Not much new news for the moment. I will be going to the Anberlin show this Wednesday at the House of Blues though so I should have a review of that up soon. But I didn't want the entire site to spend too much time focused on Anberlin when Tooth and Nail has plenty of other great artists as well. So I've changed the backround music for a bit in order to give Further Seems Forever some props. They will most likely be my next review after Anberlin.

Check out Mae's site if you haven't already. It's got the best backround ever, you can move the birds right off of the page. lol. Maybe I'm the only person would remain completely entertained by that, but they're good kids so check Mae out anyways.

by Russ Breimeier

Bunch is about as good a vocalist as FSF could hope for under the circumstances. His is the "prettiest" voice of all three—more supported and effortless, less like the faux-Brit emo/punk of Carrabba or the hardcore metal inclinations of Gleason. He's almost a combination of Chuck Dennie (By the Tree), Matt Scannell (Vertical Horizon), and Bart Millard (MercyMe), but don't let that give the wrong impression. Bunch can still hit the high notes with appropriate rocking passion and intensity, but he can also deliver a gorgeous falsetto ("For All We Know") much like Gary Cherone (Extreme). The band also remains a dense powerhouse of melodic emo-styled rock, impressively tight with their instrumental chops. If there's a complaint about the overall sound, it's that the mix is muddier, especially in the drums, which seem a little less crisp.

As for the lyrics, Bunch also seems to fit in with FSF's penchant for spiritual generalities. Some bands word their music in a way that leaves it open to multiple interpretations, while others offer barely enough complete thoughts to piece together the meaning. FSF's songs aren't so much vague as they are lukewarm, doling out feelings and emotions without many specifics. In a way, they feel too Christian for most mainstream listeners and not Christ-focused enough for some believers.

Take "Call on the Life" for example, which seems to be about looking forward to new life by the grace of God: "By your eyes I can see/By your eyes I've got vision all around/By your voice I can hear/By your voice all the fear comes crashing down/Like a light from above, you've seen the way I've been living underground/By your heart I can love/To make me feel like I'm never coming down." Sure, the lyrics are Christian minded, but they could also fit in with a lot of other spiritual and earthly beliefs too. A tiny red flag raises on "Make It a Part," in which Bunch sings, "Take second chances/Everyone deserves them/Help me start over/Take in forgiveness/Everyone deserves it." But the message of the cross is that we don't deserve forgiveness (Romans 5:8), but were pardoned anyway.

The greatest change to FSF is their overall sound, which is still melodic with a taste of emo, but also more anthemic—at times, like an '80s pop metal band. It shouldn't be enough to deter fans, though they should also know that the album runs barely over 30 minutes, averaging three minutes a song. If this seems like shortchange, be sure to pick up Hide Nothing at Best Buy, where they are offering an exclusive version that includes three bonus acoustic tracks of some of the album's songs—they add value to the album and fresh variation to the overall sound. Though not quite as strong as their previous effort, Hide Nothing is strong enough, proving that FSF can continue to carry on … as long as they keep finding the right singers.

Christianity Today

Anberlin’s second release from Tooth and Nail Records has proved to be nothing short of a phenomenon. Never Take Friendship Personal is a unique compilation that lives up to its title in every way; from the bittersweet lyrics to Stephen Christian’s forceful voice, to the band’s prominent way with music, the CD is perfectly smiled upon by its name.

            Not only are most of the lyrics to each song dynamic and intriguing, but the titles are attractive as well. It’s impossible to read the words “Paperthin Hymn” on the CD case without stopping to buy the album or listen to it, and once you hear the song itself, I guarantee there will be no trace of disappointment. But this is not to say that the lyrics are the most prominent energy behind the album. Christian’s voice remains a constant strength throughout the entire collection and never falls short of inspirational and hypnotic. And with Joseph Milligan on lead guitar, Deon Rexroat on bass, and Nathan Young on drums, the power and intelligence of the CD come together in an explosion of unimpeachable sound, leaving the listener with the sense that there is much more to this band than just its amazing lead singer.

            My only complaint on Never Take Friendship Personal is that it is too short. 11 tracks just aren’t enough to keep me satisfied until Anberlin’s next album is released. I also find myself wondering if it’s improved or inferior compared to their first CD, Blueprints for the Black Market. However, the fact that I have not yet come up with that answer only tells me that Anberlin is a superior band compared to most and that any of their releases will not disappoint.

Here are some upcoming shows from some Tooth and Nail artists who will be in or around the Chicagoland area. The ones in red are recommended by me and I will most likely be attending them myself...

Anberlin's new album came out on the 1st. Never Take Friendship Personal is a great musical collage and should be added to your collections as soon as possible! I might even add one of their new songs to my site so you can give yourself a preview if you don't already own the cd. It may take me a while though since I finally got Titan on here from Brave Saint Saturn.

The lyrics to one of my new favorite songs, the Feel Good Drag...

"I'm here for you," she said,
And we can stay for a while.
My boyfriend's gone,
We can just pretend.
Lips that need no introduction,
Now who's the greater sin?
Your drab eyes seem to invite,
Where do we begin?

Was this over before
before it ever began?
Your kiss, your clothes, your crutch,
Like the devil's got your hands.
This was over before
before it ever began.
Your lips, your lies, your lust,
Like the devil's in your hands.

Alright, I'm back. And the CD of the month is...

Blueprints for the Black Market by Anberlin.



Song of the moment is Autobahn...

It has been too long since my last update. Forgive me!

Well I went to the last Calibretto show with my friends on Saturday. I can't really tell you how all the opening bands were because I was too busy getting air outside. lol. But Sidewalk Slam and Calibretto sounded amazing even though I couldn't see them. Philip took pictures of them though so hopefully I can get them up here soon.

Also it's now November so I must choose a new CD of the month! I'll be back with that in a little while. I know whoever actually reads this blog is just dying with anticipation. :-p 

Goin to the LAST Calibretto concert at the end of this month with some friends. *sniff* May they R.I.P. I suggest everyone else go too. Though I'm not telling you where it's at in fear too many of you people show up and I won't get in. lol. So go find the info on your own! It will be worth it. Calibretto is muy fun times.  

Here's the lyrics to another beautiful song from The Light of Things Hoped For. Like the rest of the songs on the cd, it's sang passionately and sincerely.