Anberlin: Not Just Another Reunion Tour

I the Mighty

Starting the night off with a bang is I the Mighty, an alternative post/hardcore band hailing from San Francisco.

Opening with the arpeggiated synthesizer sequence of “Psychomachia” I the Mighty quickly ascends into their signature sonic flurry like a rocket launch. frenetic, yet precise rhythmic chops displayed by drummer Blake Dahlinger serve as the propulsion behind the band’s heavy-yet-melodic sensibilities.

Segueing into the decidedly calmer “Pet Names” I the Mighty shows a sentimental side, and one that allows the lyrics of lead vocalist Brent Walsh to take center stage with introspective musings such as “Do you think fate is just a lie we tell ourselves, to help us fall asleep at night?” Ian Pedigo’s crystal-clear guitar tones chime like a bell with each chord that seem to grasp for hope themselves; In a song about relationships, I the Mighty is not afraid to take it slow.

Ending the set with the anthemic “Silver tongues” off of their third and most recent album Where the Mind Wants to Go/Where You Let it Go (ft. Tilian of Dance Gavin Dance fame) Chris Hinkley gets his chance to shine vocally with an impressive alto range, all while holding down some serious low end on bass. The crowd is fired up after this blistering set.

A great showing by I the Mighty, and one that undoubtedly gained themselves fans.

I the Mighty Is:

Lead Vocalist – Brent Walsh

Guitarist / Backing Vocals – Ian Pedigo

Bassist / Backing Vocals – Chris Hinkley

Drummer – Blake Dahlinger

ithemighty.com

Anberlin

Anberlin: Not Just Another Reunion Tour, and why it matters

One of the progenitors of early 2000’s emo pop/rock, Anberlin hit the stage at the San Diego House of Blues to a packed house with not only era-defining music, but a mission to save children from around the world with help from Children International.

The Cause

Children International is a charity based out of Kansas City, MO that gives poverty-stricken children a new lease on life. through a monthly sponsorship, donations go toward community centers, health care and education. This clearly means a lot to the members of Anberlin—particularly lead singer Stephen Christian— who between songs, gave a heartfelt speech on the importance of the charity with all of the passion and eloquence they deserved. It was well received.

The band

…rocked.

Let’s get into detail!

The band began their set with the aptly titled “Debut” from their 2007 release, Cities. An epic, cinematic intro with soaring, melodic open fifths that crescendo seamlessly into “Godspeed” the first single from the album. An uptempo cut, this song set the tone for the night. This is a band that wants their audience on their feet and captivated, and by delivering relentlessly catchy, energetic music for the duration of their set, the fans willingly obliged.

In fact, so engaged was the audience that persistent chants of “ANBERLIN!” “ANBERLIN!” could be heard at any given opportunity between songs, the few seconds they were allotted, anyways.

Anberlin

More hits such as “PaperThin Hymn” and “Impossible” from albums Never Take Friendship Personal and Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place respectively kept the receptive fanbase singing and moving. Rounding out the show with absolute barn burners including “Disappear” “Someone, Anyone” “The Resistance” “Dismantle. Repair” and their highest ranking song to date, “Feel Good Drag” (#1 U.S Alternative chart, #8 U.S. Rock chart) Anberlin puts on an exciting show from beginning to end, with none of the energy lost from their genesis in 2002.

It’s fair to say Anberlin has an extremely dedicated fanbase; The melancholic experience of seeing them perform for most likely the last time was not lost on these ardent supporters. The consistent theme of positivity in the lyrics of Stephen Christian express themselves in his faith, and serve as an undercurrent in darker topics such as war, failed relationships, and death. It’s no coincidence that the band’s spiritual direction of hope and understanding has aligned them with a top-rated charity of the same ethos. “Dark is the way, Light is a place”, indeed.

Final Thoughts

This writer was quite a bit surprised at how youthful the crowd was. They still look roughly college age and younger, with 30-somethings peppering the audience (no doubt reminiscing about high school memories and other simpler times before smartphones) It was an observation I found interesting, and one I believe speaks to the longevity of Anberlin. Their ability to communicate to a new generation, despite a drastically different cultural landscape (musically and otherwise) prove that their music has rooted itself into the hearts and minds of young people still. They may not have a new album on the horizon, however, the music they have written continues to be heard.

It continues to matter.