Mint Condition: Anberlin Puts CURRENCY Into Circulation at the Webster Underground
Last month, I had the opportunity to interview Deon Rexroat of Anberlin as they were preparing to depart on tour with Switchfoot. The tour marks a new chapter for the alt-rock band, as they traverse the United States ahead of the November 11 release of CURRENCY, their ninth album and first full-length record with Matty Mullins (Memphis May Fire).
Among those support dates, Anberlin booked a few headline shows of their own, including the Webster Underground in Hartford — a second, smaller stage at a venue whose main room holds more than four times the capacity. In our interview, Rexroat stressed the importance of playing smaller rooms and being able to deliver something special to fans that they won't otherwise experience on the main tour dates. True to his word, Anberlin delivered an incredibly moving performance on one the smallest stages in Connecticut.
How small was this room? The Underground doesn't normally use a barricade, but thankfully one was set up for me and the band's tour photographer. After Anberlin ducked their heads and passed through an undersized doorframe, we followed behind them and scrambled across the corner of the stage and down into the pit.
With some of their own lighting equipment to supplement the Underground's humble setup, the band created an almost dreamlike ambience, backlit by a few light towers. Color wrapped around them, casting streaks of light across the low-slung ceiling and the black semi-gloss paint that covers the room. It was hot, it was sweaty and both the band and the fans were loving every minute of it!
Guitarist Christian McAlhaney would pause between songs, hands on his knees catching his breath. Rexroat and guitarist Joseph Milligan were tucked away on stage right, while Nathan Young’s drumkit was pushed as close as he could get to the back wall. Mullins was all smiles the entire night, balancing himself on the one-person riser, as he belted out the fourteen song set, including “Neverafter” and “Gravity”, two songs off their upcoming album.
Mullins had nothing but respect for his bandmates, thankful to now be part of Anberlin's legacy. He told the crowd that each of his brothers on stage had a fire inside them to keep creating music, and how excited they were to be releasing CURRENCY in November. He was personally committed to getting this record into the hands of fans, laying down vocal tracks in 18 different countries while touring with his “other band.”
Anberlin ended their set with “Feel Good Drag” and snapped a quick photo with the crowd before hitting the road for another intimate headline show in Vermont. The venue had mostly cleared out, but the room was still vibrating. I know you know that feeling.
As stressful as running RØKKR can be, the night gave me a bit of a reset and some perspective. It was inspiring to see these rock veterans turn a simple second stage into one of the best shows I've caught this year.
The hype behind CURRENCY is real. I can’t wait to get my hands on the vinyl and give it a spin. You can pre-order your copy here. Anberlin rejoins Switchfoot as support through October and most of November, and tickets are available on the band’s website.
Anberlin SETLIST
Webster Underground, Hartford, Connecticut (9/29/2026)
Paperthin Hymn
The Resistance
Never Take Friendship Personal
Neverafter
Ready Fuels
A Day Late
Highstakes
Impossible
Dismantle.Repair.
Two Graves
Glass to the Arson
Gravity
Godspeed
Feel Good Drag
