Live Review

The Gaslight Anthem – O2 Academy, Glasgow

• 24th Jun 2010

New Jersey rock band The Gaslight Anthem played the second date of their UK tour last night in Glasgow. And a superb performance left a sell-out crowd breathless but ecstatic after a hugely entertaining show.

Sharks opened the evening with an energetic set which was high on punk power and attitude but low on subtlety. Their drummer was quite excellent however and their cover of The Replacement’s I Can’t Hardly Wait was well done and true to the original.

Twin Atlantic were next on stage, a homecoming show for the Glasgow band who had plenty of support from the crowd. Their twin guitar assault featured searing riffs which ably backed some fine vocals. The addition of keyboards and even a cello to the mix added some variety to a well crafted set. Twin Atlantic’s growing reputation as a live band will be enhanced on this tour.

Gaslight Anthem took to the stage to a tremendous welcome and launched into American Slang, the title track of their recently released third album. Old White Lincoln from the band’s previous CD followed, and then it was back to the new album. The Spirit of Jazz and Stay Lucky concluded an incendiary four song opening burst.

Already the capacity audience was straining against the barriers at the front, trying to get closer to the band, as frontman Brian Fallon stood centre stage, master of the moment. After a brief hello and a comment on the packed audience, they were off again.

The ‘59 Sound and Bring It On kept the pace at a frenetic level as the band played hard and fast. The Diamond Church Street Choir and The Queen Of Lower Chelsea, both from the new album, slowed things down just a little, allowing the audience as much as the band a brief respite.

Fallon performed all night long with an infectious grin on his face, almost as if he could not believe that 2,500 Scots had packed the arena to watch his band – and that they knew every word to every song. He played to the crowd, repeatedly encouraging the intense backing vocals that featured on every track, and whipping up a frenzy of excitement.

The pace was soon picked up again with several more slices of solid rock expertly delivered in quick succession, the highlight of which was Great Expectations. The band was on top form, note perfect and with the passionate delivery that has become their trademark. The rough edge to Fallon’s voice allows him to impart tremendous emotion into his vocals and he is ably backed by a team of fine musicians.

A fabulous cover of The Who’s classic Baba O’Reilly closed the set, delighting the audience in its intensity. Guitarist Alex Rosamilia provided some excellent solo work, managing to play both guitar and keyboard parts, which is no mean feat.

An encore was a must, with the crowd baying for more, and The Gaslight Anthem did not disappoint.

A short drum solo from Benny Horowitz led into another burst of songs one after the other, the best of which was Casanova Baby. Fallon then slowed things down again with a tender rendition of Here’s Looking At You Kid. Bass player Alex Levine and guitarist Rosamilia stood behind the lead singer, providing able backing and thoroughly enjoying the crowd reaction.

The night ended with a breath taking performance of The Backseat, an epic tale of travel and search, which brought the performance to an appropriately upbeat finale. Fallon and co left the stage to thunderous applause and there was an audible groan when the house lights went on, signifying the end of the entertainment.

The Gaslight Anthem combine the solid rock feel of their Jersey Shore roots with the edginess and energy of the hardcore punk scene, resulting in a dynamic and vibrant rock sound. They clearly love playing live and put everything into a performance of the highest quality.

This is a band who have come a tremendous distance in a few short years. Their headline UK tour will delight British fans of the band and also introduce their music to many others.

The Gaslight Anthem are fast becoming one of the best live rock bands around. If you get the chance, then don’t just take my word for it. Go along and witness the spectacle for yourself.

You won’t be disappointed.