Review: Anarbor – Anarbor
By Ally Fisher
Three years ago, the Phoenix natives that make up Anarbor released their second full-length album titled Burnout, a solid alternative rock album that followed their rather successful debut album, The Words You Don’t Swallow, which peaked at #50 and #16 on two Billboard charts: Independent Albums and Heatseekers, respectively. A year following the release of Burnout, the band announced they’d be taking a short break from creating and releasing music. Now two years later, Anarbor is back with a new album and a new sound. The self-titled release from the band is an idyllic pop-laced alternative, perfect for its mid-summer release, where ethereal, carefree personas are in full bloom.
Opening tracks “Freakin’ Out!” and “Dopamine” fully characterize the new pop-heavy sound the band protrudes on the album with incredibly slick riffs, fun bass lines and heavy hi-hat usage, all reminiscent of indie-pop bands such as The 1975 and Two Door Cinema Club. The love-sick ballad, “Josie,” flows effortlessly with smooth, electric coos and lead singer Slade Echeverria’s crooning of a lost love. Anarbor’s 10 tracks blend together seamlessly, allowing for a nothing-but-pleasurable listen; the tracks are catchy and powerful, notably the last two, “If You Sing” and “Push Away,” songs that blend into one, telling the tale of a hopelessly failing affair.
The comeback album from Anarbor is an enjoyable and satisfying listen. The songs are perfectly produced with a new and captivating sound that’s sure to entice listeners new and old.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Recommended Tracks: “Josie,” “Dopamine” & “If You Sing”
