Anberlin With Special Guest Copeland Celebrate 2 Great Emo Albums 20th Anniversaries At Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas!

March 9, 2025 – Last Sunday, Brooklyn Bowl was the home for a celebration of 20 years of two of the greatest emo rock albums ever released. Anberlin’s ‘Never Take Friendship Personal’ and Copeland’s ‘In Motion.’ These two bands are touring the country this spring to play the albums in their entirety, and shoot us back to our 2005 MySpace days.

Copeland kicked things off, and despite some technical difficulties to open the set, they came back strong and delivered a beautiful live rendition of their record. The venue echoed with the sound of the crowd singing along to ‘No One Really Wins’ and you could really feel the band get their groove going from that point on.

Vocalist Aaron Marsh showed off his musicality, as he transitioned between keys and guitar throughout the set, while hypnotizing the crowd with his angelic vocals. Aaron led the charge as the rest of the band held it down with tight instrumentals and intricate musical arrangements, reminiscent of those days in 2005.

As they closed with ‘You Love to Sing,’ they left the crowd buzzing and eager for what Anberlin had in store.

With the lights low and the anticipation building, Anberlin then took the stage, delivering a performance that was nothing short of electric. From the moment the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted into a sea of excitement, eagerly anticipating the classic journey that was about to unfold.

Opening with the title track ‘Never Take Friendship Personal,’ the energy in the venue was INTENSE. The crowd immediately joined in, singing every word and shaking the venue, as the band’s signature blend of anthemic choruses and emotional lyrics took over. The chemistry between the band members was incredible, with new frontman Matty Mullins’ captivating presence commanding the stage. His powerful vocals paired with the band’s tight instrumentals created a sound that felt MASSIVE. As a fan of both Anberlin and Memphis May Fire, I was stoked to see how Matty could deliver this album live, and he did not fail to impress.

The setlist was pretty straightforward – Never Take Friendship Personal in its entirety. Songs like ‘Paperthin Hymn’, ‘The Feel Good Drag’, and ‘A Day Late’ were packed with nostalgia. Each song felt like an emotional wave, as Anberlin’s music often does, tugging at the heartstrings of listeners.

As the set neared its conclusion, ‘Dance, Dance, Christa Paffgen’ closed the show with a bang, leaving the audience both satisfied and wanting more. The band didn’t just play songs—they told stories, shared experiences, and created an atmosphere of unity and connection. Lucky for us, Anberlin had some more classics in the chamber, as they came back out and continued with a four song encore.

The encore included some fan favorite tracks that weren’t on the record, like ‘Impossible’ and ‘Godspeed.’ Both songs brought waves of emotion and nostalgia to the crowd, continuing the sense of connection between the band and the audience. They didn’t just play songs—they told stories, shared experiences, and created an atmosphere of unity.

Throughout the show, Anberlin demonstrated why they have remained a staple in the emo alternative rock scene for over two decades. Their sound is still as fresh and powerful as ever, and their stage presence continues to shine. Matty’s emotional delivery, combined with the band’s impeccable musicianship, made for an unforgettable night.

In a world where live performances often leave something to be desired, Anberlin proved once again that they are masters of their craft. This concert wasn’t just a show; it was an experience—a reminder of why Anberlin’s music resonates so deeply with fans. If you ever get the chance to see them live, do not hesitate—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.