Anberlin, the Christian band

MANILA, Philippines - For people confusing being a Christian to being a Jesus freak, a group which has that Christian band tag must not be in tune with rock appreciation.

But MCA Music’s Anberlin, an American alternative act associated with such a label, the description does not put it in a bad light at all. “Good music is good music and that’s what we’re trying to administer. Whatever they say about us should not affect us negatively,” stated the band’s drummer boy Nathan Young during a phone interview.

The group, which is set to visit Manila this March 9, is aware of the tag and had traced the root of such fan and media assumption. However, they bluntly deny being a preaching act which more often than not Christian bands are criticized for.

Its vocalist Stephen Christian, his surname coincidentally falling into the tag, has said in an interview that people categorized them as a Christian band because of their affiliation to Tooth & Nail Records which has a Christian label reputation. He pointed out that they don’t classify themselves as a Christian rock band and he himself is just an entertainer, not in any way a preacher.

Anberlin, which derived its name from a Radiohead song, came out with its fifth studio album called Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place. Grammy award-winning producer Brendan O’Brien helped the band craft the production and mastering of the album, making it its strongest yet.

The current hit single Impossible has drawn more Filipino fans into the band as its upcoming visit comes in at a proper time. The concert is scheduled to take place at A. Venue Hall in Makati City.

“We can’t be more excited to perform in Manila,” said Young who promised to put up a good show. He added, “We always have a clear vision of what we’re aiming for and that has made things hold together.”

Other members of the band are guitarists Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney, and bassist Deon Rexroat. The group started in 2002.