East of Anthony – Higher Ground (EP Review)

The vibrant and colorful sound of the new EP from East of Anthony truly puts you in the feeling of the higher ground.

East of Anthony is an alternative rock band formed in 2020 by guitarist and vocalist Anthony Tabone. This group brings to you heavy doses of ’90s and 2000s sound, strongly influenced by grunge and hard rock. Additionally, these hard notes and rough sounds are bolstered by genuine, sincere lyrics that elevate East of Anthony’s work to another level.

So, without further ado, let’s get into the new record and see what you should expect.

The album’s inception initially hints at this anarchic sound that feels so textural and physical due to its omnipresence. Surprisingly, the album isn’t rooted solely in gritty, raw sounds—instead, it aims for a seismic yet very polished vibe.

This record certainly could be divided into two separate parts, with the first one having “Higher Ground” and “New Messiah” that aim for this dark, snarling sound, which is much closer to usual hard rock. The artist opts for a dreamlike sound, particularly on “Higher Ground.” During the chorus part, the catchy and captivating vocals with the ominous instrumental present to you an unhinged yet perfectly rhythmic song. What is probably the highlight of this specific track is the outro, where the artist gives you such a dynamic and cinematic experience with his guitar solo closing the track perfectly.

When it comes to “New Messiah,” which is also more chaotic and rapid in its delivery, East of Anthony balances between rough and storytelling-heavy delivery. The sound throughout the track shines the most when you hear an artist getting into the zone closer to the chorus, where you can hear all of the intricacies of the sound with smooth and crisp grooves. 

In regards to the 2nd part, which includes the next two tracks, “Free” and “Fake Faces,” the tracks opt for a more emotional type of delivery, putting a stronger emphasis on this grunge feel that stays hazy. If the previous tracks remotely give you a feel of dystopian chaos that is purely controlled by the artist’s tempo, these upcoming tracks rather represent your hallucinatory aesthetic. With the mind-bending mixture of instruments, epic entrance on “Free,” and a mysterious, slow-paced “Fake Faces,” the record truly achieves an immersive feel. 

Throughout the album, I recognized how well-balanced it sounds. You are not purely getting these mayhem-like sounds but also a mixture of sincere and dark soundscapes. 

Score/Excellent: I really enjoyed this EP. Higher Ground is an extremely balanced and concise release. It truly delivers impressive rock tracks that combine grunge with elements of shoegaze. The tracks mix chaos with a high degree of polish and professionalism. Great EP.

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