""Are you depraved or, or are you deceived?"" Lead singer Stephen Christian's words evoke those daily, indefatigable thoughts which examine our own sense of self. Dark is the Way, Light is a Place is the title that just barely skims the surface of the album's instrumental and lyrical intensity. Anberlin, an American alternative-rock band formed in 2002, takes emotional pain and prosperity to an innovative, avant-garde level. With comparisons to major bands such as Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday and New Found Glory, Anberlin's fifth studio album encapsulates the classic sound of punk-influenced alternative, galvanizing the repressed depths of your psychological inquisitions.
Identified by many as a Christian rock band, Christian has said Anberlin ""Do not care who listens to our records. If it helps people in whatever circumstances they're in, that's amazing, but I definitely don't classify us as a Christian band.""
His proclamation renders true in lyrics such as ""Thought your hands could heal / But they left me sore,"" taken from the album's seventh track, ""Art of War."" His lyrics describe something we can all relate to: the miserable truth of so many relationships in life. However, his inspirational lyrics ""I know you're out there somewhere / Come where I can see"" emphasize the beauty of perseverance in a profound, densely layered rock song. Throughout the album, many songs succeed in identifying our innermost emotionally-gripping feelings. Despite this darkness and despair, each song's lyrical complexity leads you to the reality that we all have the strength and ability to conquer our afflictions.
Along with the intensity of the band's lyrical meaning, the aggressive sound of echoing guitar riffs in songs like ""We Owe This To Ourselves"" and the inimitable haunting images of ""Closer"" clash with the delicate nature of Christian's velvety voice. Each song rocks hard and passionately, rolling into a warm, melodic breakdown during the bridge and then an captivating chorus.
Similar to some of Jimmy Eat World's greatest songs, Anberlin's ""Impossible"" provides a mellow rhythm that ascends and descends between calm and chaos. This theme of rise and decline is revealed in their final track, ""Depraved,"" which sends the message of believing in yourself and taking initiative in rising to the challenges one faces in life.
The cryptic nature of the album's melancholy rock combined with stylistic shifts creates a contrast unlike any previously-released record. The album is the epitome of an engaging rock ‘n' roll album anyone can relate to. It's a perfect addition to mainstream music that will not estrange loyal fans, but rather compel them, as well as new audiences, to explore the complexity of its layered meaning.
