Anarbor - Free Your Mind

[ExplodingStereo]

Anarbor - Free Your Mind
Record Label: Hopeless Records
Release Date: March 10, 2009

Who?

Anarbor are four piece pop punk act hailing from Arizona. Formed in 2003 during their middle school years, guitarist Mike Kitlas met up with singer Slade Echeverria and drummer Greg Garrity and played as Troop 101. Soon after graduating to high school and becoming Anarbor, they attracted attention from Hopeless Records and released The Natural Way in 2008.

How is it?

Unoriginal. Bland. It sounds like most pop punk bands sprouting up these days. I had never heard of these guys before I found this EP, which will officially be released on March 10 via a music blog. Tracks like "The Brightest Green" have a bluesy vibe, with guitars strutting alongside Echeverria's somewhat impressive vocal range. But the next track, "Where the Wild Things Are (Monsters)" finds the band straying away from blues-influence and originality in general and taking guitar hooks and vocal stylings from other pop punk bands (i.e. All Time Low, Panic at the Disco, and The Academy Is), which only makes much of Free Your Mind sound like a collection of sub par b-sides from these bands. Coupled with lyrics filled with cliche tales of sexual conquest and a great deal of formulaic instrumentation and Free Your Mind is roughly 20 minutes of time poorly spent. Echeverria says it perfectly on the final track, "Always Dirty, Never Clean," when he exclaims, "What the fuck happened to rock and roll?"

Panic at the Disco; All Time Low; bland pop punk; sleeping; taking out the garbage; feeding your dog; shrubbery
myspace.com/anarbor (http://www.myspace.com/anarbor)

[Klatzke]

lol nice riyl

[stonecoldfox]

ohh lol nice riyl....the only one that actually makes sense it ATL...taking out the garbage? that's cute, I get it, you're trying to be clever. Shitty review

[more heart]

A bit interesting. i don't they sound like a pop punk band at all, still doesn't mean they're any good though.

Didn't they used to have a girl in the band?

[Klatzke]

I also disagree with you on this review, now that I checked them out and everything.

[Super Norg]

hey i like shrubbery...

[taylerx0]

I disagree with this review, and honestly, I think you were trying juuust a bit too hard to be clever. A 45%, really? This album was nowhere near that bad. Only one of the tracks on this album seemed weak to me.

[taylerx0]

A bit interesting. i don't they sound like a pop punk band at all, still doesn't mean they're any good though.

Didn't they used to have a girl in the band?
Yes, I believe her name's Jess. But she left sometime around November/December.

[ExplodingStereo]

I disagree with this review, and honestly, I think you were trying juuust a bit too hard to be clever. A 45%, really? This album was nowhere near that bad. Only one of the tracks on this album seemed weak to me.
I listened to it and it just was just bland to me. It wasn't like they combined sounds of other bands into something original, it just sounded like they were trying to be other bands. Maybe I'm just overly jaded and all that when it comes to pop-rock/pop-punk/whatever they call it now, but it just didn't do it for me. And apologies if whatever cleverness (I would consider myself the furthest thing from clever) in this review sounded forced.

[ExplodingStereo]

ohh lol nice riyl....the only one that actually makes sense it ATL...taking out the garbage? that's cute, I get it, you're trying to be clever. Shitty review
Fair enough. What do you think should be done to improve it? I honestly shortened a lot of it because it's only an EP and wanted to make it a once-over. Any constructive feedback is appreciated.

[Klatzke]

What called for you to buy/request this in the first place then? If you know you're "jaded" about the scene, what would make you want to go get this EP and rip on it?

[ExplodingStereo]

What called for you to buy/request this in the first place then? If you know you're "jaded" about the scene, what would make you want to go get this EP and rip on it?
I got the EP from a music blog, like I stated in the review, because I had never heard of them before. I had no clue how they sounded and hoped they'd be good. I didn't "rip" on it because I have a personal hate against the "scene", I just didn't think they were that good. My jaded comment was just trying to explain maybe why I really didn't like the EP while others did and I wasn't really being that serious when I said it.

[Klatzke]

I got the EP from a music blog, like I stated in the review, because I had never heard of them before. I had no clue how they sounded and hoped they'd be good. I didn't "rip" on it because I have a personal hate against the "scene", I just didn't think they were that good. My jaded comment was just trying to explain maybe why I really didn't like the EP while others did and I wasn't really being that serious when I said it.
so.. you downloaded this illegally, didn't like it, and then decided to rip on them?

Or as in, it was sent to you for review?

You're allowed to hate it as much as you want (of course). I'm just wondering.

