Anberlin's "New Surrender": A Review
Posted September 26, 2008
By ChristianManifesto,
by Camaren Stebila
In 2007 Anberlin caught the music world off guard. Surpassing their previous two releases, “Cities” was their most mature, insightful and memorable album to date. Critics raved, fans praised, major labels paid due attention, and early in 2008 the group announced a signing with Universal Records. While the move seemed somewhat sudden, it was long overdue, as only a label such as Universal could bring the resources and publicity that could realize the full potential of Anberlin.
Expectations for “New Surrender” are of the highest caliber. “Could they really outdo ‘Cities’?,” “Could such a CD be written, recorded, produced, and released less than a year and a half later?,” “What sort of effect would their signing with Universal have on their sound?” And although so little time has passed since their previous release, their fourth, and first major label, record “New Surrender” indeed lives up to the hype.
Opening with the rather intense “The Resistance” fans will be reminded of why they fell in love with the band in the first place. Following is the equally powerful “Breaking”, its verses and choruses mixed with emotionally soaked vocals, driving riffs, and heart wrenching lyrics. A fan favorite “the Feel Good Drag” which made its initial appearance on their sophomore effort “Never Take Friendship Personal” has been re-recorded, and although it will be debated for better or worse, brings a fresh take on the four year old song.
The album’s ballads are stellar, and the quasi-title track “Breath” is bound to keep even the newest listeners singing along. Continuing with highlights: the anthem-styled single “Disappear,” the slightly radio friendly “Haight Street,” and the depressed yet hopeful “Soft Skeleton,” which tells the story of a young women bound by a drug laced lifestyle further solidify an already solid album. As with the final tracks on the last two records, “Dance Dance Christa Paffgen” and “*Fin,” “New Surrender” closes with the epic six an half minute “Miserabile visu (ex malo bonum)”
Although there were a few moments which produced a nostalgic longing for the more epic “Cities,” with an array of well-crafted tracks “New Surrender” can stand on its own. A sort of spirituality penetrates the disc, and will be refreshing to many who tire of the music scene’s typical topics. If anyone has yet to jump on the Anberlin bandwagon the time is now, it’s taking off at full speed, and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!
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