Linden Anthony - 4 Love Songs

Linden Anthony

4 Love Songs
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

When you don’t have much besides a guitar and vocals, as is the case with a majority of singer/songwriters it takes some skill to separate yourself. That separation usually occurs in the nuances of the music. It’s the way the strings are played and how the lyrics are delivered. The recent release 4 Love Songs by Linden Anthony seems to be aware of the fact that the little things matter. 

His vocals are upfront in the mix and you can tell Anthony is focused on every word that he sings. Take for example the first song “Satellites.” The song begins with a softly played guitar that creates a dynamic symbiotic relationship with his vocals. Anthony coats his vocals in a healthy amount of reverb that sounds as if he is singing in an empty room but also right next to you. Dynamics are important in this song. About half way through the bass comes in and feels so deep but very little is actually added to the song.

“Broken-Back Sally” is a solid song but also feels a bit predictable. That being said the chorus is pretty infectious while the vocal harmonies were very nicely done.  Anthony adds some banjo on top of his guitar on “Chicago.” He finds a good balance between upbeat energy and melancholy. There is a sadness in the song but it doesn’t feel stagnant.

He closes with a certified tearjerker called “Besoin.” Some of the lyrics felt too cliché like when he sings, “won’t you stay the night” and “say you love me.” It was nowhere near cringe worthy but I thought a bit more originality would have been nice. All things considered the song gets another check in the win column.

Being a lone singer/songwriter is hard and I’m pretty critical in what I like. Despite a couple of minor issues 4 Love Songs is a success. Recommended for fans of Bon Iver and Glen Hansard.

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