The Alternative Star.com

Anberlin @ The Garrick 01/23/09

Unbeknownst to most of the sold out crowd Friday night, Anberlin made it into the city in time for the show but just barely. It seems even a band described as wholesome and eternally cheerful doesn’t have the best of luck at the border but either way, the band made it to Winnipeg with just one hour to spare before the doors opened. Thankfully they did make it; we’ve been waiting a long time to see these guys, a point well proven just considering the venue switched from the Park Theatre to the Garrick due to the high demand.

Anberlin proved to be a decent live act but not groundbreaking by any means. Perhaps part of the problem was the lack of time for a proper sound check, it was loud to the point that it was a little fuzzy and hard to decipher what vocalist Stephen Christian was singing. The group kicked off their set with a track from their major label debut New Surrender titled “Disappear” followed by “Never Take Friendship Personal” off of their 2005 Tooth and Nail release of the same name.

Probably the liveliest and most amusing member to watch was the band’s drummer Nathan Young. It’s not very often you see someone hit the drums that hard, he truly gives it 110% and that’s awesome! They didn’t play “Ready Fuels,” one of the Anberlin songs with the catchiest choruses but they did play “A Day Late,” which sure comes close. Nearly everyone was shouting along for “We are who, we are who we were when!” Their recent radio hit “Feel Good Drag” also got a shining crowd response but the band doesn’t just know how to rock out. There is also a mellower side of Anberlin featuring acoustic guitars. The encore “Fin” proved this perfectly and was a nice way to end their set.

Chicago’s Madina Lake was one of the two opening acts. They did have some amusing stage antics, one of which included their platinum blonde haired front man climbing up the tall stacks of amps and jumping off, only to be caught by the kids and crowd surfed back to the stage. However I couldn’t help but feel their music was a little bland, catchy yes but nothing special. So badly I want to say they remind me of Aiden and I Am Ghost, just they don’t go quite as overboard with the image.

Florida’s Between the Trees weren’t as active but their music was a lot more memorable. Swooning vocals and superb melodies over crunchy guitars, subtle bass, a bit of piano and crashing drums gave a unique vibe to their songs. The band also had a very warm reception from the crowd; it’s not every day you see people singing along with the opening band here.  

Final Verdict? 3/5

Reviewed by: Deborah Remus

Check out an interview with Anberlin drummer Nathan Young here!