Fans of the band, Circa Survive will jump for joy as their lead singer, Anthony Green, releases his second solo album Beautiful Things. Going back to his first solo album, Avalon, the listener was spoon fed a lot of acoustic tracks. That’s not to say that there weren’t a few stand out tracks. “Stonehearted Man” and “Babygirl” gave us hints as to what an Anthony Green record could sound like.

Fast forward to 2012, and we see the production value of this latest record amped up, as is the song writing. “Moon Song” feels like it could have come right from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and while that sounds very strange and out of place, once you listen you will hear the similarities. “Can’t Have It All at Once” could fit onto a Circa Survive record in it’s own right, but I’m glad it didn’t. Through this medium, Green is able to take it in a new direction that you really don’t see coming. Even weaker songs, like “Love You No Matter What” have incredible instrumentation, and the background vocals make it more listenable.

In the end, Green has created an album that any Circa Survive fan will be able to cherish, as well as an album the average music fan will be able to approach. The music though is far from average, and will create vast sonic landscapes for multiple listens. This is one of the best albums to come out this year, and while the year is very young, it will still hold a place in your heart and on your year end lists.

P.S.: Best album cover this year so far!

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