“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will tell our listeners that we are here to stay and we are not a fad band that will fade out as soon as dance-pop is outdated.”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.”
Dopamine
Anarbor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I don't know what's come over me
But you know, I can't stop 'cause I won't make it
It's in my personality
'Cause I'm hooked
I'm hooked on your dopamine
What you do to me is no good
But baby, you're good for me, so good for me
Chasing after what I have with you
Is it just me? 'Cause I feel wasted
I'm feeling what you're giving me
I know you say ""Give it a try""
But now I'm riding on the line
Don't care what it does to me, yeah
I'm hooked
I'm hooked on your dopamine
What you do to me is no good
But baby, you're good for me, so good for me
We break apart to build something new
Chasing after what I have with you
We break apart to build something new
I'm chasing after what I have with you
'Cause I'm hooked
I'm hooked on your dopamine
What you do to me is no good
But baby, you're good for me, so good for me
We break apart to build something new, yeah
Chasing after what I have with you
The lyrics of Anarbor's song "Dopamine" express a conflicted mindset and emotional dependency on someone. The singer admits to thinking a lot about this person and feeling a strong attraction towards them, represented by the reference to being hooked on their "dopamine." Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, so it metaphorically signifies the addictive nature of this relationship.
The singer acknowledges that what this person does to them is ultimately not good, but they also recognize that this person is good for them in some way. There's a sense of contradiction in wanting to break free from this destructive dynamic but also being compelled to seek it out because of the intense emotions it evokes.
The line "We break apart to build something new" suggests a cycle of breaking up and making up, where they constantly strive to rebuild their connection. Despite the potential harm and waste of energy, the singer feels drawn to the emotional high this person provides. They question whether it's just them, feeling wasted by this relationship. Despite all of this, they continue to chase after and long for what they have with this person.
Overall, the lyrics capture the complexities of a tumultuous relationship, capturing the conflicting feelings of addiction, emotional dependency, and the struggle to break free from a cycle that may be detrimental.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been thinking a lot about you lately
Lately, you've been constantly on my mind.
And I don't know what's come over me
I'm not sure why, but I've been feeling this way.
But you know, I can't stop 'cause I won't make it
I feel unable to stop this because it has become a part of who I am.
It's in my personality
This addiction is deeply ingrained in my character.
'Cause I'm hooked
I'm addicted and unable to break free.
I'm hooked on your dopamine
I am addicted to the pleasure you bring me.
What you do to me is no good
Your actions have negative consequences on me.
But baby, you're good for me, so good for me
Despite the negative effects, I believe being with you is beneficial.
We break apart to build something new
Sometimes we need to separate in order to grow and create something better.
Chasing after what I have with you
I'm pursuing the connection we share.
Is it just me? 'Cause I feel wasted
Am I the only one feeling this way? Because I feel drained and exhausted.
I'm feeling what you're giving me
I am experiencing the effects of what you are providing.
I know you say 'Give it a try'
You encourage me to give this a chance.
But now I'm riding on the line
But now I find myself in a precarious situation.
Don't care what it does to me, yeah
I'm disregarding the possible harm it may cause me.
We break apart to build something new
We need to separate in order to create a fresh start.
I'm chasing after what I have with you
I'm actively pursuing the connection we share.
'Cause I'm hooked
Because I'm unable to break free from this addiction.
I'm hooked on your dopamine
I am addicted to the pleasure you bring me.
What you do to me is no good
Your actions have negative consequences on me.
But baby, you're good for me, so good for me
Despite the negative effects, I believe being with you is beneficial.
We break apart to build something new, yeah
We need to separate in order to create something better.
Chasing after what I have with you
I'm pursuing the connection we share.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Adam Philip Juwig, Gregory Robert Garrity, Justin Reece, Matthew Luis Keller, Rudolph Slade Echeverria
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anarbor
Love this track? Then check out our NEW single "Letter in a Suitcase" by clicking this link! https://onerpm.link/letterinasuitcase
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thehayleysofar
when are these guys going to just blow up?! They've got some solid songs and great stage performance. Totally underrated!!
Demigod Gainz
thehayleysofar they shouldn’t they should belong to the people instead of blowing up and turning into another corporate face
Bitis
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THEIR RETURN SO LONG
Trevor McQuirns
Jenna Beasley yeah this is straight fire this and can't help it are live af
Greg Smith
I love this. Nice groove, good song writing, 80's vibe! Stoked for the album :)
richard mueller
<3 Anarbor, man. My first major rock band. Back at last :3
Cata Pimbas
after all this years without new songs I still get amazed *---- can't wait for the rest of the album!
Ken Simmons
giving me Walk the Moon vibes I love it
Michał Zawadzki
so underrated band, your music is awesome!!!