Kyle Anthony - Swimming in Lightning

Kyle Anthony

Swimming In Lightning
self-released; 2014

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Kyle Anthony may only be 20 years old but he has been involved with music his whole life, He started taking piano lessons at the age of five and then at 10 picked up the guitar as well. He was active in jazz ensembles throughout both high school and college and most recently released a very solid album entitled Swimming in Lightning. The album contains seven well-written songs, which veer towards commercially viable material that feels easy going down. There is a light, carefree, hopeful vibe that permeates most of the album that even the most disgruntled hipster might enjoy. The production is pretty good throughout the album although I think the vocals could have been treated a bit better.

The album starts with “City Lights,” which is a pretty darn catchy tune. Its unapologetically feel good sound draws you in and doesn't let go until its over, The guitar parts are composed of one rhythm and one lead part during the chorus as Anthony sings over them. “Fear” introduces some slight melancholy into the mix but not much. The song still rides the optimistic wave of hopefulness but also creates a bit of a dichotomy with the lyrics. He sings; “ Most of the time I try to remember to walk in a straight line but I keep on stumbling and falling behind, everyone I see just seems to walk right on by barely even notice I'm afraid no ones heard a word I’ve said. I'm afraid if someone doesn't hear me I'll be dead.”

“Nineteen” is another example of a song with a happy light soft rock vibe yet has rather deep, often personal somber lyrics. The last songs “Lost” and “For Emily” are wrapped in melancholy unlike any of the other songs on the album. It wasn’t a bad way to end the album although it was a bit jarring.

Anthony is a young, talented songwriter who has built a solid foundation for himself with this album. The album is far from perfect and Anthony may still need to find his X-Factor that separates him from the vast amount of songwriters who are barking up the same tree but there is enough to appreciate on this album.

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