[bigmouthmonstr]

Well that's your opinion and I repsect that but some of those songs are from their other eps but I dont see how they sound like all time low (alex gaskarth sings like he has a mouth full of spit) and Panic? Really. Taking out the garbage? Regardless I'm still stoked for this eps. Anarbor aregood performers and good people.

[Theow593]

What a shit review

[siblime746]

so.. you downloaded this illegally, didn't like it, and then decided to rip on them?

That is pretty shitty. This band is better than most of the scene bands out there and are good live.

[Klatzke]

That is pretty shitty. This band is better than most of the scene bands out there and are good live.
Not sure that's what happened. I was asking him.

[lostfear]

I love the Brightest Green. it is however the only one I keep coming back to.

[stonecoldfox]

Fair enough. What do you think should be done to improve it? I honestly shortened a lot of it because it's only an EP and wanted to make it a once-over. Any constructive feedback is appreciated.
I don't know, it just seems like you didn't give the band much of a chance...you sort of lumped them into the pop punk genre and decided they sounded just like everyone else out there. Yes, they are pop punk and yes they don't really try anything too risky...but you have to admit they do at least have a somewhat unique sound. All I'm saying is maybe next time you do a review, try to pick something that you don't have your mind set on tearing down from the start.

[zubinmoosa]

I actually thought this was a solid release. Better than their other EPs.

[kigginsthisprov]

Eh, I've liked them for a long time now and I think this is some of their best work yet. Definitely love seeing these guy progress and trying to put their stuff out there.

[say ocean]

I actually thought this was a solid release. Better than their other EPs.

This is indeed a great EP, but in no way this EP is better than "hearing colours, seeing sounds." EP.



And to the person who wrote this, how can you write a review on a band without doing some sort of research about the band and their previous material? I'm a pretty big fan of Anarbor and I find it difficult comparing them to All Time Low, really? All Time Low?

[ExplodingStereo]

so.. you downloaded this illegally, didn't like it, and then decided to rip on them?

Or as in, it was sent to you for review?

You're allowed to hate it as much as you want (of course). I'm just wondering.
No, I heard it on a music blog, I didn't downloaded the files. I'm not usually into illegal downloading, I burn way more CDs than I download files. But sure, if you think listening to the EP before the intended release date and writing a review on how I didn't think it was very good isn't right in your eyes, then so be it.

[ExplodingStereo]

This is indeed a great EP, but in no way this EP is better than "hearing colours, seeing sounds." EP.



And to the person who wrote this, how can you write a review on a band without doing some sort of research about the band and their previous material? I'm a pretty big fan of Anarbor and I find it difficult comparing them to All Time Low, really? All Time Low?
I actually listened to some of the songs off "The Natural Way" after hearing this EP, but I thought, especially on "Monsters", they went for a more poppy, upbeat chorus and All Time Low came to mind.

[sowrongitsryan]

you should probably do some research before you actually write the review.

[ExplodingStereo]

I don't know, it just seems like you didn't give the band much of a chance...you sort of lumped them into the pop punk genre and decided they sounded just like everyone else out there. Yes, they are pop punk and yes they don't really try anything too risky...but you have to admit they do at least have a somewhat unique sound. All I'm saying is maybe next time you do a review, try to pick something that you don't have your mind set on tearing down from the start.
Actually, I'm glad you said that. Whenever I review something (and I do very occasionally, never mind post one on here), I 100% try to give the music a fair chance. In the case of Anarbor, I had never heard their music before and the blog just had the songs up without really a description of the band, so I had no idea what to expect. I was extremely disapointed, which reflected maybe too harshly in the review, because after a good song like "The Brightest Green", which actually was very unique and fun, the songs just seemed to remind me of other bands and lacked that originality that the first two songs on the EP had. I think I listened to the EP over 4-5 times on different days so I could let it grow on me a little more, but I just couldn't get into it. I knew very well as I posted it that anyone could attack me for saying these guys aren't good or how I wrote it is amateurish, but it's my honest opinion. They could have made something way more original and memorable, and for those who like pop-punk that plays it safe, that's also good. I still love bands like New Found Glory, who fairly consistantly have those signature thick guitar riffs, poppy chorus, and lyrics about high school heartbreak, but this EP just lacked that memorable factor that makes bands like NFG really good.

[ExplodingStereo]

you should probably do some research before you actually write the review.
In what way? I think my brief overview of their history does some justice and I listened to most of "The Natural Way" to get more of an idea of their sound.

