Anberlin - Cities

Reviewed by Trevor Fitzgerald

After the musical strides made on their second album 'Never Take Friendship Personal', fans and critics have eagerly awaited Florida-based Anberlin's follow-up. Thankfully Anberlin have delivered an album which sees them progress as musicians and songwriters, a combination that will bring in many new fans and further enamour the present ones. In particular Stephen Christian's vocals have become stronger and more confident and Nathan Young's drumming has become tighter and a real driving force for the band to build upon. Of special note, in an album full of solid memorable songs, is the final track. At nearly nine minutes long "(Fin)" is truly an epic. Its sound goes from driving acoustic guitar to full on rocking (augmented by a children's choir) to laid back atmospheric delay-driven rock. It's a real showcase of the developing strengths of this band. Lyrically, the album takes on such subjects as disappointment and loneliness ("is anybody out there?") followed by a bitter sweet nostalgia that suggests a glimpse of hope ("things are going to change now for the better"). All in all, this is a mature collection and whether you go for the frantic, multi-layered rocker "Godspeed" or the haunting acoustic-driven ballad "The Unwinding Cable Car", you'll find memorable songs, finely executed.