Third time is not the charm for the Christian-rock group Anberlin. Their newest album, "Cities," is more like a listless sequel of their sophomore release "Never Take Friendship Personal."
One of the first things listeners will notice is frontman Stephen Christian's hearty voice. His singing is one of the only memorable features on this rather mediocre album.
"Never Take Friendship Personal" was widely panned for its lack of maturity, and it's evident that the band is desperately trying to overcompensate. They reach for a more developed sound with their opening track "Godspeed," one of three tracks that may warrant a second listen.
Drummer Nathan Young sets a fast pace in "Godspeed," accompanied by Christian's attempt at screamo. The opening lines on the first track seem to set the stage for a harder, darker Anberlin. Yet, the following track yanks the band right back into their softer, more boring muck, making it tempting to simply skip over the remainder of the album.
"Dismantle, Repair" is the strongest song on the record. When put together with the album's closing song, the two tracks produce a fantastic closing pair far superior to anything before it.
"Hands, like secrets, are the hardest thing to keep from you / Lines and phrases, like knives, your words can cut me through / Dismantle me down (repair) / You dismantle me," sings Christian in the chorus.
The closer is aptly titled "*fin." While working hand in hand with "Dismantle, Repair," "*fin" starts off at a slower pace, and moves into a harder direction. All the while a choir backs up Christian, beefing up the background vocals.
Unfortunately, listeners will have to tolerate a lot of garbage before politely bobbing their heads. Even though "Dismantle, Repair," and "*fin" hint at a more mature sound, Anberlin has done nothing to enhance their overall style.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
