The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten

At this point, there’s not much else to say about The Gaslight Anthem. Breaking out with their debut Sink or Swim on the small independent label XOXO Records in 2007, the band has steadily grown in popularity and craftsmanship over the years. Choosing to build their fan base through hard work and dedication, they released three full lengths and an EP independently before joining Mercury Records for their major label debut: Handwritten.

Over the years they’ve become one of the scene’s biggest and brightest stars and many people have different view points as to why, but it’s Nick Hornby’s description in the liner notes that truly hit the nail on the head.

For it’s not that The Gaslight Anthem are doing anything exceptionally new, but rather they are doing it in such a way that builds on the work of the forefathers. Not trying to reinvent the wheel, the New Jersey quartet stand on the shoulders of giants and lift musical history to new heights.

Handwritten is a rock album first and foremost. But it’s also a punk album and a blues album and a pop album. They take the best elements of everything and merge it into a cohesive unit – creating an indescribable sensation when it plays through.

In the same way that The Menzingers’ On The Impossible Past seep into the listener’s consciousness through nostalgia and emotion, The Gaslight Anthem push it a step further. The songs are relatable, wordy yet simplistic and Brian Fallon’s vocals are perfect as he delivers his poetic lyrics that both consume and invigorate.

Keepsake is a grimey, dirty, blues-soaked tune that showcases Alex Rosamilia’s guitar work. 45 could be a ’59 Sound bside and Handwritten harkens back to Sink or Swim era, with a Clash-like sing-along introduction. Howl serves as a highlight of the album with a high-energy punk rock anthem, yet it goes along with the soulful Mae without a moment’s hesitation.

Then, of course, there’s the emotional closer of National Anthem that will mean something different to everyone and will forever have a special part in my heart due to the moment in my life that I first heard it. But even without that personal connection, the soothing violin and Bob Dylan-inspired melodies more than do it justice to make it a song worthy to close the album on.

The Gaslight Anthem are quite possibly one of the most important bands of our generation – continuing on a tradition of rock and roll music set forth by the likes of The Beatles, Tom Waits, The Clash andBruce Springsteen. Handwritten is a great addition to the band’s already glowing catalogue, it’s not re-inventing the wheel – it’s just adding another axel.