Search - Anberlin :: Cities (W/Dvd) (Spec)

Best kind of review there is....

OSUemo | Columbus, OH USA | 03/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These kinds of reviews always help me, so I thought I would try my hand at one. This CD is yet another great example of a band who makes great music, no gimicks. To put it best, in the words of Brand New "Mic's are for singing, not for swinging." Anywayz, on to the review.



1. (Debut) - (7/10). Its an intro, so I dont know what all there is to review. It is an interesting mix or city noises, but towards the end with the simple plucks of the guitar and the building feedback comes the greatest part about it: It builds you up and then thrusts you into Godspeed, seamlessly.



2. Godspeed - (10/10). The first single, and definately a great way to start off the CD. Fast, loud, raw....pretty much everything a good rock song should be. Good lyrics, catchy riffs, and a blazing guitar bridge give this song a definate identity. Definately one of the top 3 songs on the CD.



3 . Adelaide - (8/10). This track slows it down a little bit. Much lighter than Godspeed and a change of pace. Good lyrics about being lead on by a girl but knowing it. Catchy song with a good bridge but could be argued as a filler, although even Anberlin's fillers are better than some bands singles.



4. A Whisper & A Clamor - (8/10). Starts off hard but then settles into its own kindof "groove." Midway through the song it goes soft, but it works for this song. The intricate guitar work is good as is the acoustic outro but the lyrics to this song require some bit of analysis before any meaning can be derived. Either way, not a bad song....but maybe could be better.



5. The Unwinding Cable Car - (9/10). A simple acoustic track that Stephens voice has taken to another level. Much better than "Never Take Friendship Personal"s 'Symphony of Blase'. Has a good rhythm to it and flows well from the ending of "Whisper & Clamor." Perfect spot on the CD for this song, almost lulls the listener into a sense of calmness. However they are thrust right back into ROCK with the next track....



6. There is No Mathematics to Love and Loss - (10/10). The almost "new-wave" intro catches you right away and continues throughout the song, especially in the intro. Great lyrics spaced throughout the song, "there is algebra in gasoline, burning pictures pages and photographs" for example. The catchy drum beat to the song keeps you intrigued through the duration. You will find your foot tapping along. A definate pick me up after the last few slower songs.



7. Hello Alone - (6/10). I supposed every amazing CD with the exception of the timeless albums has to have a weak spot. This would be the case for Anberlin with this song. While the lyrics are quite good, I personally would have picked a different style of song to convey them in. It almost seems like the overall feel of the song doesn't fit the rest of the album. Things seem out of key, with too many pitch shifts and out of sync guitar riffs.



8. Alexithymia - (9/10). An excellent recovery from the last song. A good catchy intro pulls you in right away. Lyrics are solid throughout the entire song. Good rhythm changes and the song has a great flow to it. Solid bridge leads into the last powerful chorus, and Stephens angelic vocals during the bridge cap it off. A great song overall.



9. Reclusion (10/10). This song gets back to ROCK, the likes of which we haven't seen since Godspeed. Fast, hard...and slightly electronic. Throw in the GREAT lyrics, especially the chorus and this makes for a fun, fast, energizing song. Definately in the top 3 of the CD. The bridge, although full of feedback also features blistering guitar work, and this song does its job: It gets you pumped and full of energy for Anberlin's power ballad which is up next.



10. DismantleRepair (15/10). By far the BEST song on the CD. I could go on for days about this song. Quite possibly one of the best songs EVER written (look up the lyrics if you dont believe me). Catchy and intriguing from the very first note. The chorus makes me the song, "Hands like secrets are the hardest thing to keep from you/Words and phrases like knives your words can cut me through" Simlpy amazing. A def power ballad and its shows up many qualities of Stephens amazing alto voice. This song along makes the CD worth buying. Then there is a seamless transition from this ballad into the epic finisher. (Picture "Paperthin Hymn" x 10)



11. (*Fin) - (10/10). The song starts out as an acoustic gem. It seems like Stephen is telling a story, but these lyrics can be interpreted in many different ways. "Wish your drinking would hurry and kill you/Sympathy is better than having to tell you the truth/That you are the patron saint of lost causes." The energy just keeps building with every verse, until the distortion kicks of the guitars in and Stephen reveals the pure power of his voice. Then, out of nowhere you are hit with of all things, an extraordinarily talented boys choir. They add such depth to the song that given the right mood, this song has brought me to tears. Its just absolutely beautiful. The song winds down halfway through but goes into a nice guitar lead out which is the perfect way to close out this CD. Could not have asked for more from them.



(However for us special edition folks, we get more!)



12. Uncanny - (8/10). The only one of the bonus tracks I listen to on a regular basis. Light, catchy, and prob one of the better B-sides I have heard in my time.



13. There is a Light that Never Goes Out - (6/10). Simple song, simple rhythm...so a simple score. Nothing special here, decent B-side.



14. The Promise (When in Rome) - (5/10). This chorus to this song is very catchy, with very good lyrics....however the rest of the song is lacking much depth."

Their Sergant Peppers

Benjamin Stocksdale | Floyds Knobs, IN | 04/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As many say a band's third album is their most mature and best work. Anberlin is no different. The first two albums were amazing. The third album is phenominal. Perhaps it is because they have been playing together so long and Christian from Acceptance joined the band. Cities is not one you will want to pass by."

Anberlin - Cities

Aaron M. Cloud | Kentucky | 04/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cities is one of the most amazing albums i've ever heard. Stephen Christian took his vocals to the next level on this one. I believe the songs "Hello, Alone" and "DismantleRepair" show this the best. Cities is the album all hardcore Anberlin fans have been waiting for. Anberlin is the FUTURE of music."