Anakin: The Force of Modern Alternative Rock
Anakin is an alternative rock band from Vancouver, Canada, known for their dynamic sound that blends post-hardcore energy with melodic sensibilities. The group achieved notable recognition with their 2015 debut album, which charted on Canadian college radio and established their intense live reputation.
Early career
The band Anakin was formed in 2010 by vocalist/guitarist Luke Bentham and guitarist David Schellenberg, who were later joined by bassist Nick Webb and drummer Matt Little. They began crafting their signature sound in Vancouver's vibrant DIY scene, self-releasing their initial EP to local acclaim. This early work caught the attention of New Damage Records, a label known for heavy Canadian rock, which signed the band in 2012.
Breakthrough
Anakin's breakthrough arrived in 2015 with the release of their debut full-length album, Arrows, on New Damage Records. The album's lead single received substantial airplay on Canadian rock and alternative radio stations, propelling the band on national tours. While specific certifications were not achieved, Arrows solidified their standing as a formidable new act in the alternative rock landscape.
Key tracks
Setting Sail — This anthemic single from their debut became a staple on Canadian rock radio and defined their early melodic post-hardcore style.
Solar — A track showcasing their heavier, riff-driven side, it became a fan favorite and a consistent highlight in their powerful live sets.
Kerosene — Featured on the Arrows album, this song exemplifies their skill in balancing aggressive instrumentation with catchy, soaring vocal hooks.
Chrome — A later single that demonstrated the band's evolution towards a more refined and atmospheric rock sound without losing their core energy.
Following their debut, Anakin continued to tour extensively across North America, sharing stages with acts like Silverstein and Comeback Kid. They released the EP Celestial Frequency in 2017, further exploring textured guitar work and expansive song structures. The band's activity became less public after the late 2010s, but their recorded output maintains a dedicated following within the alternative rock community.
Fans of Anakin's driving guitar work and emotive delivery also frequently enjoy Silverstein, who share a similar blend of post-hardcore and melody. The Canadian rock intensity of Alexisonfire presents a comparable raw energy and dynamic range. Listeners drawn to Anakin's anthemic qualities might explore Thrice, known for their artistic progression within the alternative rock genre. The melodic sensibilities of Comeback Kid also resonate with the band's harder-edged material.
The music of Anakin maintains a steady presence on various radio formats featured on this website. Their tracks are regularly spun on alternative rock radio stations and specialty shows focusing on modern post-hardcore. Online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations often include Anakin in rotations celebrating powerful Canadian rock talent.
Listeners can discover the driving alternative rock of Anakin through the radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their catalog, from the anthemic hooks of Setting Sail to the robust sound of their Arrows album, featured across our curated rock and alternative stations.
