Anthony Family is the electric creation from the eclectic being known as Anthony Anzaldo LINK (https://www.instagram.com/anthonyxfamily). This project is one that is vastly different from their other musical works, yet, familiar in that it comes from someone who writes authentically within any genre that they approach. Even though some conventionality is attempted in this recent release, this is far from status quo soft pop. This project honors Prince, a vastly influential presence within Anthony’s art and life. Take a dive into the emotional waters found within this lush 80s synth pop body known as "LIVE FROM AN ORDINARY PLACE".
Quite the Renaissance person, Anthony has been writing music and playing guitar since an early age. Over the years, there have been many projects, some of which frequent your hometown city more than the others. The most popular of those projects would be the hardcore band Ceremony from California. Spanning over 20 years, that band has influenced several waves of hardcore and punk musicians worldwide. Anthony is a founding member of that band and the cynosure of even the most chaotic pit/stage dive situation. Since 2019, Anzaldo has contributed guitar, backing vocals, and dance to the goth electronic band known as Cold Cave. Other projects they’ve been a part of include the Northern Californian Rock band called Creative Adult, punk rock fury via Ex-Youth, live guitar for 80s chart-topper Taylor Dayne, and even a full Prince Tribute done by Anthony Family.
UV Music Mag had the chance to catch the Anthony Family set at the vibey and inviting club called TV Eye in Queens (it's nearly but not Brooklyn, we checked the map) this past Sunday the 24th of August. Devoted to the venue lights and live music sound, we spent our sabbath before Anthony in the flesh. Adorned in black shimmer, guitar in hand, and surrounded by pedals; the scene was set. The keyboard soundscape and then eventual glimmering guitar came in for the album opener “Soulless”. Time felt like it slowed down as Anthony Family debut tracks got us swaying and dancing. Some of us may have forgotten all about work in the morning. Any of these album songs could be radio hits (with the innovative interlude “(thirtyseven)” being the only exception to that). They would blend in well between any of the top songs from INXS, Don Henley, Peter Gabriel, The Spinners, Orchestral Manoeuvers In The Dark, and The Human League to name a few. To further stress this sentiment, Anthony chose the Prince song “Nothing Compares 2 U” as one of the set closer songs.
The tour supporting this release ends this month, however, there are still opportunities to support this independent artist online. The debut album is available through streaming, however, there is physical merch available on Bandcamp as well as the Pure Noise Records site HERE
