Anti-Meridian

iTunes Review

Brave Saint Saturn began as a side-project by members of Christian ska-punk outfit Five Iron Frenzy, then took on a life of its own over the course of two sci-fi concept albums. After a five-year hiatus, the band resumes on Anti-Meridian, a digital-only release. Members Reese Roper, Dennis Culp, Keith Hoerig, and Andrew Verdecchio continue their saga of wandering astronauts returning to earth in these tracks, though the story line often seems tangential to the individual songs. Pulsating ‘70s-style synthesizers are juxtaposed with blistering electric guitar outbursts and softer acoustic interludes. Rousing anthems like “Hero’s Homecoming,” “Mercenary,” and “These Frail Hands” achieve a big, wailing sound that transcends their retro-kitschy arrangements. A few touches recall Five Iron Frenzy’s zanier side, especially the oddball background chorus on “When You Burn Too Fast.” For the most part, though, these songs are seriously intended, whether their messages are straightforward (“Invictus”) or delivered in parable form (“Starling”). A nicely overwrought cover of ELO’s “Here Is the News” goes well with the originals.