Switchfoot and Anberlin

Starting in 1996, the band have become known for their alternative rock guitar driven tracks and their ability to mix it up with more slow tempo songs intertwined with elegant string arrangements. With influences ranging from U2 to Bob Dylan and Dave Matthews Band has provided them with universal appeal. Often labelled as ‘an alternative Christian rock band’ as a result of tremendous support from several Christian rock radio stations based on the band’s personal beliefs. In a 2003 interview with Rolling Stone, frontman Jon Foreman spoke up on the categorisation by stating “We’re Christian by faith, not genre”.

In 2002, four Switchfoot tracks (including the hits: “Dare You to Move” and “Learning to Breathe”) featured heavily in the blockbuster “A Walk to Remember” garnering interest with several record labels. Making the decision to sign with Sony BMG, the band released their first major label album “The Beautiful Letdown” in 2003 which helped catapult them into the mainstream allowing them to successful complete the crossover transition. The critically acclaimed album was a huge success, selling over 2.6 million copies and achieving double platinum status.

Experimenting with stylistic nuances meandering through their distinctive sound and incorporating synth elements created another dimension to the band’s musical ingenuity and extending their widespread appeal.

Mirrored by their various successes, throughout their lengthy career Switchfoot have been highly revered by the industry amassing several accolades including: a Grammy Award in 2011 for the album “Hello Hurricane” as Best Rock or Gospel Album, three ASCAP awards and 11 GMA Dove Awards.

As a band who constantly tour their extensive back catalogue, Switchfoot have built up a passionate following and incredible reputation for the energetic and memorable performances.

Anberlin since 2007 has had a consistent line-up of lead vocalist Stephen Christian, bassist Deon Rexroat, guitarists Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney and drummer Nathan Young. Before the advent of Anberlin, members of the band formed the punk band called ‘SaGoh 24/7’ which had two releases, “Servants After God’s Own Heart” in 1999 and “Then I Corrupt Youth” two years later in 2001. Shortly after, the band recorded five demos, which they posted on mp3.com and signed with the label Tooth & Nail Records.

The band’s sound is characterised by Christian’s soaring and lofty vocals, combined with alternative rock and pop/punk elements and have been compared to the sound of Third Blind Eye. Due to their attachment to the label Tooth & Nail Record the Anberlin has often been referred to as a Christian band however lead singer Stephen has dismissed the association.

May 2003 brought the band’s debut album entitled “Blueprints for the Black Market” and on the back of played shows alongside the likes of Fall Out Boy and Story of the Year. Anberlin’s February 2005 follow-up album “Never Take Friendship Personal” featuring new guitarist Nathan Strayer charted at No. 144 on the Billboard 200 and

The band’s third album “Cities” released in early 2007 and produced by Aaron Sprinkle signalled Anberlin’s move into the mainstream, charting well at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and receiving positive reviews the band, it represented a more mature approach to lyrics and music production.

After this success Anberlin signed to the major label Universal Republic in August 2007 and released their fourth studio album name “New Surrender” produced by Fall Out Boy and New Found Glory producer Neal Avron in September 2008. In support of the album the band toured the U.S. alongside Scary Kids Scaring Kids, There For Tomorrow and Starlight Run.

Anberlin’s fifth studio album “Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place” saw the band work with Grammy winning producer Brendan O’Brien and tour with 30 Seconds to Mars. Their sixth album “Vital” returned the band to long-term producer Aaron Sprinkle and showed a darker side to their music. The band released their seventh album in October 2013 and announced they were disbanding after their 2014 tour.