ANBERLIN is set to drop their new single “High Stakes” this Friday, and it looks like they’re speeding up their music output, thanks to the addition of Matty Mullins. This comes hot on the heels of their August album VEGA. Along with the new track, there’s a fresh music video directed and edited by Jacob Moniz and Nate Young.
“High Stakes” leans into classic ANBERLIN vibes, with a smart, fast-paced lyricism about love and betrayal. The track builds tension with lines like “If love’s the game, bet on betrayal” and “Odds always in your favor, deal the dealer, play the player.” There’s a strong gambling metaphor woven through the song, creating an intense atmosphere of emotional high-stakes. ANBERLIN fans are likely to pick up on familiar themes, but the energy Mullins brings seems to be injecting something new into the band’s sound.
The lyrics dive into the turmoil of trust and deception, closing with a hard-hitting repetition of “Chips are down, I found you out.” It’s packed with phrases that mirror the highs and lows of personal relationships, giving the song a strong sense of urgency.
Comments Matty: “When I first joined the band, Joey gave me a giant folder of old Anberlin instrumentals that never got used. The intention wasn’t to use them, but just for me to enjoy them as a fan. I went through all of the songs like a kid on Christmas. It was like having access to a time capsule and getting to see inside the making of one of my favorite bands of all time. The instrumental for what became “‘High Stakes’ stood out to me as one that really embodied the Anberlin that I fell in love with at 14 years old (the working title was JOMO 18 :D). I instantly started writing to it and sharing with the guys. It’s an unbelievable honor to be a part of this new season of Anberlin & it’s so insanely cool to incorporate a piece of the bands history that the fans never heard. We couldn’t be more excited about this song and & can’t wait for everyone to hear it! ”
Fans are hyped on social media, many praising the shift with Matty Mullins as frontman. Comments include:
- “20 years later.. I am grateful I still get to enjoy new ANBERLIN.. looks like the Matty era is going good!”
- “Not gonna lieee…I love ANBERLIN, but I’ve never been SO interested than in these new songs with Matty.”
- “This is classic ANBERLIN meets the new Matty era. Awesome job :) love it guys!”
For those who were unsure about Mullins joining the band, the reception so far has been overwhelmingly positive. One fan even said, “I was on the fence about this move when you first announced it. Man do I feel dumb, what a great song dude.”
