Anchor & Braille - New Mexico (2025) [Hi-Res]

New Mexico is the fifth full-length album by Anchor & Braille, the solo project of Stephen Christian, formerly of Anberlin. Inspired by Christian’s time in the small town of Corrales, New Mexico, after Anberlin’s initial dissolution in 2015, the album is a heartfelt tribute to the state that became a place of healing and reflection for him. Described by Christian as “spaghetti Western indie rock” and by producer Chad Carruthers as “mariachi gospel,” the record captures the essence of the Southwest with nuanced, tasteful elements rather than over-the-top theatrics. Tracks like “Sweet Jesus Knows” blend punk, post-punk, melodic, and progressive rock with vibrant energy, while “Stones” delivers angular, electronic pop-rock, and “Slow Burn” explores haunting themes of pain and darkness. The trilogy of “SOZO Uno,” “SOZO Dos,” and “SOZO Tres” ties the album together, reflecting Christian’s journey of self-discovery and emotional detox. Both deeply personal and universally relatable, New Mexico invites listeners to find solace and companionship in its immersive soundscape.



Tracklist:
1 Drive
2 Sweet Jesus Knows
3 Stones
4 Corrales
5 Rattlesnake
6 Sozo
7 Slow Burn
8 Real Life
9 Time Is Cruel
10 Sozo Dos
11 The Weight Of 1917
12 Backlands
13 Uninvited
14 Sozo Tres