Yeah at this point I think they’re going to be kind of back forever. They’ll play occasional shows tours and even sparingly release some new stuff. They’ll never be back full-time, but here and there do some stuff
That interview is hilarious. He keeps saying Anberlin isn't coming back and the guy just keeps questioning him about Anberlin and what's next for the band. I feel like he was so determined he even seemed to convince Stephen a bit.
That was literally his goal. He was very open about it. The funniest thing is Stephen took the bait, which is so like Stephen to do, given him contradicting himself all the time in the past.
Were they sat in the same room? It read to me like an email interview where Brandon had just sent over a load of questions. Especially due to the way Stephen's responses were written in places (particularly the politics bit).
It was email. He asked some of us who’ve contributed to the site about submitting questions and I don’t remember which ones he took, but he obviously took the ones that slanted the interview the most. Ha. Hahahahaha
Yea I just pictured: Stephen: yea we’re done... Q: what’s the next record gonna sound like Stephen: we’re done....*rolls eyes*....well since you asked... Stephen: and this is where we’re touring.... Stephen: we’re done though Q: :)
Here's the new press release from the church in Florida that is employing Stephen Christian from January 6th if anyone is interested. I had thought that a move to Florida may open up the door for more Anberlin stuff but this guy seems to be suggesting that being with family, moving away from the rock band thing and focusing on Christian ministry is Stephen's focus... Maybe it is just one show...? For now...
That was my first thought too about the move to Florida, open the door up for more Anberlin. I'm still holding out hope for more music/shows. That was a great interview... No new Anberlin. Ok, I'm going to ignore that answer and keep asking
What’s crazy is if he’s in FL that can be his focus while Anberlin still does stuff. It’d just operate more as a side gig. I feel like that’s both the best-case scenario and what we’re going to get down the road.
Yeah, I can see them all enjoying this show, meeting up more regularly because Stephen's back in Florida and then eventually getting round to more shows (and music?!) Just a lot more slow burner than a lot of people considered last week.
The idea that if there is a new anberlin record in the future, it will be heavier almost made me jump through the ceiling with excitement.
I feel like he was jesting us all with that and by that point of the interview he was just joking around to hype everyone. Because how would he know at this stage...? My understanding was that it was Stephen who wanted to finish it so if he's in a closer proximity to some of the members that would have kept going, that may have led to unavoidable momentum.
A record full of Velvet-Covered Bricks and fully realized Dissenters? I would absolutely be on board with that.
This is kind of not directly related, but I feel like a lot of Anberlin fans would adore Falling Up’s self-titled final album from 2015. Really gorgeous alternative/indie rock with beautifully textured and layered melodies, and very reminiscent of this band at times.
Can confirm. Falling Up’s melodies are some of the only ones that go toe to toe with Anberlin for me in terms of shear epic power (especially on the self-titled and Your Sparkling Death Cometh).
Also, revisiting Lowborn for the first time in a while... it’s still in the upper tier of their discography for me. I love how much they pushed their experimentation here.
It’s amazing how Falling Up went from youth group rock band to art rock band. Their journey is pretty incredible, they’re one of my favorites for sure.