Lowborn

Lowborn
Studio album by Anberlin
Released July 22, 2014[1]
Genre Alternative rock,[2] emo,[3] indie rock,[3] new wave,[2][4] pop rock[3][4]
Length 40:04[1]
Label Tooth & Nail
Producer Anberlin
Anberlin chronology

Devotion
(2013)		 Lowborn
(2014)
Singles from Lowborn
  1. "Stranger Ways"
    Released: May 13, 2014
  2. "Harbinger"
    Released: August 27, 2014

Lowborn (stylized as lowborn) is the seventh and final studio album from American alternative rock band Anberlin. The album was scheduled for release on June 24, 2014, but was pushed back to July 22, 2014. This album was produced by the band. The album has been described by Stephen Christian as "eclectic and chaotic, just like a good Anberlin record should be."[5]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
Source Rating
Metacritic 74/100[6]
Review scores
Source Rating
AbsolutePunk 75%[7]
AllMusic [3]
Alternative Press [8]
CCM Magazine [9]
Cross Rhythms [10]
HM Magazine [11]
Jesus Freak Hideout [2]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
New Release Tuesday [17]
Outburn 7/10[4]
Rock Sound 6/10[18]
Sputnikmusic [19]

Lowborn was greeted by positive reviews from music critics. On the review combining publication Metacritic, the album has a score of 74 taken from four reviews, meaning the project has seen generally favorable reception.[6] In a three and a half star review by AllMusic, Matt Collar averring, "despite this heaviness, Anberlin have crafted an album of deeply emotive and, one imagines for longtime fans, cathartic songs."[3] In a three and a half star review from Alternative Press, Evan Lucy remarking, it "isn't as good as Vital, but it still does an admirable job at continuing Anberlin's sonic expansion", but "There's a push and pull, between these styles [modern rock and new wave] that ultimately makes Lowborn feel a bit conflicted, like the yin and yang of growing older but refusing to let the fire burn out completely."[8] In addition, Lucy says the music is best when the pendulum is right dead center between the two.[8] Andy Biddulph, writing for Rock Sound, rated the album a six out of ten because "it's telling that the first track is the best, and while their insistence on progression must be applauded, it's a shame that this band is going out with something less than a band."[18] In a seven out of ten review for Outburn, Dan Slessor ascertaining the final product to be "uneven."[4]

In a review of 75 percent by AbsolutePunk, Craig Manning recognizing, "Luckily, Lowborn is a fairly strong record on a song-for-song basis, and the added emotional heft of it being a swansong helps to elevate it above the weaker entries in the band’s catalog – even despite its numerous issues."[7] In a four star review for CCM Magazine, Matt Conner declaring, "Stephen Christian and company are going out on top."[9] In a four star review by HM Magazine, Chelc Eaves indicating, the music is "imaginative and perceptive" because "The instruments sound well-mixed, and the lyrics are all very well-scripted", and it is like "the sound of a decade-old, well oiled machine" coming to a culmination.[11] In a four star review from Sputnikmusic, SowingSeason claiming, "Lowborn is a gift to fans" showing how "Anberlin is a band that will never truly die."[19] In a five star review from New Release Tuesday, Mary Nikkel noticing, "With Lowborn, Anberlin has set the crown on an already illustrious career" displays exactly how "The group is definitely successfully blazing out rather than fading away."[17] In a nine out of ten review by Cross Rhythms, Tony Cummings writing, "All in all, this is a fitting farewell to a great rock band."[10]

In a four and a half star review by Jesus Freak Hideout, Roger Gelwicks affirming, "It's a complete album in every sense, and the creative process that's present here marks a seasoned band that has diversified themselves in fine ways."[2] In a four star review for Jesus Freak Hideout's second opinion, Michael Weaver asserting, "While this isn't the Anberlin album the selfish fan in me wanted for their grand finale, it's a really nice send-off regardless and it's nice to see them go out the way they wanted."[12] In a four star review for Jesus Freak Hideout's Additional 2 Cents, John DiBiase expressing, "This may not be the mighty bow-out that all fans were hoping for, but it's easily some of the best alt rock of the year, regardless."[13] Scott Fryberger in another 2 Cents review rated the album four and a half stars because "Anberlin is a class act, and Lowborn is an excellent way to go out."[14] Mark Rice in yet another 2 Cents review rated the album four stars and according to him it is "more mellow" than fans expect, whilst "the music often overpowers Stephen Christian's vocals to the point of intelligibility."[15] Conversely, Rice says "while Lowborn may not be the "final album" most fans hoped it would be, that does not detract from its excellence."[15] Again a 2 Cents review by Wayne Myatt, where he rated the album four and a half stars underscoring, "Although this album is certainly a departure from past releases, it still provides a fresh sound that becomes more rewarding after each listen."[16]

Announcement

The first announcement of the album came in a video posted on the band's official website,[20] announcing their intentions of touring the world (America, Australia, Sweden, Philippines and the UK) and one more time and releasing a final album before disbanding by the end of 2014. In the video, it was revealed that this last album will be released on Tooth & Nail Records, who originally signed the band and released their first three records.

