Album Reviews: Two from Anton Barbeau
Today I take a quick look at not one but two new albums from the prolific Anton Barbeau, both released on the fine Think Like a Key label…
Glitch Wizard
Perhaps the least idiosyncratic release from Barbeau in some time, Glitch Wizard offers up some of the most conventionally straightforward songs in his massive body of work. But that’s not to say that the music fails in any way to adhere to Barbeau’s high standard. There’s melody in spades, along with interesting and inventive sonic touches, and is inimitable vocals out front where they belong. While he’s aided and abetted by some familiar names (Dave Gregory, Andy Metcalfe, Donald Ross Skinner and more), Ant commands his customary wide array of instruments as well. Listeners whose tastes include XTC, Syd Barrett, Robyn Hitchcock and other similarly iconoclastic and creative auteurs will surely delight in Anton Barbeau’s latest.
But wait; he’s not done…
Dig the Light
Employing the talents of most every musicians and vocalist who played on Glitch Wizard but whose name does not appear above, Barbeau has simultaneously released another album. Dig the Light also shares some inside-cover art ideas and a similar list of recording locales, but beyond that, it’s a decidedly different affair. The moody, mysterious and momentary “Moondust Hallelujah” opens the set. From there’s it’s off on a tasty and distorted glam rock trip with “Dogstar.” The Bowie-esque cracked folk of “Cosmic Mind Awaken” is dreamy and expressive. The title track is irresistibly catchy with just enough off-kilter weirdness to satisfy those who want something outside the ordinary.
As fine as Glitch Wizard is – and it will surely rank high on longtime fans’ best-of-Ant lists – the edge goes to the slightly stranger Dig the Light. But dedicated fans – a group in which I proudly claim membership – will want, need and treasure both.
But wait again!
I don’t have them in hand yet, but in addition to Glitch Wizard and Dig the Light – both released in July – Anton Barbeau has two more new albums in 2025. Klaust is, apparently, the third record of a trilogy begun with those previous two. And three extended synth tracks make up Musik for Entities 2; Ant’s written description of the album recalls Brian Eno’s Discreet Music. We shall see (and hear).
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.