NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Universal Republic Records) - Industry-watchers citing Universal Republic rockers
Anberlin as alternative rock's development story of the year are armed with even more evidence this week as the Florida fivesome broke an alternative radio record in its 29 week climb to the No 1 spot in both the Mediabase and BDS format. The previous record was also set by a Universal Republic band, the group
10 Years with "Wasteland." Anberlin's feat is even more notable, as they leaped over the group Rolling Stone magazine recently called the 'hottest band in America' - the
Kings Of Leon - to lock down the No 1 position all for themselves.
"We congratulate Anberlin on their achievement topping the alternative radio chart," stated Joel Klaiman, Executive Vice President of Promotion and Artist Development of Universal Republic. "Such success and unwavering commitment spearheaded at the format by Dennis Blair (VP Alternative promotion) is also indicative of the Universal Republic promotion staff's tenacity and dedication to artist development in every facet of our game plan."
Anberlin's incredible six month climb on the coveted hitlist is a testament to the band's gritty staying power, propelled by a hearty U.S. fan base that has helped them become one of music's most dynamic and edgy rock forces. The group matches their growing radio popularity with their acclaimed live firepower, and will be hitting the road this spring with Long Island, NY rockers Taking Back Sunday on a 30-plus city tour throughout North America, kicking off on May 14th in Cincinnati, OH.
Anberlin's recent South by Southwest performances showcased 'Feel Good Drag' and other songs from their Universal Republic debut album New Surrender, which debuted on Billboard's Top Albums chart in late 2008 at No 13 and continues to reign as one of the more formidable alternative offerings of 2008-2009.
New Surrender is the powerful follow-up to the band's previous album, Cities, which debuted on the Billboard Album chart at No 19 and crossed the 100,000 indie sales threshold. Their 4th studio album, it's their first release on Universal Republic Records (they released 3 previous gems on the indie imprint Tooth & Nail), with online music chroniclers like absolutepunk.net crowing: 'This is a band primed to finally see the audience it has longed deserved' and a 3-star review in USA TODAY calling the album '...a more tuneful, dynamic piece...' The new album was produced by acclaimed production stalwart Neal Avron (Yellowcard, New Found Glory, Fall Out Boy,) overseeing Anberlin's invigorating new take on their hit 'Feel Good Drag,' originally offered up in a previous incarnation on their 2005 album Never Take Friendship Personal.