Writing process

The band has expressed feeling "true artistic freedom" and "liberated from any sort of expectation or pressure" for the album, knowing it would be their last. Stephen Christian wished to enjoy the creative process one more time, without restrictions or pressure for a radio single. The band started collecting new material at the end of 2012, with a focus on "crafting solidly good ideas that melded each musician’s individual tastes and influences" rather than to "cranking out as many songs as possible". Nathan Young, in discussing the writing process, described "a fearlessness which was really freeing and exciting...to just not have to think about anything else except what’s the best thing for the song.”[21]

Recording and promotion

The band tweeted in January 2014 that they had "the dream team" of "AM.MG.AS." for the final album. Many fans correctly speculated that these initials referred to possible producers Aaron Marsh, Matt Goldman, and Aaron Sprinkle, all of whom had previously worked with the band.[22] Later in February, a blurry screenshot of what appeared to be demos of the album were posted on Twitter.[23] Young entered the studio on February 18, and the band indirectly confirmed Goldman's involvement in the recording process. Drum tracking was complete three days later.[24] By April 24, the band announced the record was already "tracked, mixed, and mastered".[25] On May 5, Tooth & Nail put up a promotional webpage where fans could unlock the new album cover by sharing the page. The title was revealed to be Lowborn, and a page was added to the Tooth & Nail website, revealing the track listing and a press release with details about the album.[26] Pre-order packages were announced on May 16,[27] and included a download of the first single, "Stranger Ways", which was also streamed exclusively on Billboard.com the same day. According to Christian, the song "embodies a lot of what Anberlin will be remembered for; the 80's influence, dark dactylic lyrics, and intriguing melodies and music", but warned that the song "is not the embodiment of the record”, ensuring fans that the entire album is not as somber.[5]

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Anberlin and Stephen Christian but are joined by Micah Tawlks on track No. 1. 

No. Title Length
1. "We Are Destroyer"   3:29
2. "Armageddon"   4:05
3. "Stranger Ways"   4:42
4. "Velvet Covered Brick"   3:56
5. "Atonement"   4:17
6. "Birds of Prey"   3:55
7. "Dissenter"   3:15
8. "Losing It All"   4:14
9. "Hearing Voices"   3:34
10. "Harbinger"   4:37
Total length:
 40:04[1]

Personnel

Anberlin

Chart performance

Chart (2014) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[28] 10
US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[29] 1
US Christian Albums (Billboard)[30] 1
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[31] 2
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[32] 2

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 iTunes (July 22, 2014). "Lowborn by Anberlin". Apple Inc. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Gelwicks, Roger (July 20, 2014). "Anberlin, "Lowborn" Review". jesusfreakhideout.com. Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Collar, Matt. "Lowborn – Anberlin | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". allmusic.com. AllMusic. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Slessor, Dan (2014). "Anberlin: Lowborn". Outburn (Octavia Laird and Rodney Kusano) (75): 52. ISSN 1542-1309. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Anberlin Kicks Off Final Album With 'Stranger Ways' (Exclusive Song Premiere)". Billboard. May 15, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Metacritic. "Critic Reviews for Lowborn". metacritic.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Manning, Craig (July 21, 2014). "Anberlin – Lowborn – Album Review". absolutepunk.com. AbsolutePunk. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Lucy, Evan (2014). "Anberlin – Vital". Alternative Press (Alternative Press Magazine, Inc.). July 2014 (312): 95. ISSN 1065-1667. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Conner, Matt (July 20, 2014). "Album Review: lowborn, Anberlin". ccmmagazine.com. CCM Magazine. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Cummings, Tony (January 27, 2015). "Review: Lowborn - Anberlin". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Eaves, Chelc (June 3, 2014). "Anberlin – Lowborn". hmmagazine.com. HM Magazine. ISSN 1066-6923. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Weaver, Michael (July 20, 2014). "Anberlin, "Lowborn" Review - Second Staff Opinion". jesusfreakhideout.com. Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 DiBiase, John (July 20, 2014). "Anberlin, "Lowborn" Review - JFH Staff's Additional 2 Cents". jesusfreakhideout.com. Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Fryberger, Scott (July 25, 2014). "Anberlin, "Lowborn" Review - JFH Staff's Additional 2 Cents". jesusfreakhideout.com. Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Rice, Mark (August 2, 2014). "Anberlin, "Lowborn" Review - JFH Staff's Additional 2 Cents". jesusfreakhideout.com. Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Myatt, Wayne (August 5, 2014). "Anberlin, "Lowborn" Review - JFH Staff's Additional 2 Cents". jesusfreakhideout.com. Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Nikkel, Mary (July 16, 2014). "Unforgettable Final Notes". newreleasetuesday.com. New Release Tuesday. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Biddulph, Andy (August 2014). "Anberlin – Lowborn". Rock Sound (Freeway Press Inc.) (189): 78. ISSN 1465-0185. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 SowingSeason (July 16, 2014). "Review: Anberlin - Lowborn". sputnikmusic.com. Sputnikmusic. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
  20. ↑ "Anberlin to break up; release final album in 2014 - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. January 16, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  21. ↑ "Anberlin Set To Release Final Album on July 22". AlternativeAddiction.com. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Anberlin Recruit “Dream Team” For Final Album". Under the Gun Review. January 30, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  23. ↑ Name * (February 12, 2014). "Anberlin Releases Teaser Image For Upcoming Album". Infectious Magazine. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  24. ↑ paigekochanski (February 24, 2014). "Anberlin Recording Final Album". poppunkworld. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Anberlin Finish Recording Final Album". Mind Equals Blown. April 24, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Anberlin Reveal Final Album Title, Track List, And Cover Art". Under the Gun Review. May 6, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  27. ↑ Chris (May 15, 2014). "Modern Vinyl – Anberlin’s ‘Lowborn’ up for pre-order". Modern-vinyl.com. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Anberlin Album & Song Chart History" Billboard 200 for Anberlin. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  29. ↑ "Anberlin Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Top Alternative Albums for Anberlin. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  30. ↑ "Anberlin Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Christian Albums for Anberlin. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  31. ↑ "Anberlin Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Independent Albums for Anberlin. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  32. ↑ "Anberlin Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Top Rock Albums for Anberlin. Retrieved July 31, 2014.