Anchor Set

Anchor Set is a Boston-based emo-core band caught in a deadly tug-of-war between metal and punk rock. Their debut self-titled CD is an intense, unique listening experience, sure to please lovers of heavy music as well as fans of more traditional punk. Classifying Anchor Set is difficult. Let’s start with what they are NOT. They are NOT a pop punk band with selectively placed screams to mix it up or to hide an inability to write parts that actually rock. Rather, Anchor Set is screamy and heavy throughout, with subtle punk undertones and melodic pop sensibilities that get the listener easily hooked. The intricate dueling guitar lines of Keller McGuinness and Craig Borin prevail throughout the album, along with the signature dual singing/screaming of McGuinness and charismatic lead vocalist Todd Horvath. The lyrics are dark in a metal way, personal in an emo way, and catchy in a punk rock way. The melodic vocal bits that pop out of the songs could only be compared to The Refused and add a desperate sense of hopefulness. Forming in 2001, the members of Anchor Set have significant prior band and touring experience with acts such as Superglue and Control Group. As they take the New England area by storm, they are sure to gain attention and win fans all over the world with this impressive debut work of art, recorded by Jack Younger in Boston. The CD was released in December 2002 and is available at Newbury Comics stores in the Boston area.