Review Summary: The New Jersey quartet's foray into Americana continues to yield impressive results.
A lot has happened to The Gaslight Anthem since the quartet's impressive debut LP,
Sink Or Swim passed by relatively under the radar in 2007. Sophomore album
The ’59 Sound was largely responsible for this change, seen by many as an improvement and subsequently featuring on many a best of the year, and even decade list. It even prompted the band's hero, Bruce Springsteen to guest for them at 2009’s Glastonbury festival, with Gaslight frontman Brian Fallon later returning the favour by appearing during The Boss’ headline set. This, along with moderate radio airplay and extensive touring has led to the band gaining wider mainstream acceptance, something that this follow-up will only enhance.
Given the numbers of new fans gained, it was inevitable that
The ’59 Sound’s successor would be a polished, radio-friendly affair, and in that aspect,
American Slang certainly delivers. The band has again shifted further from it's punk rock roots, with the main influences at hand being in Springsteen and Americana territory. This may not enthuse purists but in reality it is a bold step forward, building on the supremely solid foundations already laid while still opertaing within a sound that is recognisable as their own.
This approach is probably showcased best on the title track, which incidentally opens the album. The tempo is slower than previously, with less apparent urgency, and very few traces of the bands punk past - with the Springsteen influences being particularly apparent. The song does, however, retain that warm feel that characterised
The ’59 Sound, and as a result sounds pleasingly familiar despite its numerous departures. On top of that,
American Slang is a passionate, catchy and well written number, making it an early highlight that grows with each listen after proving underwhelming on initial judgement. While not being quite so radio-ready, closer
We Did It When We Were Young possesses the same mass appeal, sounding somewhat like
Sam’s Town period Killers, something that is certainly not for the worse. In fact the entire record has this wide appeal, with strong hooks and joyful choruses aplenty, even more so than on previous releases.
That’s not to say that
American Slang is a total departure, however, it’s far from. Wonderful gems such as
Stay Lucky,
The Spirit Of Jazz and single
Boxer would have sat very comfortably on the previous record, and all – particularly the former – retain the kind of quality that made the likes of
Great Expectations such fan favourites. Beside these whole-hearted sing-alongs, slower numbers like
The Diamond Church Street Choir and
The Queens Of Lower Chelsea sit well, providing a balance and giving this more variety than any of their other records to date. Whether or not this makes it better than their other releases is, of course, open to debate, but as a stand alone set of songs it displays a band at – or near to – its peak.
The direction the band would take for
American Slang seemed pretty inevitable pre-release, but the same cannot be said for their next album. Will they continue along the Springsteen/Americana path, or return somewhat to their punk roots? Whatever option they choose, early signals are encouraging. Despite the strength of this album, and how well written some of the songs are, you never really get the feeling that the band are stepping out of their comfort zone. This is certainly not down to a lack of ambition or heart – two things the band has in abundance - but you sense that if they pushed themselves just a little harder creatively they could produce something very special indeed in the future.
For now though, this album is more than enough to satisfy the wait should that masterpiece some day arrive.
American Slang is a very worthy addition into The Gaslight Anthem’s catalogue of strong releases, and, because of its huge appeal, is all but certain to drag new fans in at an even greater rate than previously. Underground credibility may be dented by this, but the fact is that the band is still making quality music, and for that they should be applauded – and we should be thankful. Moreover, the album contains the vital feelgood factor which should ensure that it soundtracks the summer months just as effectively as its predecessor.
Recommended Tracks
Stay Lucky
The Spirit Of Jazz
When We Were Young
American Slang
The Queen Of Lower Chelsea
