Album Review: Anberlin - Vital

Anberlin took the alternative/rock/emo scene by storm following the release of 2005's Never Take Friendship Personal and 2007's epic Cities. But since then their two follow-ups 2008's New Surrender and 2010's Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place were flops. Their latest offering Vital, again fails to deliver.

Fans would have thought reuniting with producer Aaron Sprinkle, who was the mastermind behind NTFP and Cities, would have produced some results, but they will be sadly disappointed. While the album's first two tracks Self-Starter and Little Tyrants take you back to where the band were after 2007's Cities, making you think they have returned to their peak, from here things go totally awry. Vital is a boring album, and this is coming from an avid Anberlin fan. The songs don't seem to go anywhere and the band have unfortunately lost their aggressiveness and in-your-face attitude, two of the main elements that separated them from other bands in the same genre. Vocalist Stephen Christian still showcases his unique voice, but the songs are dull, way too poppy at times and lack substance and creativity. What's worse is they have continued to conform to what has become this electronic dance music sensation by overusing synths and electronics throughout the album.

While it may seem unfair to continually compare Anberlin's progression to their earlier and better releases, it's hard to see them returning to that peak. It may seem harsh but Vital may be the weakest release in their decorated ten-year career and it looks like Anberlin's best days are sadly long gone.