Anberlin – Vital
Review by Jen Boylen
Anberlin has been in the scene for a decade and have now closed in on their SIXTH studio album. But if you’ve ever heard this band or seen them live, they are definitely far from…tired, as you would expect a lot of bands to be after ten years. Since seeing them at Taste of Lincoln Ave, where they headlined in Chicago this past summer, I had been highly anticipating this record and Vital is definitely one of their best yet.
Last month Anberlin released two lyric videos: “Self-Starter” and “Someone Anyone”. Both gave us a great taste of what to expect form Vital. While they still exemplified Anberlin’s fairly heavy and fast paced style their fans have fallen in love with, it also show cases how electronic sounds amp up this album. The introduction to “Self-Starter” is also begging to be an album opener-and I am stoked that it is.
From start to finish this record is brilliant. I don’t think there’s anyone who couldn’t be won over by the guitar solo in track two, “Little Tyrants”. But if that doesn’t do it, this whole album seamlessly melds together so many aspects of music it’s commendable. Anblerin has incorporated lead singer Stephen Christian’s flawless vocals and modern electronic effects, but still manages to stay true to who they are as musicians and the sound their fans enjoy. As a fan of the two extremes: their super heavy songs as well as their acoustic releases I am thoroughly satisfied with every aspect of this record.
“Other side” is one of my favorite tracks. I love its haunting feel. The whispering, breathy layers on the vocals are also guaranteed to give you chills. “Innocent” is also one of my top picks. It’s raw, honest, and beautiful. Some one commented on the stream calling this ‘the best modern ballad’ and I couldn’t agree more. It shows Stephen Christian’s genuine talent, not only for singing but for communicating emotion through music.
Anberlin is known for the closing tracks on their records and Vital does not disappoint. The end cap of this record is wicked. The last two tracks are perfection. “Modern Age” is my favorite off the whole album, it’s one of those songs you have to love; all I can say is ‘sing it’. “God, Drugs, & Sex” is long and beautiful. It’s full of emotion, features guest vocals from Christie Dupree of Eisley, and ends with gang vocals. It’s absolutely not one to miss and neither is the rest of Vital. Catch Anberlin on tour this fall and winter!
Overall Rating: 5/5
Recommended Tracks: “Other Side”, “Innocent” and “Modern Age”
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