Too often, gigs are postponed or cancelled for seemingly spurious reasons to do with 'studio delays' with the latest record or a mysterious bout of ill-health. But not for Anberlin, they've a blummin' excellent excuse. They're supporting the Smashing Pumpkins. Boom.

The band's statement read, in part: "Hello friends, we are writing with some exciting, yet understandably frustrating news. We are thrilled to say that we have been invited to open for the Smashing Pumpkins in Canada & the US!!" Consequently, the UK shows have been pushed back into 2013 with a couple of extras added for good measure.

We have tickets available now, except for the February shows in Newcastle and Sheffield which go on sale at 9am on Tuesday 24th September. Prices are a very reasonable £10 to £12.50.

Sometimes you can tell where an artist or band hails from - Anberlin are no exception to this theory. One listen to stonking latest single 'Someone Anyone' and you can safely surmise that these boys have been out in the sun, drinking it in and making full use of the glorious beaches around the Florida coast they call home - well, Winter Haven doesn't have beaches, but you get the gist.

All of which bodes well for album number six (six!), 'Vital', their first since 2010's earnest long-player, 'Dark is the Way, Light is the Place'. Both the single and lead-off sample 'Self-Starter' are melodic anthems with blistering pin-sharp riffs that promise much. 'Vital' is released next month.