The angsty teenage version of myself vividly recalls afternoons spent blasting ‘A Day Late’ and ‘Paperthin Hymn’ in a bid to demonstrate my anger at being 15 and hormonal. The latest and final offering from the band, Lowborn, is eerily similar – lyrically, instrumentally and emotionally – I’m just not sure that 22-year-old me relates as well.
Anberlin doesn’t appear to have matured in any respect, instead sticking to what they know – which is great for any presently 15-year-old teens, who would like to make a stand about how shitty it is to be going through puberty.
Leading single, ‘Stranger Ways’ opens with a summoning, repetitive drumbeat. The vocals of lead singer Stephen Christian are low, rough and impassioned – matched only by the emotional lyrics; “A little bit closer to loving you”, the track is a mash up of the bands signature punk rock/emo sound with 80’s inspired electronic sampling.
On the other end of the spectrum, ‘Dissenter’ is a heavy, fast paced and scratchy track. With harsh screaming vocals and fast smashing guitar and drums, it only lulls momentarily before scaring you right back in to submission. Despite its harsh vibe, ‘Dissenter’ is probably a favourite track, conjuring angry as apposed to depressed emotions.
Overall, the band has succeeded in delivering an album of typically punk rock love stories – and they have done it well, albeit for the seventh time. Regardless, they will still hold a special place in my teenage crush-bank; flippy side fringes and all.
6/10
Reviewer: Marley Tinnock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9-S_9w990M