Anthem is an experimental pop band based in Greenville, SC. As in genres like folk, every track on Anthem’s self-titled album Anthem tells a story, only they use the drum beats and synth of pop as their medium. The band was inspired by biblical stories to write songs exploring the human condition and the meaning of freedom as a concept. You may think you can imagine how this would sound, but I can assure you, you do not. I’m really glad I listened to the album before reading the band's bio because I might have made some assumptions that would have been dead wrong. Anthem is a collection of 16 tracks that take you on a journey using catchy beats and experimental sounds.
The first track “Intro” started with bell tones and a smooth sexy beat. The lead vocals remind me of Ben Gibbard from Deathcab for Cutie - soft and understated but clear and melodic. The overall sound of the track is unique and different and undeniably cool. I loved the female vocal harmonies and universal yet original pop sound. The second track “Run” had funky fade outs and ’80s gated reverb with a super catchy chorus. At this point, I was really digging it. The lyrics are complex and tell an intense story but the fun poppy beats take the edge off. “Leave It” reminded me a little of Foster the People and had a darker vibe while still sounding upbeat. “Don’t Want to Stop” had a very similar feel. “Chasing the Wind” took a darker turn and had soft sad piano melodies and much to my surprise my new favorite lyric possibly of all time; “Life begins when we realize freedom is a cage.” Whoa. This is probably when I started really listening instead of just listening. Anthem’s lyrics are so simple yet cut deep. They tell an existential story, diving into really heavy questions taken from biblical rhetorical (depending on who you ask) subject matter. The track “Lost” follows that biblical theme with an ominous ambient sound as did “Come Back.” The cool thing about pop music, and something that this band seems to really understand, is that it can take any subject matter and put into the context of the present moment and it becomes relevant and new. “Tell Me” was very synth-centric and had a groovy sort of feel to it that I really enjoyed. “Prey” on the other hand takes you to a very dark, evil place. I’m assuming that this was a song from the perspective of the Devil or at the very least, a demon, and everything about the song worked in that context. The following track “Value of a Sacrifice” might not make sense if you were listening to it by itself without the context of the album since this track definitely colors outside the lines. It has marching drum beats and provocative lyrics. “Echo” has a more futuristic feel but was almost a little too out there for me. “Light” was probably my favorite track on the album with a slow and sexy feel that reminded me of The xx. “War” was another ominous ambient track that made me think of a slow motion battle scene in an epic fantasy film. The lyric “Pick up your sword. Fight the demon army” certainly helps contribute to that imagery. “Staying for You” was cool and catchy and could definitely be a stand out track apart from the album. “With You” was unique and trippy and I’m pretty sure it was about heaven which isn’t as off-putting as it sounds. The final track “The End” tied in some choruses and melodies from the very first track and gently ended the journey of Anthem. Anthem is definitely a concept album but amazingly it’s not as restricting as some concept albums can be. There are several standout tracks that could fend for themselves apart from the album and even be hits in my opinion. I really enjoyed this incredibly unique take on pop music. Who knew biblical story lines could inspire such badass music? Certainly not me. The subject matter is not at all polarizing as it sounds and I found it totally entertaining and fun. Anthem is a talented group of musicians using songwriting to start conversations you otherwise wouldn’t be having and I think that’s a very powerful thing and what good music should be doing. Two thumbs up from this nerd.
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