Band Scene II: A New Era

Anberlin first caught my attention off the iTunes music sampler for the Apple Facebook group. (By the way, if you're looking for a way to make it huge, this is one great way). Ok, so granted my method of discovery wasn't exactly genius, I instantly became hooked on their pop/screamo single "Paper-Thin Hymn." So, my first question was, are they a Christian group? Or should I be more politically correct and call then "religiously-affiliated"? Well, turns out they a rock band "comprised of" Christian members. Well last time a quasi-religious band made it big, such as Creed, they broke up. Maybe not becuase of religious pr spiritual differences, but for other reasons as well. (I realize there are a ton of other bands that could be labeled as Christian such as U2, but let's focus on those that have been truly affiliated with some religious signifigance.)


Onto their music. Within the emo/punk genre, they span the entire spectrum from dark instrumental to vocal harmonizing anthems. However in a genre with an insane amount of compression, their dynamics may overshadow their true sonic abilities. On their newest release Never Take Friendship Personal, "A Day Late" exemplifies their vocal strengths. The short instrumental entitled "A Heavy Hearted Work of Staggering Genius", assumingly after the Dave Eggers book-turned-way-of-life is more of their alternative side. The guitarist seems to have southern influences with a lot of slides. Be sure to give them a listen and watch for them on tour.