[Album Review] The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang
by Fresh New Music,posted Jul 21 2010 9:26AM
New Jersey natives, The Gaslight Anthem released their third studio album, American Slang, on June 15. Despite the buzz throughout the "blogosphere," I was reluctant to climb on board the bandwagon. I had no experience with their previous music and was only familiar with the band through a couple of magazine and blog articles. Through this early research, my understanding of the band was they are considered "punk" and that there were Bruce Springsteen comparisons. I was slightly confused and struggled to connect the dots of a fairly new and young "punk" band and The Boss. But, finally after a month, I got my hands on a copy and gave the record a listen.
What I surprisingly found was a connection of the dots that was partnered with a refreshing sound. Somehow, throughout American Slang sound elements of both "punk" and Springsteen are present and working. I don't know if a self fulfilling prophecy based on my prior reading, but lead singer Brian Fallon's voice sounds as if Bruce Springsteen took a punk route. Maybe it is just a New Jersey thing. But, to clarify, the sound of The Gaslight Anthem floats somewhere between Bruce and Punk creating a great alternative rock sound.
The Gaslight Anthem have released two studio albums prior to American Slang: Sink or Swim in 2007 and The '59 Sound in 2008. American Slang has been greeted with great critical and sales acclaim, moving 27,000 copies in its first week while charting number one among independent releases and 16 on the Billboard 200.
Despite the album being only ten tracks and 34 minutes in length, it packs a catchy punch. On multiple occasions, I found myself listening to the entire album before I even realized it had finished. A good sign due to the lack of change track moments, but sad that the record finishes so quickly. Overall, the album is well done. A fun listen and recommended to anyone looking for a new alternative band to follow.
Check out and download The Gaslight Anthem's track "The Diamond Church Street Choir" off American Slang.
The Diamond Church Street Choir (click to download)
In other Gaslight Anthem news, it was recently announced that they will be in Madison on September 19 playing a show at the Majestic Theatre. Head over to the Majestic to grab yourself tickets starting July 23.
Lastly, here is a video of The Gaslight Anthem and Bruce Springsteen jamming together last sumemr at Hyde Park in London.
-Sam Ryan
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The Gaslight Anthem have released two studio albums prior to American Slang: Sink or Swim in 2007 and The '59 Sound in 2008. American Slang has been greeted with great critical and sales acclaim, moving 27,000 copies in its first week while charting number one among independent releases and 16 on the Billboard 200.
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Check out and download The Gaslight Anthem's track "The Diamond Church Street Choir" off American Slang.