[lovelots17]

It's obvious you did not reseach this before you wrote this. You did not even include Adam in the band. I have been a fan of Anarbor before they were signed and before they released Hearing Colors Seeing Sounds. Yes I do agree that some of the songs do sound like others out there but they had enough orginality to get signed right?? SO give them a break they are good for a bunch of 19 year olds.

[taylerx0]

I listened to it and it just was just bland to me. It wasn't like they combined sounds of other bands into something original, it just sounded like they were trying to be other bands. Maybe I'm just overly jaded and all that when it comes to pop-rock/pop-punk/whatever they call it now, but it just didn't do it for me. And apologies if whatever cleverness (I would consider myself the furthest thing from clever) in this review sounded forced.
Ok, I see. I undestand that this band is in no way changing the face of music; however, I think they write some pretty good, catchy songs -- but, hey, you're entitled to your own opinion.

[muhmuhmuhmusik]

According to your profile you have done 1 album review - why would you choose a genre of music you don't even care for? Why pick a band you have never heard of and rip on them? I personally would like to see someone else's review of this album. And I don't believe that you heard it on a music blog - I think you downloaded illegally and you just won't admit it now because too many people are ripping on you. Whatev....

[SilenceBrokenTT]

The version of Brightest Green was killed on this EP. That lil extra "ah ah ah" just fucking ruined it for me.

But love the rest of the album.

[muttley]

...i had no idea these guys were from arizona.

[sowrongitsryan]

In what way? I think my brief overview of their history does some justice and I listened to most of "The Natural Way" to get more of an idea of their sound.
did you listen to "hearing colours seeing sounds"? i don't think sooooo.
"where the wild things are" is where that one came from.
you tried to explain how they formed, but didn't even mention that they used to have a girl (jess?) in their band.

i don't really care about this band and i still know more than you haha.

[EchoPark]

this band is awful recycled garbage.

cheers to the reviewer ExplodingStereo for calling it as it is.

[fadedmemories]

They sound nothing like Panic, what the hell are you talking about?

This is a solid release imo.

[SIng_a_song]

They sound nothing like Panic, what the hell are you talking about?

This is a solid release imo.

I agree on both comments. These guys are great and the new stuff is fantastic, plus they are so much better than anything you've compared them too.

[circatbs]

I like: All Time Low; bland pop punk; sleeping; taking out the garbage; feeding your dog; and shrubbery. But not this band. You fucking liar.

[hockeyguitar99]

I like: All Time Low; bland pop punk; sleeping; taking out the garbage; feeding your dog; and shrubbery. But not this band. You fucking liar.
2nd post ever of yours that I've liked.

[ExplodingStereo]

According to your profile you have done 1 album review - why would you choose a genre of music you don't even care for? Why pick a band you have never heard of and rip on them? I personally would like to see someone else's review of this album. And I don't believe that you heard it on a music blog - I think you downloaded illegally and you just won't admit it now because too many people are ripping on you. Whatev....
First of all, yes, this would be my first review I've posted on here. I write reviews a lot more, I just finally got the guts to post one up. Secondly, the whole pop-punk and basically pop genre is pretty much what I grew up on. New Found Glory, Yellowcard, Motion City Soundtrack and Weezer have been my favorite bands for who knows how many years now. I find with bands like Anarbor and Mayday Parade that they aren't that original and lasting when I listen to them compared to some of the aforementioned, therefore they don't get a high rating in my book. Reviews are meant to show someone's personal opinion on music, so to say my opinion isn't good just because I gave the EP a low score is completely ridiculous. I honestly do not care who rips on my review because they think my score is too low for the EP, I hardly ever download music illegally. I only use sites like Elbo.ws to find music blogs and listen. When file sharing first got really popular, I downloaded files, but I figured if I truly love an artist's work, I'll buy it. I use iTunes, record shops and music blogs to hear new music now. For you to blatantly accuse me of stealing is so unbelievablely rude and pompous of you; you just think it's OK to accuse me of that because you're not saying it to my face but on a forum where you can say anything you want. If there's one thing I can't stand about forums like this, it's asses like you that think they can get away with saying whatever the hell they want to.

[ExplodingStereo]

did you listen to "hearing colours seeing sounds"? i don't think sooooo.
"where the wild things are" is where that one came from.
you tried to explain how they formed, but didn't even mention that they used to have a girl (jess?) in their band.

i don't really care about this band and i still know more than you haha.
Alright, you know more about them than I do...uh...yeah. Do you want a gold star or something?

