Anberlin - Bio and Album Download
A Shaky Start:
Blueprints for the Black Market captured a young group trying to assimilate its influences. Not making much of an impression on the charts, Blueprints felt like an amalgam of many pop-punk bands of the era, except Anberlin were not quite as good or confident as their peers. The single “Readyfuels” did suggest that Anberlin could latch onto a catchy riff from time to time, but their mediocre hard rock cover of the Cure’s “Love Song” highlighted that they weren’t quite ready for the big time.Gaining Confidence:
2005’s Never Take Friendship Personal boasted sharper production and better songs, although Stephen Christian’s lyrics often descended into sappy emo-sensitive platitudes. Still, Never Take Friendship Personal was a considerable sonic improvement, and the band’s minor hit “Paperthin Hymn” helped propel the album on the Billboard chart, peaking at No. 144.Growing Commercial Clout:
Despite being on an independent label, Anberlin finally started making major commercial inroads on their third record, 2007’s Cities. Getting as high as No. 19 on the Billboard chart,Cities featured a harder-edged sound than Anberlin’s previous albums. Still, there were plenty of pop-punk hooks in attendance on Cities, as well as a more introspective bent to Christian’s lyrics.Signing With a Major Label:
Before the release of their September 2008 album, New Surrender, Anberlin left Tooth & Nail and signed with the major label Universal Republic. In addition, new guitarist Christian McAlhaney joined the lineup, and the band took part in that summer’s Warped Tour. New Surrender showcased a broader sonic palette than the band’s three previous albums and a more mature outlook than the puppy-dog love songs of the past.Current Lineup:
Stephen Christian – vocalsChristian McAlhaney – guitar
Joseph Milligan – guitar
Deon Rexroat – bass
Nathan Young – drums
Key Anberlin Songs:
“Readyfuels”“A Day Late”
“Paperthin Hymn”
“Godspeed”
“Retrace”
Discography:
Blueprints for the Black Market (2003)Never Take Friendship Personal (2005)
Cities (2007)
New Surrender (2008)
Anberlin Quotes:
Stephen Christian, on whether religion is a big factor in Anberlin’s music.“I think the only ‘big factor’ religion could have on any aspect of any album would be on the lyrics. I don’t think Deon sat down to write a God-fearing bass line, or Nathan coming up with the perfect praise and worship beat. For me, though, I have never sat down and tried to write a ‘religious’ lyric in my life. I just write.”
Stephen Christian, on where to put his band’s music in context with other groups.
“I would ask to be sitting right next to AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses and pure rock ‘n’ roll.”
Stephen Christian, on how he would describe Anberlin’s live show.
“Energetic, intoxicating, as memorable as eating razors and washing it down with rubbing alcohol.”
Stephen Christian, on responding to negative reviews.
“Reviews don’t bother me, criticism from labels doesn’t really hurt, but if a longtime fan is let down by a new record it keeps me up well into the night.”
Stephen Christian, describing New Surrender.
“With this record I wanted to start thinking outside myself. Sure, there are songs on [New Surrender] that have a more personal experience, but as for the whole of the record I really wanted to get away from being so egocentric.”
Source: http://rock.about.com
Album Downloads:
New Surrender (2008): http://www.mediafire.com/?wjdqmdewmmo
Never Take Friendship Personal (2005): http://www.mediafire.com/?mxely3jnrxn
Cities (2007): http://www.mediafire.com/?njm1eyrylhn
