The Gaslight Anthem

While the last Gaslight's Anthem record was far more than a one-track-wonder, it was hard to imagine that the band would ever be able to match the fist-pumping epic-ness of "The '59 Sound." But they've managed to do just that on American Slang. Rather than ditch the Springsteen influence that detractors so love to rag on, the band have challenged themselves to write a batch of songs worthy of their muse. And, for the most part, they've succeeded. Opener "American Slang" hits all the familiar Gaslight tropes, sitting comfortably with the band's best material. But it's the slower, quieter tunes like "The Diamond Church Street Choir" and the sparse "The Queen of Lower Chelsea" where the band shine. Singer Brian Fallon, in particular, has found the confidence that gives his voice soul. Far from backing the band into a corner, the Gaslight Anthem's success has emboldened them to step up and shine.