As dispiriting as it may seem to draw associations to the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is indeed significant to place this timestamp on More Than You Know. For starry-eyed Anthony, the album feels like a slingshot from the pandemic. The process through which this body of work was made is the most meaningful part of his latest release. The end product, he says, “is only a reflection of how we got there.” Its conception began on a walk to a bar a few years ago that inspired what would become the track Wind Speak. But gradually, the emotionally evocative album came together as a kaleidoscopic collage of Anthony’s influences and a little help from his friends.

There were no expectations set for what More Than You Know should or would sound like. One thing, however, was certain: there was no longer a need to seek validation for his music. Having wrapped up a project with Brotha Trav & the Divinations, he felt as though he had spent that time sharpening his tools and even picked up the bass guitar in homage to his late mother. His approach this time was also much more subtler than his previous work— where he would otherwise stack and stack upon his tracks, he instead simply trusted in the effect of doing less. What came of this was a collection that took on a jazz style of improv production: each invited musician had their role that was spontaneously conjured up as they jammed. There is a gamut of artists on this album oscillating from classically trained to home grown DIY learners.

Anthony’s paramount hope is that anyone who listens to this album can take what they need from it. There are clear influences of psychedelic rock, indie pop, alternative and the songwriting structure of Alex G. The album begins with “Stash” which is reminiscent of the “Vein of Stars” by The Flaming Lips, and even does a nod to Anthony’s appreciation for Blonde by Frank Ocean. As the album progresses, his interlude track “Velvet Void” takes on a foreshadowing effect of turbulence to come. The title track, which follows the interlude, is the heart of the album. It offers a semblance of catharsis if not with its punk rock boom of sound then by the way the song is patched together with grief lugging lyrics.

More Than You Know is a triumph that showcases Anthony’s willing vulnerability but also his maturity as a musician, songwriter, producer, and overall artist. This is all, of course, underpinned by his ever evolving curiosity for what music can do but even more so about the contagion effect of working together with others. “It’s a movement,” he says, “you hold space,
make space, then take space.”

Anthony Miguel’s album More Than You Know can be found on streaming platforms such as
Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Soundcloud, and YouTube. More on Anthony can be found
via his instagram @/antmiguelmusic

More Than You Know

Who's Stayin

Prayer

Quick (as Stillness)

Velvet Void Reprise

Chamomile

...and then he dropped acid

Medicine

Velvet Void

Wind Speak

Flares

Stash