One band that is not discussed enough here at The Rock And Roll Guru is Jersey based The Gaslight Anthem. Part of the reason I haven’t discussed them in detail is due to the fact that I recently discovered them (as in just a couple of months ago). When I heard their latest release, American Slang, I knew this was an amazing band that I had to hear more from and learn more about.
Hailing from New Brunswick, New Jersey, The Gaslight Anthem is definitely what rock and roll should sound like. Their music is not quite punk, not quite hard rock---it’s more of a hybrid that stands on its own. Lead singer/guitarist Brian Fallon has a voice that mesmerizes the ears. Gruff meets sweet is the best description of Fallon’s voice. It’s like the perfect blend of sweet and sour. The man can flat out sing.
Backed by exceptional musicians that form the rest of the band, The Gaslight Anthem is a group that will renew your faith in the future of rock and roll. Alex Rosamilla is an incredible guitar player gifted with a talent not found in many guitarists. The rhythm section of Alex Levine on bass and Benny Horowitz on drums is the perfect complement to Fallon and Rosamilla. Not only do they keep perfect time, but their beats and bass are complex enough to keep the music fresh, yet solid enough to form an unbreakable backbone for each song.
Their songwriting is superior due to the complexity of the music and the lyrics. Fallon writes songs that tell stories and touch the hearts of any listener. Anyone can pick up one of The Gaslight Anthem’s three studio albums, give it a spin, and immediately see themselves in the song. Music that relates to everyone is not only the mark of a talented, seasoned songwriter it’s also the sign of an exceptional band. With aging acts like The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen poised to retire sometime in the near future, there is a need for new stadium rock acts to fill that void. The Gaslight Anthem will be one of those bands. They are the new future of rock and roll.
While their latest release, American Slang, is by far their best album, the earlier releases of The 59 Sound and Sink Or Swim are also great records. American Slang is one of those rare albums that is so incredible it is near perfect. Every song on the disc could be a hit and every song is a definitive sing along. It has been a long time since I’ve heard an album that has captivated me so much. According to my IPod, I’ve listened to select songs from American Slang over 40 times. The music is just breathtaking.
The Gaslight Anthem have a great future ahead of them. With a little promotion and some touring, they will be the next great band. Currently, they are not scheduled to tour until June, and that will be in Europe. They will be performing at this year’s Bamboozle Festival at the New Meadowlands in New Jersey, but other than that, there are no US dates currently scheduled. If the band decides to go on the road in the US for a late summer/early autumn tour, you need to check them out. With the proper amount of touring, ala one of their influences, Bruce Springsteen, this band will take over the world.
If you’re searching for a new sound, a new band to fall in love with, or new music that you can play over and over and over again, then check out The Gaslight Anthem. You will be swept away on the first listen and this band will immediately become a mainstay in your record collection.
For more information, visit their website: www.gaslightanthem.com
OLD WHITE LINCOLN
BRING IT ON – LIVE FROM BONNAROO 2010
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