[Super Norg]

i would give this album a solid 70 but its jus nothing new to me... its generic and give me no incentive to go back but at least it was fun while it lasted

[Sweetiheart007]

Personally I think the EP is really good. I love it and have been playing it non-stop. But everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

[undonesweater93]

I can honestly see where the reviewer's coming from... But he's just plain wrong.

[ohmygawd]

Personally I think ExplodingStereo was spot on. But I don't understand why would you bother justifying your review to these friends of the band who have come on here just to support their friends, and not call a spade a spade. I've never posted on this site before, but when I heard this EP, I googled them to see what people were saying about them. And I was relieved to find ExplodingStereo's review. The EP is terribly unoriginal and depressingly uninspired. To the band: take some risks and try some melodies that haven't been used 1000 times before, and I will at least respect you in the morning. Dish this crap up and you deserve to be told it stinks.

[Klatzke]

Personally I think ExplodingStereo was spot on. But I don't understand why would you bother justifying your review to these friends of the band who have come on here just to support their friends, and not call a spade a spade. I've never posted on this site before, but when I heard this EP, I googled them to see what people were saying about them. And I was relieved to find ExplodingStereo's review. The EP is terribly unoriginal and depressingly uninspired. To the band: take some risks and try some melodies that haven't been used 1000 times before, and I will at least respect you in the morning. Dish this crap up and you deserve to be told it stinks.
These "friends of the band" huh? I've never met the band, nor heard them before this EP.

[sowrongitsryan]

Alright, you know more about them than I do...uh...yeah. Do you want a gold star or something?
a gold star would be great thanks.

[ohmygawd]

These "friends of the band" huh? I've never met the band, nor heard them before this EP.
Oh ok, so your taste in music is just crap.

[Klatzke]

Oh ok, so your taste in music is just crap.
Here we go:

Just because you think this band isn't good at all, it doesn't mean you need to come in here bashing on everyone else. Just because I poked a little hole in your argument, you feel the need to result to personal attacks? Classy man, really classy. A constructive argument is one thing, and I wouldn't mind one of them, but I just love how you posters that come in here for the first time instantly result to attacking people the moment someone proves you wrong or disagree with you.

[ohmygawd]

Here we go:

Just because you think this band isn't good at all, it doesn't mean you need to come in here bashing on everyone else. Just because I poked a little hole in your argument, you feel the need to result to personal attacks? Classy man, really classy. A constructive argument is one thing, and I wouldn't mind one of them, but I just love how you posters that come in here for the first time instantly result to attacking people the moment someone proves you wrong or disagree with you.
It's not a matter of me personally attacking you. I just figure if you're not a friend of the band, but you actually think this music is more worthy of a higher score than the 45% initially given to them, then you have bad taste in music. It's a logical conclusion. And you didn't poke a little hole in my arguement. You just pointed out in your case, you're not a friend of the band and my assumption (which still stands for other people posting in support of this terribly bland EP) that you were, was incorrect. My arguement as a whole still stands. This is a truly bad EP and I praise the reviewer for calling it as it is.

[Klatzke]

It's not a matter of me personally attacking you. I just figure if you're not a friend of the band, but you actually think this music is more worthy of a higher score than the 45% initially given to them, then you have bad taste in music. It's a logical conclusion. And you didn't poke a little hole in my arguement. You just pointed out in your case, you're not a friend of the band and my assumption (which still stands for other people posting in support of this terribly bland EP) that you were, was incorrect. My arguement as a whole still stands. This is a truly bad EP and I praise the reviewer for calling it as it is.
Because YOU think it's bad. Doesn't mean everyone else is. Get your little arrogant ass out of here, no one wants it.

[ohmygawd]

Because YOU think it's bad. Doesn't mean everyone else is. Get your little arrogant ass out of here, no one wants it.
Now who is resorting to personal attacks? Grow up.

[Klatzke]

Now who is resorting to personal attacks? Grow up.
Nah, you're the one acting arrogant.

The fact that you joined this forum just to dis on a band that you don't like kind of says something to that effect, and your comments have been completely that.

[ohmygawd]

Nah, you're the one acting arrogant.

The fact that you joined this forum just to dis on a band that you don't like kind of says something to that effect, and your comments have been completely that.
I didn't join this forum just to dis on a band. I joined because I agreed with a review that was being dissed by a bunch of people who I disagreed with. You are one of those people. And the fact that you have already asked me to leave, simply because I disagree with you, speaks volumes about you buddy, not me. It's a little rich to be calling me arrogant.

