In the past, Anchor & Braille has always seemed to serve as a creative outlet for Stephen Christian to explore ideas that wouldn't fit the sound of Anberlin. With the longtime frontman taking a step back, questions arise whether New Mexico would continue the contemplative, synth-heavy sound present on previous Anchor & Braille releases, or would explore even more new territory? It is decidedly the second, with the album filled with loud alternative rock tracks. Repeated lyrical and sonic motifs throughout New Mexico evoke the deserts of the American Southwest, with a nostalgia for a past filled with cowboys, campfires, and Route 66.

After a brief intro track, "Sweet Jesus Knows" kicks things off with an almost blues-punk flavored rocker that recalls the noisy two-piece '68. While the electronics from previous Anchor & Braille albums aren't totally gone, here they aid in creating the details of sonic landscapes dominated by more traditional rock instrumentation. The album excels at blending a myriad of styles into a cohesive tracklist, moving from the brash indie rock of "Rattlesnakes" to the upbeat pop rock of "Real Life," all the way to the dreamy soundscapes of "The Weight of 1917." Elsewhere, tracks such as "Time Is Cruel" and "Backlands" experiment with dramatically shifting tempos midtrack to great effect, adding a layer of complexity without detracting from the album's overall energy and drive. Lyrically, the album approaches themes of perseverance in the face of difficulties, whether personal, physical, or spiritual. This is reinforced by the framework of the intro track and three "Sozo" interludes with the repeated refrain of "Don't ever believe that you're not loved." It's poetic in a way that's both clear and easy to personally connect with.

While it is a sonic departure from past albums, New Mexico's experimentation is a resounding success. This is by far the most energetic Anchor & Braille release yet, and maybe the most cohesive as well. For fans who have come to love Stephen Christian's softer, more electronic releases under this project, there's plenty to enjoy, but even Anberlin fans who haven't connected as much with this project in the past should give this release a chance. As I happened to be making a cross-country drive through this region in preparation for this review, I can confirm it is an excellent driving album that will immediately transport listeners into that environment, and onto a journey packed with fun tunes and thought-provoking lyrics.

- Review date: 8/3/25, written by Kevin McGuire of Jesusfreakhideout.com