Anberlin

Orlando, FL's Anberlin formed out of various other area projects, including the Christian punk outfit SaGoh (Servants After God's Own Heart). Led by the soaring vocals of Stephen Christian, the positive-thinking Anberlin also included Joseph Milligan (guitar), Nathan Young (drums), Joey Bruce (guitar), and Deon Rexroat (bass), and presented an alternative pop/rock sound that, while inflected with the earnestness of emo, was closer to the mature stylings of Third Eye Blind. A five-song demo landed them the attention of Seattle indie Tooth & Nail; signed in 2002, the band's debut, Blueprints for the Black Market, appeared in May 2003, and Anberlin supported it on shows with bands like Fall Out Boy and Story of the Year. Second guitarist Nathan Strayer later joined up, and the guys followed up in February 2005 with Never Take Friendship Personal. Their third record, Cities, appeared two years later, debuting at #19 on the Billboard charts. Soon after its release, Strayer made his exit and was replaced by former Acceptance guitarist Christian McAlhaney. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide