Album Rating: 4.0

But didn't you just say that you preferred 'New Surrender' to 'Cities'? 'NS' is a friendlier album due to songs such as the ones you have listed (which i really like btw). I'm confused.

Good review DaveyBoy, but I'm skeptical that these guys could make a "4" album based on the few songs I've heard from the debut, sounded pretty average to me. And yes, I've enjoyed every Anberlin album.

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks ttb. Understand your skepticism, but if you didn't mind Anberlin's first 2 LP's, you should like this to some extent.

Davey, I just looked at your ratings out of curiosity as to what you thought of Lydia and realize you hadn't rated it. Have you heard them? If not, you'd love Illuminate.

My friend really likes these guys, so I'll probably be giving both albums a listen pretty soon. There's one song from them that I've heard a lot, I think it was called Remind Me I'm Alive, it's not bad but not really that impressive, I'm usually pretty skeptical about pop-punk though.

And I think Never Take Friendship Personal is actually a very underrated album because of all the attention Cities gets (although rightfully so), so we'll see if I think anything these guys do comes even close to that. I'll return here with my verdict in a few days or so.

Album Rating: 4.0

Nah Winsomniac, they have been a band on my 'to listen to" list for a while. I was hoping they would release an LP this year, so I could get into them & then I heard they broke up. I'll get to them one day.



ttb, 'Remind Me I'm Alive' is indeed a song off their debut LP. I didn't think it was one of the highlights though. I wouldn't classify these guys as pop-punk... There were more hints of it on their debut, but just as much that was on Anberlin's debut.

"So yeah, if you like Anberlin & dislike Ivoryline, I just don’t understand."

I love Anberlin, and I think that's why I have a really hard time getting into this band. Everything feels like an Anberlin B-side, and I keep waiting for that one stellar track that they have yet to put out (though "Be Still And Breathe" off their debut was good in an Anberlin-meets-new-Saosin sort of way).

Also, remember in the Secret and Whisper thread you were talking about how Furney has an abhorrence of catchy, memorable melodies? Feels like the same thing here, only their music relies on catchiness a lot more. Idk, I guess that's why it's falling flat to me so far.

Idk, I've only listened through it two or three times, it might grow on me.

Album Rating: 2.5

I love Anberlin, and I think that's why I have a really hard time getting into this band. Everything feels like an Anberlin B-side, and I keep waiting for that one stellar track that they have yet to put out [2]

Lydia is absolutely phenomenal. If you like Ivoryline and Anberlin, I can almost certainly say that Illuminate will be at least a 4.

Album Rating: 3.5

Ya, Lydia is a fantastic band. However, I would say they are more similar to a band like Copeland rather than Ivoryline or Anberlin.

Album Rating: 3.0

awesome review, instincts is sooo catchy

I am pretty sure these guys are from my hometown/a town next to mine. Went to a few really really early shows and was not impressed.

Album Rating: 4.0

Interesting thoughts Brah (& Eko)... I actually liked Anberlin's B-Sides album too. LOL. Again, I'm trying to compare both band's 2nd albums. I know it's difficult to do that now as 'Cities' & 'NS' have come out, but I think this equals 'NTFP'.



As for the catchiness comment, I sort of agree they do try & rely on it a little more than they should for most of their songs... And that's where those final 3 tracks come into play & are very promising.



On Lydia, I also had the impression they were much more gentler. That doesn't mean I won't love 'Illuminate' though.



Thanks pixmpy.



Oceanus, off the top of my head, they are from Tyler, Texas.

enrique will learn to love this more for you davey boy < 3

Album Rating: 4.0

A 3.5 is fine.

I'll wait for Anberlam

Album Rating: 4.0

Will that have guest vocals from:



[img]http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/9b/86/ecb8c060ada0eca10469a110.L.jpg[/img]

Amberlin

Album Rating: 4.0

Now now Adam, no need to go there.

Album Rating: 3.5

Between a 3.5 - 4 for me so far, a few more listens might see it hit 4.



Made from Dust is a great song.



If I dig this, what Anberlin albums should I check out?