AN EMOTIONAL CROSSOVER SURE TO YIELD SUPERSTARDOM

Though Anberlin always had a foot in the secular scene (frequently performing in clubs and becoming staples on the “Vans Warped Tour”), the modern rockers are now part of the major label leagues, making the jump from indie staple Tooth & Nail to Universal Republic. Outside of giving the guys worldwide exposure, signing on the dotted line also made way for all-star producer Neal Avron (Fall Out Boy, Yellowcard, New Found Glory), in turn finding Stephen Christian & Co. at the top of their game.

Even with the marketplace shift, Anberlin is arguably more expressive about its faith than ever before but interjects stories of spiritual inspiration with remarkably effective poetry and phrasing, which works well with any audience. “Burn Out Brighter (Northern Lights”) boasts lines like “Live, I want to live inspired/I want to die for something/Higher than myself” over an insanely catchy guitar line and Christian’s sky-high, Morrissey-like range. “Breathe” is a textbook acoustic ballad, sending chills through listeners with every epic twist and phrase of renewal (“Can’t return home who I was before/I can finally breathe/Suddenly alive”).

The anthems keep coming at breakneck speed, from the forceful and striking “The Resistance” to the entrancing “Blame Me! Blame Me!” to the lush melodic relief of “Retrace.” The childhood recollection of “Younglife” is artfully spun pop candy. “Haight Street” is a vibrant dance rocker in all its hand-clapping glory, while “Disappear” is the new wave era re-spun with Anberlin’s increasingly distinctive alternative quality. Long story short, New Surrender is hands-down one of 2008’s most essential albums to own and is sure to position Anberlin as much deserved cross-cultural superstars. –Andy Argyrakis