Friday, June 4, 2010

Review: Gaslight Anthem "American Slang"


The latest from The Gaslight Anthem, "American Slang" (SideOneDummy Records), is set for release in the U.S. and Canada on June 15th, and around the world that same week. Produced by Ted Hutt (who produced the band's acclaimed second album, "The '59 Sound", "American Slang" heralds a dramatic leap forward for The Gaslight Anthem.

The Gaslight Anthem is Brian Fallon (vocals/rhythm guitar), Alex Rosamilia (guitar), Ben Horowitz (drums) and Alex Levine (bass). This band from New Brunswick, New Jersey have built a solid fan base already and are poised to breakout worldwide with "American Slang".

"American Slang" wastes no time reaching into your heart and grabbing your attention. The first three tunes, which include the title track, "Stay Lucky", and "Bring It On", are modern rock perfection with big chorus hooks, compelling lyrics, and driving instrumentation. Fallon's voice has just enough scratch and howl to be convincing as a rock and roll purist, but not so much that he would scare pop rock fans away - think Bruce Springsteen if he were a punk rocker. The band's punk influence is clearly evident in the punchy guitars, Fallon's occasional snarl, and the band's emo-styled harmonies, but I would not call them a punk band. "American Slang" is straight-up modern rock for the smart music fan. Additional highlights on the record include the driving anthem "Orphans", the insightful "Old Haunts", and "The Spirit Of Jazz".

Gaslight Anthem has burned the midnight oil on this one - their music is alive and kicking, boisterous yet reflective. The band's contagious energy simply bursts out of their music. The first single off the album, the title track "American Slang," is currently streaming on the band's Facebook and MySpace pages.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9

Gaslight Anthem on MySpace. Official site.