Artist: Anberlin Album: Never Take Friendship Personal Label: Tooth & Nail Records Rating: 7 out of 10

The buzz around punk-influenced modern-rockers Anberlin has been building steadily over the last few months, culminating in the release of Never Take Friendship Personal, their sophomore full-length, on Feb. 1. So, do they manage to live up to the hype? Well, almost. The title track and "Paperthin Hymn" deliver a one-two punch that kicks this record off right. The former rocks hard with intertwined lead guitar lines, pounding drums, and half-screamed vocals, while the latter does it one better, throwing a rolling bass line and pretty arpeggios into the mix. And the poetic lyrics prove Anberlin aren't afraid to show their sensitive side: "August evenings bring solemn warnings/ to remember to kiss/ the ones you love goodnight," frontman Stephen Christian sings on "Hymn." However, the first sign of trouble appears on "Stationary Stationery," a generic, punky rocker in the vein of former Tooth & Nail Records labelmates Ace Troubleshooter. It's not bad, but the members of Anberlin are strong enough musicians not to fall into that trap. However, on a couple other Friendship tracks, they do just that ­ see the bland "The Runaways" and over-harmonized "Audrey, Start the Revolution!" On the flip side, instrumental "A Heavy Hearted Work of Staggering Genius" clocks in at just over a minute and ­ with its fast-strummed acoustics and calypso-ish drum-machine ­ proves far more interesting than any of the aforementioned. Anberlin redeem themselves further on "(the symphony of) blase," which deploys falsettoed vocals, skittering beats, and soft strings in service of an understated melody. It's the most delicate thing the band has put to tape thus far, and a sign of real musical growth. Its counterpart is the heavy "the Feel Good Drag." Don't be fooled by the danceable verses ­ its funky bass line and disco downbeat suddenly give way to a driving, distortion-fueled chorus. But the real sucker punch comes with the crushing breakdown of a bridge, which is followed by a shredding solo. As a whole, Friendship leaves you feeling much the same way Anberlin's debut, Blueprints for the Black Market, did ­ therešs a great deal of untapped potential in this band that will hopefully be realized fully next time around. Still, Friendship is undoubtedly a step up for Anberlin. With their hummable melodies and accessible sound, fans of the Foo Fighters and Jimmy Eat World would be wise to take note of these promising up-and-comers. - Todd Thatcher