2003's Blueprints for the Blackmarket teetered the line between decent and mundane yet still it was extremely catchy. Though hit and miss throughout much of the album it did possess enough gems to sustain a few repeated listens. Yet, it was never enough for me to pay much attention to. It was obvious Anberlin's goal was not to change the way the world viewed music, but rather create an album of attractive pop rock songs to sing along to. Apparently this was all enough to garner a buzz around the release of 2005's Never Take Friendship Personal. Chalk it up to relentless touring or enormous promotion, the question beckons: does it live up to the buzz it ensues?
Never Take Friendship Personal follows much of the same formula found on their debut release on Tooth & Nail Records. Lets face it: they are a pop-rock band and make no bones about it but there are a few noticeable differences. The music is a bit heavier in places; the production is much, much more glossy. The opening title track could be deceiving considering it's heavier overtones with screaming vocals courtesy of Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter fame. It would have one to think they abandoned the sugary pop rock of their debut release, but it is still found throughout. "Paperthin Hymn" is extremely powerful musically and vocally as Christian's voice soars over the riff heavy track, "Who's going to call on Sunday Morning, Who's going to drive you home?" "Stationary Stationery" is as sweet as they come in the pop-rock arena and instantly has you singing along after a few a listens. "(the symphony of) blase" is one of the more forgettable tracks on the album string effects and all. It slows things down quite a bit and the album quickly loses momentum. The bouncy guitar parts and attractive melody line of "A Day Late" struggles to overcome the comical lyrics, while "the Runaways" thick bass line drives it and along with the hooky chorus it sounds eerily reminiscent to the material on their debut album, almost to a fault. "the Feel Good Drag", my personal favorite, is extremely commanding and blatantly heavier vocally and lyrically. The album closer, "dance, dance, Christa Paffgen," is fitting as it slows down to mid tempo with picking guitar parts, vocal rounds, and even a guest appearance from mewithoutYou's Mike Weiss on guitar.
The shortcomings on Never Take Friendship Personal are mainly found in the pedestrian lyrics and the few mediocre tracks previously mentioned. Other than that, the answer would be, "yes" this album does live up to the hype surrounding it. Anberlin has created an album that is catchy and heavier than its predecessor and appears like the next step in their progression as a band. Never Take Friendship Personal is not reinventing the wheel of pop rock; but it is done quite well.
3/4
Similar sounding releases
2004Hawk NelsonLetters to the President
2005The WeddingThe Wedding
2005The Juliana TheoryDeadbeat Sweetheartbeat
2005CartelChroma
2003HollandPhotographs & Tidalwaves
2003Split HabitPut Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
