Anberlin: Concert Review
Anberlin is out with Saosin for a really hot pentad bill (that also includes Acceptance, Terminal, and Codeseven). They stopped at Emo’s for the sixth stop on the 32-show tour. Emo’s is enjoying a fine reputation as the necessary dive/stop for any touring band of the hardcore/indie rock/punk variety. They have two stages. Both are covered, but the larger of the two is the “Outdoor” stage with a side entrance; and the smaller “Indoor” stage in the small room that shares space with a bar. The stage is a tiny triangle that barely fits most of the bands that play here, but they adroitly schedule many an “early show” at this venue so that the underage concert goers can take in a show while the other stage sets up for a late night concert. This was one of those early shows, which started shortly after 5pm.
The young Terminal got things going with an energy that was contagious from the get-go. Frontman Travis Bryant exudes total enthusiasm, and the crowded small room gave him more then enough energy to feed off of. His high voice seemed to match his physical height, as the tall and lanky singer juxtaposed moving around a lot with standing alone with microphone to belt out his lines. These guys are good.
Codeseven came on next and mesmerized the crowd with the guitarist’s guitar synthesizer. It was cool.
Acceptance was third on a bill of strong bands. They immediately set their hooks into the soft brains of us all and yanked hard on the chain of fandom. Jason Vena’s vocals really shined and did not have to compete with the music (as their predecessors, Codeseven, struggled with), as each song stood strong as a well-crafted piece of pop art. These guys are so good and their 35-minute or so set seemed to fly by. Many songs were played off Phantoms, which sold a few copies to those in attendance immediately after their set.
It was fun to see Saosin tear it up. It was interesting to see the fanbase change fairly dramatically after their long set winded down. The front of the stage emptied, allowing rabid Anberlin fans to congregate for a good spot prior to the last set. Saosin is sailing high on the crest of a good buzz, which is pretty amazing since they’re being picked up by a major hasn’t had a chance to add momentum yet. The melody from “Human Wreckage” seemed to be calling from amidst one of their songs halfway through their set.
Even though the audience did a set-change of sorts, it was packed again when Anberlin took the stage (just not as tight). One thing made itself known immediately after Anberlin started playing – and that was joy. Stephen Christian’s face just lit up as did several dozen faces in front, singing along and clapping to the energy-boosting songs. Each of the bands on this bill had the crowd in their back pocket, it seemed, which made for quite an enjoyable four hours. Many songs from Never Take Friendship Personal were hoisted into the audience, and there was a lot of jumping around and the occasional stage dive and launched musician.
Anberlin delivers that key ingredient that makes its audience smile. The songs, the energy, the rock and roll essentials of jamming and cool riffage, it all comes wrapped up in an effervescent joy that’s unmistakable. In talking to Stephen before their set (which was also unusual, because he was mingling just seconds before going on stage; quite different than most aloof frontmen before they “attack” their domain, etc). He was so excited about all the momentum that the band has going for them (a tour in Australia is a major thing, ya know), and he was quick to say, “You know, if it ended all today, I’d be so grateful. Everything that’s happened has been such a thrill.” It was that kind of attitude that he brought on stage with him and just silently poured out on the hungry and awaiting audience. This is the new Christian rock.
Photos and review by Doug Van Pelt
©2005 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
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Comments
Posting comments is THE hottest new trend. It's cool! It's fun. It's outta sight, man. I was at this show in Austin, and I have to say I agree 100% with everything this person said.
I absolutely love Anberlin! I wish I could go see them concert, but no Christian or metal bands come to El P aso, TX. CRAP!
Anberlin Aust Tour is going to be awesome, my friends band Antiskeptic is the national tour support.i am amped for this!
im gonna see these guys next weelend and i hope its gonna be good im stoked to see acceptance i love them !!
Antiskeptic equals awesome.
