New album puts Gaslight Anthem into full throttle

WHEN New Jersey folk-punks the Gaslight Anthem came on the scene a couple of years back, they were recommended to those music fans who place Bruce Springsteen amid the top of their record collections.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and the adage proved true, for it wasn't long before 'The Boss' himself was singing the four-piece's praises. He's been an admirer of their blue-collar rock ever since, joining them onstage at Glastonbury and offering them a support slot on his own tour.

But don't be fooled into thinking the Gaslight Anthem are a Springsteen tribute act in any way. Far from it.

Indeed, wearing your influences on your sleeve is one thing, so long as you bring something of your own to the table. And on every release since 2008's superb breakthrough The '59 Sound, they have indeed brought something of their own.

And never more so than on newbie American Slang - an album they perform at the HMV Picture House tonight.

"We had always been a band, though we didn't talk about our influences," says lead singer Brian Fallon. "On this album we were like, 'Time to put on our own shoes'."

Guitarist Alex Rosamilia echoes Fallon by adding that, on the last release The '59 Sound, the band were paying homage to those acts they love, while the approach this time was the opposite.

"We wanted to make something that was us," he says. "Obviously we still have our influences but instead of stepping back and thinking, 'OK, so how would they play this bit,' we had the opportunity to find our own sound."

The band have built a huge fanbase in the UK, but are they surprised how much Brits have bought into their Americana imagery? "I don't think it is a surprise," says Rosamilia, "because ultimately our songs are stories and people love good stories, so I don't think it matters where you come from. Brian puts everything into his songs in a very personable way and that is what people love."

Success has come quickly for the Gaslight Anthem boys, but Fallon reckons it hasn't changed them as people. "We're always going to be the same four guys," he says. "We grew up rough and hard working, and we know where our values are. We'll never forget where we came from.

"Success at any rate doesn't make me a better person or a more valuable person. It makes me a person who's very grateful for what I'm allowed to do for a living."

• Gaslight Anthem, HMV Picture House, Lothian Road, tonight, 7pm, returns only, 0844-847 1740