At times my expectations of something that I have been anticipating can be way too high. But how can my expectations not be steep when you get quotes from Anberlins lead singer Stephen Christian, like this one: “this is the best record that we can ever accomplish…” So after two years of waiting, monumental Headlining shows, amazing b-sides and singles, Anberlin finally releases Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place.
The album boasts a 10 song collective, the shortest Anberlin Record to date, that makes it seem like an EP rather than an LP. The album was fueled by their hit single “Impossible” which has been getting much radio play and time on the Billboard rock charts. Dark is the way was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Brendan O'Brien. My only question is, what went wrong here?
As a fan since I first heard the “Blueprints” album, way back when they were nobodies opening up for now defunct acts, I guess I can say I know what I am expecting when I listen to an Anberlin Record and THIS isn’t it! Now don’t get me wrong, the album isn’t terrible! It definitely has its high points with songs such as “Impossible” the upbeat classic anberlin sounding masterpiece was chosen wisely as the first single; or perhaps even songs such as the sun tsung inspired, “The art of war” whose infectious beat and lyrics such as “there are songs I’ll never write, because of you walking out of my life” have you bobbing your head in agreement to the theme of the song. The album seems to take you on a roller coaster ride of rhythm and experimentation while showing obvious maturity in Christian’s lyric writing.
When I call the album a roller coaster that is not necessarily a good thing, especially not in a 10-song LP. The problem with the album is that it is good, not great. As an avid fan of the band for seven years, a purchaser of their albums promptly on their release dates, and a concert attendee for any Anberlin show in the Sacramento, San Francisco area, I expect nothing less from anberlin than what they have shown us to make us love them all these years, GREATNESS! So when I heard the album the first time, it didn’t immediately make me want to dance. It didn’t immediately make me wish I knew the lyrics so I could sing along. In fact, it was over before I could even get into it. Upon listening the second time I was able to pick out the jewels and the duds and I have to say that one or two duds (especially “Pray Tell”) in a ten song album, is tragic, especially for a band as talented as Anberlin. But I don’t want to end this review making everyone think that I didn’t like the album, I really did, it’s just that I expect nothing else but excellence from the Florida based band and for me, this wasn’t it!
1 comment:
oh geez! I was going to do a review! but you got it! lol... good job dude!
Post a Comment