anton’s work resonates of healing and hope. Not all Anton’s material revolves around the “psych” however. The other subject extensively explored by Anton is of course love and listeners will find a healthy serving of love songs throughout Anton’s catalogue. However even Anton’s love songs are usually imbedded with deeper meaning and purpose. No opportunity appears to have been missed to explore the depths and richness of life. This is an aspect of Anton’s work which makes it such a fulfilling experience and like a breath of fresh air amongst the oceans of commercial fodder that floods the music market. Anton’s material tends to appeals to the discerning listener who is in search of something with substance and depth. Of course if all this thinking is not your cup of tea Anton’s music is also full of addictive hooks, an array of musical instruments from traditional to electronic and of course smooth crooning melodies.
Based in Brisbane Australia, Anton produces all his own material in his home studio releasing material through his label “BugEye Records”. He plays throughout the East coast of Australia and plays with various line ups wandering from traditional folk to alternative rock line ups. You never know what you are in for at one of Anton’s shows. This is an aspect that stands out about Anton’s material in general, that is the amazing diversity and originality of Anton’s catalogue. It encompasses pop, rock, folk and jazz with a uniquely Anton angle fusing it all together. Songs vary from the moody to the highly uplifting but always with a message of hope and a depth that feeds the soul. His music has been compared to Ben Harper, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Angus and Julia Stone and Pink Floyd but is at the same time often hard to categorize.
“Overland” is Anton’s fourth EP under his solo mantle. It sees a cementing of Anton’s sound and a maturing of its’ deliverance. Recording started in the earlier half of 2010 and although song writing and tracking for the album came in a swiftness that surprised even Anton the recording process slowed down from that point due to other commitments. In the second half of the year Anton’s time freed up to a degree and the recording process sped up accordingly. It was at this point that Anton collaborated with artists Dennis Duigan (additional guitars and mandolin), Remi Forcet (piano accordion and keys) and Andrew Lye (bass) which resulted in a diversification of the overall sound of Overland. Contribution where made on “Overland” (Dennis and Andrew), “In the Seeing” (Dennis) and “If I was Honest” (Remi). All three musicians contributed outstanding performances that saw the EP take a leap forward in terms of level of class.
The singles for the EP are the EP’s namesake “Overland” and “Two Little Birds”. “Overland” is a lush uplifting number about making a stand for that special person in your life and in doing so being all that you can be for them. It revolves around finger picked nylon string guitar and full, melodic vocals all lifted up by a rich bed of orchestral strings and the almost haunting mandolin of Dennis Duigan weaving throughout the mix. It is the most produced track on the EP and stands out as one of the more instantly appealing on the EP.
“Two Little Birds” on the other hand is at the other end of the spectrum in terms of production, featuring only finger picked steel string guitar, vocals and a distant almost ghost like violin drifting in at the second verse. Its’ space and simplicity contribute significantly to this track being a standout on the EP. The track was inspired by Anton’s two daughters and is a declaration of the lessons and hope that Anton has experienced in watching their free self expression and love in life. A lesson most adults could learn from the children in the world.
In summary “Overland” (the EP that is) is a beautiful compilation of songs that have an alluring earthy feel and an honesty that lends it an almost vulnerable feel. The instrumentation and production of the entire EP are of the highest standard. The songs are beautiful and endearing which often belies the intricate and sophisticate song craft behind them. It’s also as if the album breathes and the space afforded in the production speaks of a maturing of Anton’s song writing skills and production values. All these factors contribute to make Overland a high contender for high rotation on any ipod. Definitely worth checking out.
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