Anberlin

by Jenny Bennett

Anberlin's recently released Lost Songs is a "b-sides" record – 18 songs that haven't made it onto their albums thus far. Online exclusive The Haunting is included, along with recently recorded acoustic versions, covers, demos, and other unusual tracks.

After seeing the group play a rockin' set at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, a stop on their tour with Mae, Motion City Soundtrack and Metro Station, I'm looking forward to hearing the softer side of this up-and-coming band, whose beautifully melodic The Unwinding Cable Car first sparked my interest. (Be sure to check out the brand new video for Unwinding here.)

The quintet from Winter Park, Fla. (Stephen Christian, vocals, Joeseph Milligan, guitar, Deon Rexroat, bass guitar, Christian McAlhaney, guitar, and Nathan Young, drums) signed to indie label Tooth & Nail in 2002 and have since been enjoying rapid growth, reaching audiences both Christian and non-Christian alike, and making the switch to Universal Republic Records this September. They seem to have a broad fan base, which is generally true of most artists who are both musically sophisticated and somewhat lyrically generic. Although there are moments – such as the chorus of The Unwinding Cable Car – which could stir the soul of even the most sincere worshipper: This is the correlation of salvation and love/Don't drop your arms/I'll guard your heart/With quiet words I'll lead you in.

Anberlin is definitely a band to watch in 2008 – their energy level during live performances, their connection to the fans, and their creativity so far make them an obvious frontrunner in the world of Christian music.

anberlin.com
MySpace

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