Anberlin Band • Page 23

I watched that too. In one of the earlier segments the hype guy says Stephen from Anberlin is here, and he said it a couple times. I didn't catch the part where they're introduced as a band. I saw various comments claiming 1-3 members were there. All that said it was nice to hear Stephen sing paperthin again.

 

So, based off an Instagram post by Stephen, it was him, Joey, and a band called The Advance playing Anberlin songs as well as songs from his solo worship album.

I'm mostly just mad about how they were introduced (which probably wasn't in their hands), and even though Stephen and Joey are the two most prominent songwriters in the band, it feels weird to me that those Anberlin songs had probably never been performed in a setting like that without Nate and Deon (and Christian for "Impossible"). I hope the rest of the band at least got to have a say in it.

 

It's pretty sure that's happened before and I think Stephens said it annoys him too

 

I'm sure it does annoy him, particularly when they were so adamant that it was the end of Anberlin and that there would never be a reunion and all that rhetoric.

 

First listen of Wildfires right now. What are everyone's thoughts?

 

So far the music is great, but it is REALLY preachy.

In the first song "Trust" it's understood when he says "You are good" he's referring to Jesus. I feel like putting the "You are good, Jesus" piece at the end sounds forced, and unnecessary.

If I wrote a love song for my wife, I wouldn't slip her name quick at the end. I know I'm sounding like an old man shouting at the sky, but did anyone else feel that way?

 

Generic CCM with Stephen Christian vocals. It's ok, but I'd much rather listen to Vital if I want electronic tinged Anberlin

 

It's music that is literally meant to be used during praise and worship... so of course he's going to say Jesus.

 

Haven't listened to the full thing yet myself but I remember liking the music to the song I heard at least

 

Yeah, I know this album isn't for me, so I just won't listen. I'll wait for another Stephen Christian project.

 

There are a lot of worship songs that don't say Jesus outright. Jesus being referred to as "You" "He" etc. without actually coming out and saying who's already implied the song is about

 

honestly i respect it more when worship artists actually used Jesus' name or Gods name instead of making a vague "you" out of it in an attempt to make it more radio friendly (looking at you Chris Tomlin) so im fine with this being just a straight up blunt worship album.

that being said, as a person who lost their faith many years ago, this isnt really my cup of tea but its nice to hear Stephens voice again.

 

Yea, and those are usually the weakest ones as they are surface level.

 

Not specifically saying Jesus/God is how I can still relate and love so many RK songs that are probably about faith, ha.

 

Band's like P.O.D and Thrice sing a lot about faith without dropping Jesus/God's name and I get why because of more board appeal, but I like when people sing what they are passionate about so if he's gotta say it, I don't mind. I love Wolves at the Gate even though I am far from religious.

 

Still need to check this out. Stephen Christian is my favorite vocalist of all-time (and Anberlin, my favorite band) but I just wasn't too impressed by the new songs. I suppose it can only be better than I expect it to be though.

 

I think the difference there is RK is like, a band that just so happens to have Christians in it. It makes the lyrics more interesting when there's a vague ambiguity to it.

This album, and others like it, are designed specifically for worship and praise and to sing along with after a sermon. For me I always liked it more when it was blunt about it's own theology instead of trying to cover it up and possibly make it more digestible for a Christian radio crowd/pop radio.

 

Yeah I can see that.

 

I like the new album. Trust and Gloria are two great songs. I'm also a Christian so am in the target audience

 

Couldn't get through this.

 

Exactly. The context and intent between this and Relient K/Thrice are vastly different.

 

I listened to the singles and nope'd out. I can't deal with preachy music anymore. I love Stephen and I respect that he's doing what he feels, but this is so not for me.

 

Cities as a whole never ceases to amaze me. Put that record on while pregaming last night and it's just amazing how every song is a hit.

That being said I realized I have two Cities albums on vinyl. If anyone is looking to buy one let me know.

 

Actually I’d be very interested. I’ll shoot you a message and we can go from there?

 

Yep sounds good.