What a Great Show!
by Lindzmorris on 8/12/24Anberlin was so good live! Great stage presence and I loved singing my heart out with you guys
Lineup
For more than two decades, Anberlin have remained a formidable force in the alt-rock world, boasting a wildly devoted fanbase who've come to rely on the raw cathartic power of their music. On the massively anticipated Vega--the first album in ten years from vocalist Stephen Christian, guitarists Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney, bassist Deon Rexroat, and drummer Nathan Young--the Florida-bred band deliver a body of work forged with an explosive new energy, thanks in part to the addition of singer Matty Mullins (the Memphis May Fire frontman who's stepped in as live vocalist for Anberlin, following Christian's announcement that he'll no longer tour full-time). The latest triumph in an extraordinary career that's included selling over 1.5 million albums in the U.S. alone and turning out hits like the No. 1 Alternative Radio smash "Feel Good Drag," Vega reveals a band whose creative passion and one-of-a-kind vision have only grown stronger over time.
Arriving on the heels of two back-to-back EPs--2022's Silverline and 2023's Convinced--Vega emerged from a period of unbridled creativity for Anberlin, who parted ways soon after 2014's Lowborn and reunited for a series of lockdown-era livestreams. In bringing their new album to life, the band embraced a deliberately free-flowing and DIY approach, building up songs in McAlhaney's garage before self-producing the LP at Tampa's Feral Sound Studios. "In the past we'd sometimes limit our sound to some preconceived idea of what Anberlin is supposed to be," says McAlhaney. "This time the mantra was, 'If it feels good, let's try it.' Because at the end of the day, Anberlin is whatever we say it is." As a result, Vega encompasses everything from the shout-along-ready pop perfection of "Walk Alone" to the brutally heavy intensity of "Seven" (a shapeshifting and strangely enthralling epic featuring a savage vocal performance from Mullins). "I think after spending time apart we came back with a new perspective, where we were all just excited to work together and create the best songs we can," says Young. "No one was precious about their ideas; it was all about making something that feels new and risky and like nothing we've ever done before."
As they get set to embark on the 20 Years of Tears amphitheater tour with Thursday, Hawthorne Heights, and Saosin--a 56-date run that marks their most extensive tour in a decade--Anberlin look forward to the pure thrill of performing their new material for their longtime legion of fans. "We've had so many people tell us things like, 'Your songs got me through a really difficult time in my life,' or 'You guys are what made me pick up a guitar and start my own band,'" says Rexroat. "It's an incredible feeling to know that we've impacted other people on that level--the amount of love we've felt is undeniable, and it's one of the main reasons we've kept going for as long we have."
Anberlin was so good live! Great stage presence and I loved singing my heart out with you guys
Another awesome show by Anberlin. Sad to see Stephen stepping away from touring but it was a great final performance. Also introduced the new touring singer. Great setlist and they rocked as usual.
The entire band always put their all into every single note. Considering it was Stephen’s last American shows, they went all-out with their set list and even included an old favorite, DDCP. We’ll all miss Stephen, but I’m grateful the band is staying together and welcoming Matty Mullins. Thank you for all that you do. Side note: Please start offering XS in merch again
Loved the concert, just wish we could have gotten more songs! I will be waiting for the headlining tour! I’m a long time fan and it was great to see them!
It was my first time seeing anberlin, they are my favorite band and have been since my freshman year of highschool. They played cities and never take friendship personal in their entirety. At the very end I held up a sign and asked to play with them, they actually pulled me up and we got to play ReadyFuels. It meant the world to me and it was a magical experience for my family friends and myself 10/10 band and the venue was cool too!
I drive to see Anberlin from Arizona because I love them so much. I went with my best friend he flew from Kansas to watch the show. It was amazing the vocals were great the artists are awesome and at the end the guy that played Readyfuels was awesome!
I’ve been a fan of these guys since their first show in AZ back in 2003! I’ve seen them Several times throughout the years. That’s how good and energetic a show they put on. It’s always been worth the watch! ????
Overall, all three nights were fantastic. Anberlin put on a fabulous show, as always, and the whole crowd was really into it. The size for the venue was perfect. It was big enough to have great energy with the crowd, but small enough that it felt intimate and personal with the band. Really had a nice time.
Both Anberlin and the opening act, ‘68, were awesome. They both rocked hard and put on an awesome show. The venue was great, too. It was an intimate setting but didn’t feel too small or cramped.
First time seeing Anberlin. They played the New Surrender album, which is my favorite, so the setlist was right up my alley. They energy was positive and felt more like a band performing with friends than a national touring act. The band was a little loose on a couple of songs they had not played live before but it didn’t detract from the evening at all.