The Gaslight Anthem is a rock band from New Jersey consisting of Brian Fallon, Alex Rosamillia, Alex Levine, and Benny Horowitz.
The band made their first major appearance when they were on the cover of Kerrang! Magazine, who dubbed them “the best new band you’ll hear in 2008”. They also performed this year at Lollapalooza in Chicago.
Their second full length album, The ’59 Sound, was released on August 19th, 2008. The record is a masterpiece that can be compared to the best work of Bruce Springsteen. Fast-paced and with a bluesy feel, the vocals of singer Brian Fallon are great in their own right, and with their quick, energetic, instrumentals backing him, including the guitar playing of Alex Rosamilla, it becomes an amazing arrangement.
It offers a feeling of originality in the music, something that is lost in most rock today. Each song on The ’59 Sound has its own feel and the ability to stand alone. Even through the instrumentals, the influence of Bruce Springsteen is obvious.
The record starts with the song “Great Expectations” a fast, catchy song that will get stuck in your head after listening to it once. The title track, “The ’59 Sound” is a quick song reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen’s classic, “Born to Run” as the band offers great lyrics backed by bluesy instrumentals. Followed closely by the song, “Old White Lincoln” the album continues with an original, fast paced, sound.
The middle songs slow the albums pace down, but do not cease to achieve with great songs like, “Miles Davis & The Cool” and “Casonova, Baby!” The record ends with the song, “The Backseat”, which provides a strong ending to an album that is very different from other rock albums released.
All throughout, The 59’ Sound, never ceases to amaze and entertain. Offering catchy, but intelligent songs, The Gaslight Anthem have a timeless album that shows their talent at creating music that is original and timeless.
Thomas Rowland, Staff Writer