[Klatzke]

I didn't join this forum just to dis on a band. I joined because I agreed with a review that was being dissed by a bunch of people who I disagreed with. You are one of those people. And the fact that you have already asked me to leave, simply because I disagree with you, speaks volumes about you buddy, not me. It's a little rich to be calling me arrogant.
My comment was " I disagree with your review" and I thought the way he handled it was a little under the belt. And yeah, I normally ask arrogant assholes that enter to threads I'm in to get out because they offer absolutely nothing constructive to any kind of argument. Now, you're actually pushing an intelligent argument instead of "ha your taste sucks" the moment I disagree with you.

You have an OPINION on this band. I do as well, they just differ.

[ohmygawd]

My comment was " I disagree with your review" and I thought the way he handled it was a little under the belt. And yeah, I normally ask arrogant assholes that enter to threads I'm in to get out because they offer absolutely nothing constructive to any kind of argument. Now, you're actually pushing an intelligent argument instead of "ha your taste sucks" the moment I disagree with you.

You have an OPINION on this band. I do as well, they just differ.
"I normally ask arrogant assholes that enter to threads I'm in to get out because they offer absolutely nothing constructive to any kind of argument" - again, that's YOUR opinion, and another reflection of your aggressive and, some might argue, 'arrogant' attitude towards anyone who disagrees with you. My arguement hasn't changed from the beginning, you just took offence when I described your taste in music as 'crap', just like you took offence to my suggestion that you were friends with the band. I am well aware we have different opinions on this band. That is why I joined the thread. To support a review I thought showed courage to be completely honest, as opposed to being 'under the belt'.

[Klatzke]

"I normally ask arrogant assholes that enter to threads I'm in to get out because they offer absolutely nothing constructive to any kind of argument" - again, that's YOUR opinion, and another reflection of your aggressive and, some might argue, 'arrogant' attitude towards anyone who disagrees with you. My arguement hasn't changed from the beginning, you just took offence when I described your taste in music as 'crap', just like you took offence to my suggestion that you were friends with the band. I am well aware we have different opinions on this band. That is why I joined the thread. To support a review I thought showed courage to be completely honest, as opposed to being 'under the belt'.
I only believed it was under the belt because it seems like he downloaded it illegally and then decided to take shots at it. You can't say that's not slightly unfair.

And yeah, I did take offense to a completely unneeded comment knocking my taste just because I disagreed with you. Had you not made that comment in the first place, none of mine would have ensued.

[ohmygawd]

He/she didn't download it illegally. That was an assumption you made. He/she streamed it from a blog, which is perfectly legal.

[Klatzke]

He/she didn't download it illegally. That was an assumption you made. He/she streamed it from a blog, which is perfectly legal.
I assumed and then rescinded the statement when he cleared that up. Originally he made it seem like he did.

[ohmygawd]

I assumed and then rescinded the statement when he cleared that up. Originally he made it seem like he did.
Oh well, there you go. I think this arguement/conversation is more than this EP deserves.

Out of interest, would you mind naming 5 albums you love? I just want an idea of where you are coming from...

[hockeyguitar99]

I didn't join this forum just to dis on a band. I joined because I agreed with a review that was being dissed by a bunch of people who I disagreed with. You are one of those people. And the fact that you have already asked me to leave, simply because I disagree with you, speaks volumes about you buddy, not me. It's a little rich to be calling me arrogant.
No, you're an arrogant douche bag.

And I hate this EP.

[Klatzke]

Oh well, there you go. I think this arguement/conversation is more than this EP deserves.

Out of interest, would you mind naming 5 albums you love? I just want an idea of where you are coming from...
Everything Starts Where It Ends
Life On Life's Terms
Planet Of Ice
The Tide
Follow the Dove

[ohmygawd]

Everything Starts Where It Ends
Life On Life's Terms
Planet Of Ice
The Tide
Follow the Dove
Ok, you see I think you have a much broader taste in music than me. I don't really love what I would term, 'obvious pop music', such as Life On Life's Terms. I dig Minus The Bear though. Cool band.

[Klatzke]

Ok, you see I think you have a much broader taste in music than me. I don't really love what I would term, 'obvious pop music', such as Life On Life's Terms. I dig Minus The Bear though. Cool band.
I really do listen to anything from pop to metal. See, that would have been an appropriate response to my first comment ;-)

[ExplodingStereo]

a gold star would be great thanks.
*hands freakishly shiny golden star*

Enjoy.

[bmanny]

See their live show, then write a review. I think you'll change your mind. You also have to remeber that they just graduated HIGH SCHOOL a year ago. This is a really good ep for a bunch of teens. And Slade's vocals are beyond his years. I think that in two to three years we will be hearing these guys on the radio. They are that good already.

[Candy654]

You and I is a great song.