Anberlin at Irving Plaza

Vocalist Stephen Christian prepares to crowd surf.

Anberlin formed in Winter Haven, Florida in 2002. Since the beginning of 2007, the hard rocking band has consisted of lead vocalist Stephen Christian, guitarists Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney, bassist Deon Rexroat, and drummer Nathan Young. The band has recorded six albums, of which Vital is the most recent, released in October 2012.

Anberlin’s nearly 75 minute set at Irving Plaza tonight was perhaps harder and more energetic than their headlining gig at the Best Buy Theater last summer. On Anberlin’s albums, the music is slick and polished; live tonight the songs were still tightly wrapped, but not nearly as polished – and that is a good thing. Through older fan favorites like “Paperthin Hymn”, “Never Take Friendship Personal” and “Feel Good Drag” and newer material including newer material like “Self Starter” and “We Owe This to Ourselves,” Stephen Christian’s high vocals live were rougher than they have been in the studio. Meanwhile, the musicians’ high speed performance was intense, powered by Milligan and McAlhaney’s electrifying guitar riffs. The band’s high energy, adrenaline-pumping performance ultimately was matched with Christian’s personable showmanship, as he repeatedly commended the fans and slapped the palms of the crowd surfers until he himself surfed the crowd at the end of the show.