ANOHNI and the Johnsons - My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross Review
Strike up the band! After nearly a decade and a half Anohni serves us a delicious gratitude with an exemplary and soulful vibe from ‘My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross’. Be prepared for this fascinating path through music you will embark on.
Fusing blue eyed soul, indie and art pop genres we are truly thrown straight into the deep end of Anohni’s musical journey throughout this fantastic album. Anohni and her ever so dynamic vocals carry the well selected and thematic elements of environmental issues, which is directly connected with the seminal and cinematic track ‘There Wasn’t Enough’ and vitally, Injustice and inequality are well documented topics throughout ‘It Must Change’ accompanied by the striking yet angelic image of LGBT rights activist and focal muse of the album - Marsha P. Johnson, a personal friend of Anhoni and which lends their name to the band. The album creates so much in need of dissect, but also portrays an image of being in the moment, understanding and being at one with the emotions you will just naturally experience on this musical journey.
From Johnson to a conversation shortly before the death of Lou Reed, ‘Silver of Ice’, according to Anohni herself is directly inspired from their last meeting. Discussing and discovering how there is such a wondrous beauty to ponder behind the coolness of water. Such vivid and elegantly chosen themes to consider whilst exploring such a wonderful comeback album. Anhoni needs no introduction back into the musical pool, nor does she require an explanation on her impactful career trajectory. The expectations were very high for the bands new material and it truly has been delivered. Elements of their old work noted by sparks of pioneering electronic devices paired with a classic pasture of blissful soul has only perpetuated their flawless talent as a musical workforce.
Thematically, the grotesque level of emotional onslaught is a marvel matter for Anhoni, expected is that you will be at one with the journey she wants to take you on. From the glaring about of transphobia that is still prevalent among the current status quo, the album provides a compelling protest against such views. Alongside this you can feel the heartbreak and joy throughout the entire process, wether that be from the personal anecdotes which are delivered to us or the swaggering R&B and Jazzy elements the ensemble throws towards you, even from the almost noise rock dissonance from the ecliptic track ‘Go Ahead’ portrays, you can really listen and gaze in awe at the purest craft that has been put into by a group of virtuosos.
From upfront and personal lyricism to forcing emotions and pulling on your heart strings, once experiencing this album you will come away needing a good laugh and cry for a while, and it would be recommended to share your thoughts out loud purely based on the power it holds as an art piece - Anhoni, this has been an inspiration and a flawless transition into a new realm of genres.