In recent years, there have been many well-known and talented bands visiting the Raleigh area. Some have found it fitting to play in smaller venues, perhaps for a more personal approach toward their fans. However, none have come as close as Anberlin did this past Tuesday, reaching a whole new level of intimacy with their supporters.
Students packed into the limited space provided by Schoolkids Records, and still others piled out through the door toward Hillsborough Street. Despite the stuffy in-store quarters, students and local residents came to see Anberlin perform and promote their newest album, Dark Is The Way, Light Is The Place, before getting the opportunity to meet and speak with the band members.
Lead singer Stephen Christian’s resonating voice carried over the soft brush of acoustics playing the unmistakable sound of Anberlin songs. Warming up to the crowd with old favorites such as “The Unwinding Cable Car” before moving on to a more upbeat “Feel Good Drag,” the band introduced its hit new single “Impossible.”
Scott Warren, a sophomore in paper science engineering, said he enjoyed hearing the band in person.
“It’s my first time hearing them live, and I think they sound really good,” Warren said. “It’s a different sound on acoustic, but it’s still on par with their studio recordings.”
Anberlin finished their set list all too soon, but at the request of the crowd, played a titular song from one of their older albums titled “Never Take Friendship Personal.” Afterward, fans and attendees were able to get signatures, speak with the band members and have their pictures taken with the band.
Marcia Frisbie, a junior in biological sciences, said she was impressed by the band’s testimony and attitude.
“[Christian] has a really nice voice,” Frisbie said. “Their music isn’t always different from other rock bands, but I like how even though his faith and beliefs definitely impact his life, they don’t label themselves as a ‘Christian band’ because their music is meant for everyone.”
Anberlin has consistently had more to their songs than just the most basic layers of their music. Christian’s voice is both light and strong, and invokes powerful feelings from the listener.
Meaningful lyrics are a staple of the band’s songs, each track reverberating with a message or a tale of its own. Whether it is a tale of a lost love or a call to let go to carry on with one’s life, it is quite amazing for such a seemingly light-hearted band to be playing songs with such deep tones.
Anberlin’s music is the type that will likely grow on those who listen over time, experience more of life and face new trials every day while maturing.
This is a reflection of the themes Christian has described in some of his interviews and DVD commentaries for a previous album. He explained that their first few albums followed similar themes of maturation from Man versus World, Man versus Man and ultimately to Man versus Self.
As the lyricist and vocalist of Anberlin, Christian gives their songs and albums a personal touch.
“I feel like the first three albums were a trilogy [in their themes],” Christian said. “And this new album is the first coming-of-age album, much like novels such as The Great Gatsby and Catcher in the Rye. In a way, this new album is a reflection of my high school years.”
Dark Is The Way, Light Is The Place marks the milestone of the band’s transition into adulthood. Having faced the adversities afforded by life from outside and within, the new album reflects upon their years of growth. Having matured and become wiser with age, Anberlin encourage their fans to do the same.
