Anberlin ‘Vital’ (Universal Republic -2012)

To call this an absolute masterpiece does not even justify Anberlin’s sixth studio album ‘Vital’.

It seems there is in fact much more to music than head banging, mosh pit worthy break downs and rowdy screams based around the lyrics of heartbreak and growing up. Anberlin make a stand for this with songs ‘Other Side’ and ‘Someone Anyone’. Whether it’s because they’ve actually opened their eyes to the real world, to actions of themselves as well as others and consequences of life’s decisions, they achieve something unique.

It’s sophisticated. It channels music to a whole new dimension. With frequent Innerpartysystem meet Nine Inch Nails synth effects pursuing ‘Vital’ down a path of modern music. Vocalist Stephen Christian said in an interview with Billboard.com that the album has a ‘youthful, energetic energy’ describing it as their most aggressive record, which listening to the eleven track album certainly lives up to. Stephen also revealed that his wife Julia Marie will contribute guest vocals on opening track ‘Self-Starter’. The piercing first song can safely represent ‘Vital’ as a journey of nostalgia and tension. To continue this adventure is ‘Little Tyrants’ where Stephen takes the opportunity to define his dynamic tone, from the fiercely monstrous aggression in the chorus straight through to the melodic, more delicate verses. Let’s not forget the overall great effort from the band who indulges in supreme guitar riffs and paramount beats in the flawless bridge.    

The album is far from a bore, rattling the airwaves with ‘Intensions’. The exploding arrangement involves a crunchy guitar intro darting into an apocalyptic synth melody. Lyrics: ‘I want a love that I don’t deserve/I want the gold that I didn’t earn/I want a fire that will never burn’ are fundamentally catchy. The five-piece build this album around a music fantasy. 

What makes ‘Vital’ really glisten and flourish is their seventh track ‘Desires’. The veteran musicians craft this by exploring the unknown, experimenting with challenging rhythms and shaping a melody nothing less than extraordinary. Only Anberlin could come up with this recipe. The essence of experts coming together to create something refreshing can be heard in ‘Type Three’. Unlike the rest of ‘Vital’ it’s almost a ballad, the instrumentation laying the foundations to a melody that tells a story. It’s evident they pushed the boundaries and every song emphasises this treasure like talent.   

Anberlin maximise their music ability and as the album artwork suggests it does blow everything out of the water. When ‘Orpheum’ and ‘Modern Age’ kick in, it’s obvious these are the pride and joy of the album.

Possibly saving the best until last is ‘God, Drugs & Sex’ which captures the epic sound of Anberlin. This track also features guest vocals but this time from US singer songwriter Christine DuPree, who has previously appeared on the New Found Glory- ‘Coming Home’ album. ‘Vital’ is an essential album and will change alternative music in years to come.