The Gaslight Anthem have torn up festival circuits all around the world over the last few months and left fans and followers hungry and begging for more. With on-stage performances with Bruce Springsteen at both Glastonbury and Hard Rock Calling in the UK under their belt, the New Jersey four-piece show no signs of slowing down. With a third album in the pipeline, what better time to reflect on the beauty of their second LP; the '59 Sound?
This effortlessly cool group of punks/bluesmen/rock and rollers managed to create something so striking, honest and powerful with the '59 Sound, they leave other bands choking on their choruses. Following in the heart-on-sleeve, blue collar tradition of other New Jersey punk bands such as The Bouncing Souls and Hot Water Music, TGA do their home town proud by serving up an incredible sequel to their 2007 album, Sink or Swim.
What Tough Second Album?
The band have conquered the 'tough second album' stigma, and have perfectly captured the '59 Sound they named the album after - whilst giving it a modern indie/punk/soul injection to bring it pounding into forefront of punk in the 'noughties'. Influences drawn from bands such as The Clash and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have been beautifully fused with echoes of the likes of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, to create something that is truly remarkable. Each tight snap of the snare drum is paired with melodies and basslines that'll be floating in and out of your head for months. This record could well be one that stays with you for life.
Punk Rock for the People
From start-to-finish, the '59 Sound will have your neck-hairs on end and it's highly possible that you won't be able to stop listening to it. The lyrical depth and intelligence shown by front-man Brian Fallon is something that needs to be revered in the shallow musical landscape of 2009. Though Fallon lifts lines from some of his idols - such as Springsteen and Old Crow Medicine Show - they are given a new life once coupled with TGA's musicianship.
The Voice of a Generation?
Fallon's voice purrs quietly over songs such as Here's Looking at you Kid, but is able to roar over fist-pumping numbers like The Backseat. One of the greatest summer anthems of the last decade can be found in Old White Lincoln, whilst Miles Davis and the Cool stands solitary as maybe the best (and possibly only) punk/blues/soul song ever written. Lyrically and musically, the '59 Sound has to be heard to be believed.
Buy this record, download this record, steal this record - do whatever you have to do to get it in your life. Tell all your friends about it , they'll thank you. Most importantly, make sure you keep the volume high, because if any band deserves the world to know about them, it's The Gaslight Anthem.
Check out the Gaslight Anthem's official website, or their myspace for upcoming tour dates, MP3's and the latest news.
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