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Anthony Da Costa

Anthony da Costa – Not Afraid of Nothing

 

‘Not Afraid of Nothing’ is the third of Anthony’s albums that we’ll have carried in around 18 months, and he’s as versatile as he is prolific as this disc expands his sound into new areas.  In 2007, at only 16 he became the youngest ever winners at Kerville & Falcon Ridge, and since then he’s gone on to play significant festivals and open for some big artists.  Now, still aged only 18, he’s keeping his acoustic folk roots, but bringing in new influences on this new album; and it’s an exciting mix where folk meets, Americana, indie & rock creating a sound that shares much with contemporary artists such as Josh Ritter, but also nods to classic Neil Young.

As if to underline his versatility, the songwriting has also shifted a little for this disc and the fourteen songs document his last year of high school and all the associated trappings that go with being a young man.  There’s confusion and honesty, love and loneliness, and an obvious air of change across the songs.  What separates Anthony from almost all of his contemporaries is his songwriting maturity, and instead of being a clumsy analysis of teenage life, his songwriting skill turns this into a well crafted album that every older listener will immediately be able to relate to. He has a turn of phrase and ear for a melody that marks him out; he may be a young man but he’s already a few albums down the line and comfortable in developing his style.

Recorded mostly around his hometown of Pleasantville, NY, ‘Not Afraid of Nothing’  has a bigger sound than his earlier albums with more depth and colour, he provides the lion’s share of all the instrumentation, and he’s joined by Abbie Gardner on 4 tracks, other backing comes from violin, cello, piano and some subtle brass in places.

The Ritter and Young influences are easy to spot across the album, from the guitar sound through to melodic and vocal phrasing, and he’s created a disc with a sound that feels somewhat familiar, but with a fresh and relevant edge.

Anthony da Costa is an artist going from strength to strength, he’s proved his songwriting skills over the past few years, and this album shows him growing as a maturing artist.  Very highly recommended.

ANTHONY DA COSTA - NOT AFRAID OF NOTHING

Anthony Da Costa

CD (Cat No: 13515)

£12.99

Currently Out Of Stock

ANTHONY DA COSTA - NOT AFRAID OF NOTHING

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