Chistopher Anton: Destination: X

Artist: Christopher Anton

CD Title- Destination: X

Label: Mirror Piece Records

Reviewer: Julie Johnson

Date: 8-01-10

“Music for shattered minds, love addicts, & the dance floor”

Destination: X is the first solo release from Christopher Anton .The debut album was just released on his own label Mirror Piece Records in July, 2010. You may have heard of Christopher Anton before because he started off in the band called Pseudocipher and became the frontman of Infornation Society from 2006-2009. Christopher can be heard as the vocalist on “Oscillator” and “Synthesizer” from the band. Even though this is his solo effort, it also in a way is band as well with Nick Tutone (keys, production), and Donna Jean (bass, vocals, keys, percussion). Anton is sometimes joined live by Dimitri Hammond (keys), DJ Hans 242 (samples), and Jon Siren (Drums) who we know is from Mankind is Obsolete. My first impression of Destination: X was that it was solid-intelligent synthpop that should not be missed. The album is full of catchy electro-pop hooks and at times haunting melodies lurk in such tracks as “Imitation of Life” and “Wasteland”. The production work from Nick Tutone is outstanding and has given so much life to the album. After listening to the first song, “I Want to Be Broken”, I noticed it had a darker flare but had brilliant synthpop melodies whirling around. I also feel that some Depeche Mode influence has been tucked within the tempos and darker themes through the album. The next track, “A Shattered Mind,” tells a story of a dark past. It probably is the most painful track that address’s substance abuse of a friend and what was going through Anton’s mind at the time but it was written by Richard Broadhead. It is also one up the more upbeat tracks. This track offers a very catchy chorus. For example: “Don’t you feel you lost out”? “Don’t you feel that you crashed out” “Don’t you know that you lashed out?”, “Do you know what you left behind?”…. ‘A Shattered Mind” are some of the heartfelt, yet painful lyrics. The track is very emotional while embracing danceable synthpop melodies. If you like emotional songs, I would also check out the song “State”, which was written for Christopher’s current wife. Besides taking you on an emotional journey, let’s not forget that this is very much a dance album which again can be heard through tracks like “All You Wanted” and “Feel Me.” I just love the song, “All You Wanted,” especially the break in the main melody where the synths and drumming take over for a little more- angrier and edgier melody in the song. That part alone is one of my favorite parts of the new album. Some of my other favorites and recommended tracks for listening and dancing would be: “Imitation of Life,” “I am on the Inside,” “Feel Me” and “Wasteland”, which showcase beautiful synthpop melodies that are whimsical, romantic and sometimes angry. The only part of the album I was sort of confused with was the track “You Need Love”, although it is suppose to be an instrumental, there was some vocals with the repeating, “You Need Love,” along with a few additional vocals. So, for me either make it more of a song or keep it as an instrumental track. So, not sure what that was all about. Overall, what I love about Destination: X is that is a very sincere release with a great clean synthpop sound. I am definitely looking forward to see what is next from Christopher Anton. Christopher Anton has a great voice and is someone who remembers his new wave roots and how to incorporate the roots into his music to make it into something new and fresh called Destination: X.

Please visit Christopher Anton at: https://www.christopher-anton.com/ or www.christopheranton.net

Check out our interview with Christopher Anton:

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