The Nashville, Tennessee based alternative rock band Mona has a bit unexpected been more successful in the U.K. than in the US. But their sound feels, however, more European than American, with clearer U2 influences and a small touch of Jane's Addiction. But they are a bit more alternative and unpolished, reminiscent of a more arena sounding Twin Atlantic or Sound of Guns.
So in terms of style, the band has really found the right formula and I have to say that I really like their emotional and powerful melodies. The songs then are on a equal level with several tracks just made for the big stages and arenas. Favorites are "Cloak and Dagger", "Teenager" and the U2- smelling "Say You Will" where Nick Brown shows what a talented singer he is. But more good tracks can be found on this album that to me is one of the most underrated albums of 2011!
Anberlin band member Stephen Christian has offered the explanations that he planned naming his first daughter Anberlin and that the name was a modification of the phrase "and Berlin" from a list of cities Christian wanted to visit. The one story that Christian asserts is true, however, is that he heard the word in the background noise of the Radiohead song "Everything in Its Right Place".
