“We know that every single kid out there is tired of the same old dance-pop record that gets released every single week. Our goal is to be the music scene’s saving grace,” says guitarist Mike Kitlas. “It will tell our listeners that we are here to stay and we are not a fad band that will fade out as soon as dance-pop is outdated.”
Free Your Mind extends beyond the cut-and-paste albums being churned out, instead infusing dynamic guitars behind the soul-shaking howls and relatable melodies from frontman Slade Echeverria. Crafted in Los Angeles by producer Mike Green (Paramore, Good Charlotte) over a four-week span in Los Angeles, Free Your Mind's formation came from a desire to break out from the "fad band" chokehold and delve into what was real.
The EP's lyrical themes of drama-addled love are age-appropriate for this band still fresh from cap and gown status, yet show emerging maturity and growth while navigating the waters of life on the road and in the press, as well as their loss of anonymity. Not one track doesn’t contain a purpose or reason ripped from the band’s own personal headlines, and the EP title wasn’t without a conscious peek into their agenda, either.
“We want to challenge kids to think outside of the norm, and really find themselves, rather then just following what the crowd is doing,” Kitlas said. “We want to show our listeners that they are not alone, we all go through our struggles and everyone has their ups and downs in life.”
The seven-track EP, kicks off with a mischievous call to a wayward paramour on “Let The Games Begin,” before sliding into the instant hip-shaking grooves of “The Brightest Green,” a slice of Maroon 5-ish soul that takes on a life of its own. Anarbor takes a familiar formula but adds a warmth and genuineness to every guitar lick and lyric that keeps them relatable yet unique. Each track seamlessly follows the next, spinning clever lyrics and brisk guitars, and each adds another deft chapter to this memorable volume.
“The distinctive sound we are reaching for is rock and roll. We don't use any instruments in our songs that we don’t play live, we are going for a very raw and real sound for this record,” Kitlas said. When noted that shared influences range from Third Eye Blind to Red Hot Chili Peppers, it’s even more apparent where the EP’s driving and fully-executed rock-based energy gained its roots.
The easy nature and chemistry of the band from Phoenix, Arizona, formed in 2003 is more than just a cosmic luck for an emerging band. Because this, in years of formation, is by no means a freshman band. Echeverria and Kitlas became friends in grade school, and continued to grow up experiencing many life-changing events together, securing a bond that eventually extended to music, and a decision to make it their ultimate ambition. The band signed to Hopeless Records before they even received their high school diplomas.
More than just a sum of its parts, the writing process for Anarbor is a group united, with each member adding input in acoustic jam sessions that allows everyone to collaborate and contribute creatively. It’s a cohesion that allowed each member’s personal preferences and talents shine when it came to recording.
Sharing the stage with everyone from Fall Out Boy to the Gin Blossoms, as well as a coveted spot on this year’s Take Action! Tour, Anarbor is gaining steady recognition as the diverse band to watch among a sea of faux rock ‘n rollers. This motivated and utterly gifted band will resonate with any listener who knows a thing or two about learning who you are and putting your ambitions into motion.
“We want people to walk away feeling comforted and confident in themselves,” Kitlas said. “Music is a universal language that everyone can relate to. We talk about our real life stories, feelings and situations. You can expect real music and real lyrics, no filler.”
Anatomy
Anarbor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I drive as far as I can drive
just escape the fight
I never said you couldn't hate me
I never said you couldn't shake
so don't cry now baby,
cause you're way to good for that.
the scent of you
I tense my toes and close my eyes
as I whisper to you
it's your sweet perfume
the scent of you
that I oh, no no no
let's let our bodies sleep in today
your bones are much too fragile anyway
your love face your lovely touch
I can't find a bone of love in you
it's your sweet perfume
the scent of you
I tense my toes and close my eyes
as I whisper to you
it's your sweet perfume
the scent of you
that I oh, no no no no
I wanna feel the beat of your selfish heart
as our bodies melt into one in the dark
I wanna hold you close as we fall into the night
I tense my toes and close my eyes
as I whisper to you
it's your sweet perfume
the scent of you
that I oh no, I don't know
I wanna feel the beat of your selfish heart
as our bodies melt into one in the dark
I wanna hold you close as we fall into the night
The song "Anatomy" by Anarbor is a passionate love anthem that explores the complexities and contradictions of a relationships. The lyrics portray a sense of longing and desire for someone, while also acknowledging the flaws and struggles that come with love. The singer takes the long way home to escape from a fight, suggesting a sense of tension and conflict within the relationship. However, he still acknowledges his love for the other person, and describes her sweet perfume as a source of comfort and attraction.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "it's your sweet perfume, the scent of you" several times, emphasizing the importance of physical attraction and sensory experiences in love. The singer also expresses a desire to feel the other person's heartbeat in order to connect with them on a deeper level. Despite the difficult aspects of the relationship, the singer still has a strong desire to hold onto the other person and fall into the night with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Guess I'll take the long way home tonight
I am purposely avoiding going home because I don't want to deal with any problems or conflict.
I drive as far as I can drive
I am trying to distance myself from any negativity or stress in my life.
just escape the fight
I am trying to avoid any arguments or confrontation.
I never said you couldn't hate me
I acknowledge that people have the right to dislike me.
I never said you couldn't shake
I know that certain things might cause you to feel strongly about me.
so don't cry now baby,
I don't want to see you upset.
cause you're way too good for that.
I believe that you deserve to be happy and unburdened by any sadness or pain.
it's your sweet perfume
I feel drawn to your scent, and it brings me comfort and joy.
the scent of you
Your natural fragrance is an important aspect of who you are.
I tense my toes and close my eyes
I am trying to savor and fully experience this moment.
as I whisper to you
I am expressing my feelings to you in a quiet, intimate way.
that I oh, no no no
Your scent overwhelms me in the best way possible.
let's let our bodies sleep in today
Let's take the time to rest and relax together.
your bones are much too fragile anyway
You need to take care of yourself and not push yourself too hard.
your love face your lovely touch
The way you show your love and your touch are both important to me.
I can't find a bone of love in you
I feel like you are not reciprocating my feelings of love and affection.
I wanna feel the beat of your selfish heart
I want to feel your passion and desire for me.
as our bodies melt into one in the dark
I want to be fully connected with you and lose myself in our intimacy.
I wanna hold you close as we fall into the night
I want to feel your warmth and closeness as we continue our evening together.
it's your sweet perfume
Your scent still has a powerful effect on me.
the scent of you
Your scent is a reminder of who you are and the memories we shared.
that I oh no, I don't know
I am unsure of my current feelings towards you and where this relationship may go.
Contributed by Alice B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@anemoemu3083
Still one of my favorite songs of all time
@Vigilante__shit
I will forever come back to this song.
@richie543ify
Me too 😁
@carsoncall7665
Best song by Anarbor. They have some good stuff
@akperules8116
Most underrated song ever!
@sunrisesolitude2389
Wish this was on iTunes 😭
@Vigilante__shit
I’ve been in love with this song for years and I periodically check Apple Music / iTunes (would buy it for sure if I had too) and it’s never there 😭
@xXimdead3183Xx
still listening........anarbor is the best band ever! :)
@aziny101
I love Anarbor I almost forgot about them D: But beautiful songs they have<3 Good job on the video C:
@suckaface01
I love this song! there is a little rumor of this song being on "New Moon"...it would be way awesome! its such an amazing song.