It is very hard to fault The Gaslight Anthem. Yes, they may not be the most musically innovative bunch (45 sounds possibly more like early Springsteen meets The Clash than they ever have), yes, a huge part of their sound is frontman Brian Fallon (you can’t imagine they’d be anywhere near as successful without him) but there is no denying they are very good at what they do.
With that in mind, new single (take from the bands 4th album, titled ‘Handwritten’ and due for release June 23rd) ’45’ is heart-on-sleeve punk rock infused Americana at it’s very very best. It sees the band reconnecting with their punk roots following the more “mainstream” feeling of American Slang, musically falling between their first two albums. Fallon is on top form as well. His vocals are fantastic as always, and his lyrics are excellent. Singing of moving on, “turning the record over”.
45 is 70’s punk rock ‘n’ roll for 2012. Yes, it’s not a “new” sound, but when it’s done this well it just doesn’t matter. One of the most exciting tracks of the year so far, but one of the worlds most exciting rock and roll bands. I’ve said it every year since The ’59 Sound, but if this isn’t their year I will be shocked.
Sean Collison
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