https://forum.chorus.fm/posts/6131956 can't find the YouTube link anymore, but he's gone on record multiple times saying this was the case, and that their new material they're working on together is some of his favorite of theirs.
Anberlin has been my favorite band for the past 15 to 20 years. This new song is fine. I understand when people say... its not Anberlin without Stephen, as much as I want to agree with that, I still really love the band and want them to solider on. I am a huge fan of the other 4 guys as well and if this is how they keep Anberlin going while Stephen steps away for a bit then I am all for it. As for the new song, I actually like it. Definitely not on par with the Convinced EP. But I wouldnt skip it. Still excited to see them live on Sunday.
Listening to this song just reinforces that Stephen holds the whole thing together and this new era ain’t for me. Best of luck, guys.
This song, and Matty, ain't it chief. Its so frustrating because Christian did a great job on Lacerate, granted with Stephen backing him up, and every time they reach outside the group things have only been disappointing. I think they could get by having Stephen do the recorded side of things and having Christian take lead on tour w/someone else backing. But I can't see anything else working out. Maybe its time they call it.
That's totally fair but they were never gonna play those songs live, even if Stephen was still in the band.
Yeah, after a few listens, it's a fine song. Like, I wouldn't be shocked to hear it on the radio. I wouldn't be bothered if anyone put it on or anything. But it's not what I like about this band. One thing I always liked is not just Stephen's voice, but how he'll use it in interesting ways. Matty is just way too safe compared to what I want from this band. Especially after how cool most of the EP tracks were.
i think the closest they get to playing softer songs are Cable Car and Inevitable, and i have a strong suspicion they're not gonna play those songs as often as they used to
That is a great point haha I think what I would like to hear from them live doesn't really align with what they're playing these days, as you said
not a huge fan of the new song, but matty is pretty much as advertised. it’s fine, just doesn’t do anything for me.
One thing I'll say about the Silverline EP, is I remember Stephen saying Body Language & Asking were both A&B songs originally. I think both songs are ok, but I didn't think they fit that well with the other three songs on the EP. Convinced to me is a much more concise sounding EP. As for the new era, of course Matty will never be Christian. To an extent, I get people giving up on them, but I like that he isn't trying to mimic Stephen. This track sounds very NTFP like to me, That's the era Matty always talks about and I think that is what they will go back to. The other track is a lot heavier and I think that will alienate some fans for a different reason. I for one hope they go heavier. I don't think Joey gets enough credit for how good of a guitar player he is
yeah, those two always felt like weaker cuts (although Asking is a great 11th hour song and i wish it was the second to last track here). i think re: future material they're probably gonna lean more on Matty's heavier qualities than his more conventional ones. maybe that'll change and they'll incorporate more songs that sound like their earlier material, but they've had a good track record not boxing themselves into that earlier sound, and with a discography this big, their newer material is always gonna take a backseat to older songs (hell, i think they only played two songs from Lowborn during their "final tour", with the second only being played at that final show - ofc this changed with their reunion and the COVID livestreams). all of that to say they've got plenty of songs that sound like Walk Alone, and i don't see them clamoring to make a ton more like that. i think everyone would agree that would be too derivative and probably wouldn't do well for streams/sales/critical reception. an exception and not the norm.
Just based off their typical setlists. I know you are a big fan, so I know you are aware they have 5-10 songs they play every night (depending upon how long their set is.) Every time they come out with a new album they usually only play 3-4 songs off the album and those aren't it. I am in no way crapping on the songs, I just think there are better newer songs. This is all just my opinion. I've seen them 4 times since the EPs have come out and all i've seen them play is Circles, Lacerate, Two Graves, 7, and Walk Alone. I wish they would've played more new stuff.
I gotta say, I dont get the hate for this song. Its a catchy tune. he sounds fine. Its different from their recent EPs. nowhere near as heavy, which was not my favorite era of Anberlin to be honest. obviously he sounds different from STephen, but hes not bad. Stephen's voice is good on record, but live, hes pretty...... not great TBH
I think I need a new autoexpander that explains I think Matty Mullins sounds like auditory aluminum foil.