Review Summary: Anberlin's slightly more aggressive, energetic and well written follow-up to their debut release 'Blueprints for the Black Market', is full of fantastic power rock and pop rock songs.
In a music scene that seems to be full of bands using the sing/scream formula, Anberlin provides a refreshing change. Although I happen to like “screamo” (don’t hold that against me), it’s nice to hear something different.
Never take Friendship Personal, the slightly more aggressive, energetic and well written follow-up to their 2003 debut release
Blueprints for the Black Market, is full of power rock, alternative rock and pop rock songs. Unfortunately I’m a little irked by the grammatically incorrect album title and the song of the same name. (For those who are confused, it should be “personally”. Guess that’s just not as catchy.)
Ignoring grammar issues, the title track starts the album off with catchy hooks and a melodic sound that instantly reels you in. From there you are taken on an emotional and somewhat moody journey. The mix of loud, fast and poppy songs and softer, slower ones keeps you interested and gives the album a good pace.
There are a few tracks on the record that really stand out. One is the loud and lustful
the Feel Good Drag that simply oozes sex with chorus lines that shout,
Your kiss
Your calls
Your crutch
Like the Devil’s got your hand
This was over before
Before we'd ever begun
Your lips
Your Lies
Your Lust
Like the Devil’s in your hands
The sexually-charged and sometimes sleazy lyrics and vocals are fun to listen to. Especially seeing as it's a bit of a surprise as Anberlin are known for being a Christian band.
The beautifully written and executed
Paperthin Hymn is another great. As is the catchy and somewhat amusing song
A Day Late about missed opportunities and the temptation of an affair (“Insignificantly enough / We both have significant others”).
All of the aforementioned songs show off the amazing vocal talent of frontman Stephen Christian, as does the mellower but no less powerful ballad
(the symphony of) blasé.
The rest of the album is filled with more songs about love, failed romances and difficult relationships, which could get boring but doesn’t as each song is made unique by clever songwriting techniques.
What Anberlin occasionally lacks in lyrical ability (“Do they not have pen and paper where you are/Because I haven't heard from you in ages” are the opening lines to
Stationary Stationery), is made up for in amazing sound and musical talent each band member possesses. The production, done by Aaron Sprinkle, is superb and not at all overdone, as seems to be fate of many of today’s releases.
After the last of the eleven tracks is over, Anberlin definitely leave you wanting more. I imagine these guys would live up to the standard set by this album in their live performance and I will definitely be buying tickets to their next show near me to test this theory.
