Hey I got a good one!
Anberlin have released many albums over the past six years according to their official page, this is however the first I have heard of them. In the USA they are highly popular and hopefully the same success will follow them in this direction. They are currently touring with our own home grown talent Elliot Minor, so in the same fashion I was hoping for something a little similar in sound; and hey I got it.
A band highly praised for their emotive pop/rock chemistry and after a listen I can evidently see why. From the rock out tunes like ‘Disappear’ to those a little more laid back like ‘A Perfect Tourniquet’, this release makes a huge step in the foundations for the band in the UK.
The songs on ‘New Surrender’ are able to travel through a range of musical styles with enough enthusiasm to outdo the best clubbers and dancers. The songs powerfully plough through with melodies and pounding beats. While the opener ‘The Resistance’ may have a deeper and alternative sound, ‘Retrace’ is more delicate with its string arrangement backing the wonderful melodies that are already in place. ‘Younglife’ mixes lively drumming and guitars with a little delicacy. ‘Breathe’ outshines all other songs with bouncy acoustic start and gradual building subtlety. It sends me rolling with affection and adorability. Especially as the harmonies close the song.
Stephen Christian’s vocals are remarkable through the hard-hitting numbers, the bubbly pop driven songs to the more temperate acoustic tracks. However, the vocal harmonies present within ‘New Surrender’ are probably the albums most attractive feature. They have consistency and knocks you for six at how connected the voices seem.
The power and dominance these songs have are remarkable. They demand attention from the listener, the harmonies shouting out at you as if challenging your attention. I love hearing new sounds and this was one I was grateful to be able to get my hands on. In the coming year Anberlin are going to be making a large impact on the music industry.