The Gaslight Anthem

Considering the buzz that is about for the band, that this is every bit as good as I had hoped for is a real delight.

From the off their songs of hope and loss and love and cars are absolutely honest and committed and the band rock up a storm all through numbers like 'Great Expectations’ and 'Old White Lincoln’.
Looking out at you from the front cover they seem to be challenging you not to appreciate them but their huge themes and little details work their way under your skin and you just cannot ignore them.

Benny Horowitz lays down a powerful beat, almost rockabilly, and with Alex Levine’s bassline nagging away at the edge of the sound this is rhythm heaven. The vocals and guitar sound are classic Americana but the whole thing runs at the breakneck thrust of early Springsteen and you can just about keep up as they go.
When they slow it down, as for 'Film Noir’ the pace may drop but the punch is even tougher and the attitude is all over it.

Their stance is pure blue-collar New Jersey/Michigan punk kids but their melodies are more sophisticated and some of their themes are decidedly adult.

For once the album is as strong as their live act and leaves the listener exhilarated and lusting for more.