aradiantsunrise
04/13/10, 08:41 PM
Anarbor - The Words You Don't Swallow
Record Label: Hopeless Records
Release Date: April 20, 2010
When it comes to the scene these days, people are quick to judge. If a band is decked out in neon, skin tight jeans and sporting a ridiculous haircut, chances are kids won't think twice about giving them a listen based solely on their appearance. If you are one of those kids, you have no need to worry about Anarbor. Why? They don't need to follow a silly fashion trend to grab people's attention. It's all about the music when it comes to this pop rock band, and they want to prove that with their debut full-length record, The Words You Don't Swallow.
The album opens with the song ''Contagious.'' This song is reminiscent of Envy on the Coast with the way that singer Slade Echeverria's voice flows with the beat of the drums and groovy (yes, groovy) guitars. Following that track, ''Drugstore Diet'' instantly pulls you in with it's catchy vibe. It's the perfect tune to listen to in your car with the windows down and volume at full blast, you'll find it difficult not to sing along at the top of your lungs.
The album's first single, ''Gypsy Woman'' contains Anarbor's usual catchy sing-a-long choruses and some rock and roll inspired riffs that the band are also known for doing by their fans. As a single though, it doesn't do much for me. If this had been the first song I heard by Anarbor I would have probably enjoyed it for a couple listens and forget it ever existed afterward. ''Drugstore Diet'' would have made a much better single to represent this album. ''Let the Games Begin'' makes it's return on the debut full-length, first being hard on the band's well received EP, Free Your Mind. The track is definitely one of Anarbor's strongest. Insanely catchy lyrics and melodies, you'll have this song stuck in your head for days.
''Carefree Highway'' has the potential to be a summer anthem. Perfect to relax to or sing along to with a group of friends while spending a day at the beach. Either way you'll be doing it with a smile on your face. The album's closer, ''Useless,'' is an acoustic song that picks up towards the end. It feels a tad awkward as an end to a fun pop rock album. I think it would have made more sense to stick it somewhere in the middle of the record so one of the more rock-fueled tracks could bring the record back to life.
All in all, The Words You Don't Swallow isn't flawless, obviously. It has its weak spots; it gets a little repetitive here and there, not to mention predictable and cheesy lyrics on a few tracks with drum beats to match. Don't let that stop you from at least giving this album a chance though. Echeverria has a great voice and Anarbor is fun, catchy (pretty sure I established that by now), carefree pop rock with that is sure to put you in a good mood. It will definitely be an album I'll be spinning throughout summer and remember, music is what you hear, and not what you see!
pop rock; power-pop; Mayday Parade; Envy on the Coast's poppier side; Every Avenue; You Me and Everyone We Know; sports video games
myspace.com/anarbor (http://www.myspace.com/anarbor)
Record Label: Hopeless Records
Release Date: April 20, 2010
When it comes to the scene these days, people are quick to judge. If a band is decked out in neon, skin tight jeans and sporting a ridiculous haircut, chances are kids won't think twice about giving them a listen based solely on their appearance. If you are one of those kids, you have no need to worry about Anarbor. Why? They don't need to follow a silly fashion trend to grab people's attention. It's all about the music when it comes to this pop rock band, and they want to prove that with their debut full-length record, The Words You Don't Swallow.
The album opens with the song ''Contagious.'' This song is reminiscent of Envy on the Coast with the way that singer Slade Echeverria's voice flows with the beat of the drums and groovy (yes, groovy) guitars. Following that track, ''Drugstore Diet'' instantly pulls you in with it's catchy vibe. It's the perfect tune to listen to in your car with the windows down and volume at full blast, you'll find it difficult not to sing along at the top of your lungs.
The album's first single, ''Gypsy Woman'' contains Anarbor's usual catchy sing-a-long choruses and some rock and roll inspired riffs that the band are also known for doing by their fans. As a single though, it doesn't do much for me. If this had been the first song I heard by Anarbor I would have probably enjoyed it for a couple listens and forget it ever existed afterward. ''Drugstore Diet'' would have made a much better single to represent this album. ''Let the Games Begin'' makes it's return on the debut full-length, first being hard on the band's well received EP, Free Your Mind. The track is definitely one of Anarbor's strongest. Insanely catchy lyrics and melodies, you'll have this song stuck in your head for days.
''Carefree Highway'' has the potential to be a summer anthem. Perfect to relax to or sing along to with a group of friends while spending a day at the beach. Either way you'll be doing it with a smile on your face. The album's closer, ''Useless,'' is an acoustic song that picks up towards the end. It feels a tad awkward as an end to a fun pop rock album. I think it would have made more sense to stick it somewhere in the middle of the record so one of the more rock-fueled tracks could bring the record back to life.
All in all, The Words You Don't Swallow isn't flawless, obviously. It has its weak spots; it gets a little repetitive here and there, not to mention predictable and cheesy lyrics on a few tracks with drum beats to match. Don't let that stop you from at least giving this album a chance though. Echeverria has a great voice and Anarbor is fun, catchy (pretty sure I established that by now), carefree pop rock with that is sure to put you in a good mood. It will definitely be an album I'll be spinning throughout summer and remember, music is what you hear, and not what you see!
pop rock; power-pop; Mayday Parade; Envy on the Coast's poppier side; Every Avenue; You Me and Everyone We Know; sports video games
myspace.com/anarbor (http://www.myspace.com/anarbor)