JesusfreakHideout.com: Highlighting 2016 Part One -- Looking Ahead To New Music In The First Half of 2016

For our 10th annual Highlighting feature, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December. Each list contains 10 artists/releases for a total of 20 in total for 2016. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting First-Half 2016!

3 of 10

#3. Anchor & Braille
Songs for the Late Night Drive Home

Release Date: February 5, 2016

Stephen Christian's musical pursuits continue with Songs for the Late Night Drive Home, and early listens are promising. It's entirely within Stephen's wheelhouse to incorporate heavy influence from New Order, The Cure, and the like, but the electronic-heavy nature of A&B's long-time-coming third full-length album is a surprise. With the previously-released "Detroit Stab" and "Fatal Flaw" as good indicators for the album's overall vibe, this is looking to be one of February's can't-miss entries.
- Roger Gelwicks

With the dismantling of Anberlin, Anchor & Braille somehow feels more important than ever before. Songs For The Late Night Drive Home boasts an intriguing, moody electronic indie tone that is a bit different from Felt or The Quiet Life, but it will still certainly please fans. With this album revolving mostly around romantic relationships, it will be an interesting contrast if and when Stephen Christian releases his worship album.
- Christopher Smith

Thankfully, the end of Anberlin does not mean the end of Stephen Christian in music. Now without his commitments to his former outfit, perhaps we're going see more from Anchor & Braille from now on.
- Mark Rice

The continuation of Anchor & Braille eases the loss of Anberlin just a little bit. The fine voice of Stephen Christian married with the rich soundscapes and melodies of A&B's last two releases, makes their next project, Songs For The Late Night Drive Home one of the most anticipated albums by JFH staff members. And that title? Perfect.
- Alex Caldwell

Anchor & Braille is obviously a completely different sounding group than Anberlin, but I can't help but get excited about what was once a Stephen Christian side project releasing another album. Christian is a talented individual and good things should be anticipated from Anchor & Braille.
- Michael Weaver

Stephen Christian eases the pain of fans missing Anberlin (and his voice) by releasing a new Anchor & Braille. And having had the pleasure of listening to it already, it's easily my favorite A&B record yet and one of the most fun listens I've experienced in quite some time.
- John DiBiase

Anberlin may have dissipated, but Stephen Christian isn't finished with music just yet. Anchor and Braille have consistently produced solid records of electronic/pop goodness since its conception, and judging from the newest single, "Watch You Burn," this third outing will be no exception.
- Lucas Munachen

Visit our Anchor & Braille page for more information about them...