Anthony Green - "Young Legs"

Artist: Anthony Green

Album: Young Legs

Label: Self-Release

Release Date: November 11^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

The third studio solo album from Anthony Green entitled, “Young Legs,” is brimming with grace and luminousness. The thematic “Young Legs” explores love and disenchantment. It also covers existentialism, as Green has become a father again. Green conveys a much tranquil vibe here as opposed to his previous solo endeavors and the material from his full-time band, Circa Survive. The eleven tracks are pleasant and soothing. The arrangements, backed by fellow Philadelphia natives, Good Old War, are calming and atmospheric. Green’s first two albums were mostly reflective on his own marriage and then his first-born, respectively. This time the lyrics are a bit distant and more about others around him than merely just himself. Evidently we are led to Green’s deep understanding the world isn’t solely about one’s self, but those who you surround yourself with. Never are the lyrics all that intricate but still deeply personal and transparent. However, not all the tracks work perfectly since some seem repetitive in nature. The ones that do stand out are heartfelt and striking.

“Breaker” kicks off the album in stellar fashion. It’s one of the more complex tracks found on “Young Legs.” Dazzling guitars come into play during the choruses. Green’s saccharine vocals are light and tender as usual. “100 Steps” is another gorgeous tune that is sweet and tranquil. Green’s vocals can get a bit overly sentimental, but it’s always sincere. The delivery is nearly exceptional. The songs here range from barebones acoustics to fully expanded sounds. “Anytime” is honest and utterly touching. Green’s passionate lyrics are easily applicable for any listener dealing with love or lost. “I’ll Miss You” is another sensitive, thoughtful tune. Green’s perspective on this record is about those around him or ones he lost. The songs aren’t selfish or self-absorbed but rather compassionate and empathetic. “Shine” has striking harmonies and astounding guitar arrangements. With ethereal vibes and comforting vocals, “Young Legs” definitely shines in most areas. In other areas, he loses his way trying to set out to be too intricate.

Sad and cordial, “Young Legs” cuts deep. However, it stumbles along the way. The less than two minutes tracks, “Too Little, Too Late” and “Stolen” are nothing more than filler. They feel like uncompleted tracks that either should have been reworked or never should have made the final cut. There’s a lot to enjoy with “Young Legs.” It’s a considerably meaningful record overflowing with beautiful melodies and earnest lyrics. Most of the songs will ruminate within the mind and soul and permeate through the heart. I wouldn’t consider it one of the best albums of the year, but another big step forward for a singer/songwriter that has so much drive and passion. That alone is admirable, but I still wish there was something more here to put “Young Legs” into a league of its own. For now, it fits decently well with other good folk/acoustic rock albums of the last few years.

Grade 7.7 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Breaker,” “100 Steps,” “Anytime,” “I’ll Miss You,” “Shine”