Now, this won't be a full length review, since this release is essentially a deluxe version of Vital, Anberlin's last album. However, I will say a bit about the songs on the initial release before getting into the songs that have just been added.
I discovered this album more by accident; I have listened to some Anberlin for a few years, but have never been a huge fan. I happened across their latest release, Vital, and slowly fell head over heals for the album. Vital is a true masterpiece, an album that is a fantastic listen from beginning to end. From the explosive guitar and synth-led "Self-Starter" to the epic piano filled closer, "Unstable", Anberlin created an aggressive, passionate, and intense record that the listener becomes immersed in. Songs like the 80's reminiscent ballad "Innocent", and the emotional, marching "God, Drugs, & Sex" provide stark contrast to heavy hitters such as "Little Tyrants", a raging kick that is fueled by roaring guitars and near-scream vocals, and "Desires", which comes directly after "Innocent", which immediately opens into blistering guitars and pounding, crashing drums and contains an intensity that is hard to meet with vocals that soar and shout on the chorus. The album isn't all contrasts, however, and a middle ground is found between calm and storm on songs like "The Other Side" and "Orpheum". "The Other Side" opens and continues with echoing synths that flow between heartfelt verses and raw choruses, and "Orpheum" builds into an epic sound thanks to a resounding piano intro and driving drums that push into choruses of questioning and urgency. Overall, I was incredibly impressed with this initial release, and, especially after seeing them live, was very excited to hear the new additions to the album.
So, for the new songs. There is the same sort of divide found amongst these new tracks as with the rest of the album. At the same time, however, these songs have a different sense to them; you can tell why these were not included in the album, although I'm very glad they decided to release them. Lead single "City Electric" has a much more alternative-pop vibe than anything else on the album, and stands apart because of this. It also has a more happy tone, which is not saying that the rest of the album is depressing or gloomy; it just is much darker than this particular track. Led by a somewhat distorted guitar and steady drums, the positive aspect is due mainly to Stephen Christian's vocals and the gang vocals shouting "oh, oh" repeatedly through the chorus. It's definitely a solid song, revealing the diversity which Anberlin can draw upon in creating music. Another aspect revealed in their songs is their passion for the music and what they're writing about. Some examples of this can be found in songs like "Dead American", "Said Too Much", and "Safe Here". "Dead American" is possibly my favorite of these B-sides, with it's ethereal sound that explodes into fast-paced rock. The lyrics are simple for the chorus, but the repeated nature and that they're screamed out shows their importance. Other spots lyrically caught my attention, such as "don't care about those who you try to impress, hide the demons they're under the dress; you really got them, you think you really got them", which really grabbed me once I listened carefully. "Said Too Much" continues this same urgent nature, with a gritty and low bass line that subtly grabs your attention and draws you closer in as Stephen cries for someone to "stay where I can see you" in a desperate manner. This desperation is further exemplified on the bridge, where he continues to yell and scream increasingly, which is definitely one of my favorite parts of the song. "Safe Here" continues this urgency, opening with a dirty synth line that kicks into high gear with a steady drum beat and Stephen utilizing his vocal diversity with a lower line to build up to the chorus. He gets quite up there, which is always impressive (especially since he can get that high live), and the drums and guitars come together to create ebb and flow within the chorus itself.
Not all of the songs are this intense and gritty, however. The remaining two new songs, "IJSW" and "No Love To Speak" fall more towards the affectionate and gentle side. "No Love To Speak" is a nice transition between the edginess of the previous songs, retaining the faster pace and more full instrumentation, but a newfound tenderness is evident in Stephen's vocals. He brings the urgency that is consistent with the other songs, but also a sense of weariness, specifically found when he says "I'm tired" (which sounds obvious, but the way he says it speaks volumes). This more gentle side is also accentuated by the piano and staccato bell-like synths found throughout, subtle in the background, yet present if given attention. The only song I haven't discussed, "IJSW", is a fitting final song to talk about. It is the most different track out of all the new songs, in direction, instrumentation, and overall sound. Driven by echoing electronic beats, layered synths, and Stephen's voice covered in effects and even auto-tune. This last part is very fitting, given the heavy electronic influence on the song. The usual distorted guitars are replaced by the flowing and clean synth lines, and Stephen's usual aggression and rawness is tuned towards a more gentle and synthesized sound. It all comes together to display the musicality with which Anberlin approaches their work, and the diversity in which they can create music. I very much enjoyed the flowing and digitalized nature of that song, and the contrast it presented to some of the other songs.
I was very impressed with these new songs and B-sides, more so than I think I was for the initial album, which I enjoyed greatly. These additional tracks further reveal the talent and impressive creativity the band members have. I loved listening to all of them, and cannot wait to hear what's next from them.
Overall Ratings:
Vital (Initial Release): 4.5/5
Devotion (New Songs): 5/5
Track-list: (Including Vital songs)
Self Starter - 3:17 (5/5)
Little Tyrants - 3:21 (5/5)
Other Side - 4:06 (5/5)
City Electric - 4:28 (4/5)*
Someone Anyone - 3:30 (5/5)
Unstable - 3:35 (5/5)
Intentions - 3:08 (4/5)
Innocent - 4:18 (5/5)
Dead American - 3:10 (5/5)*
Desires - 3:04 (5/5)
Said Too Much - 3:32 (5/5)*
IJSW - 5:26 (5/5)*
Type Three - 3:57 (4/5)
No Love To Speak - 4:09 (5/5)*
Orpheum - 3:52 (5/5)
Safe Here - 3:41 (5/5)*
Modern Age - 4:12 (4/5)
God, Drugs, & Sex - 6:14 (4/5)
*Designate new tracks with Devotional release
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