It is quite a while (and two breakups) ago, since we had the opportunity to listen to a new album by The Gaslight Anthem. The US-American band, which is blending several rock styles from folk to punk rock, has been absent since their previous album Get Hurt. That album, however, is dated as of August 2014. Now, they are back with a new record. History Books will become available on 27th October 2023. Here is my review.
The Gaslight Anthem – About The Artists
The Gaslight Anthem are a rock band, which was has been founded in 2006 in New Brusnwick, New Jersey. They broke up in 2015 and after a short appearance in 2018, they have reunited in March 2022. Lead singer and guitar player of the band is Brian Fallon. The other band members are Alex Rosamilia (guitar), Alex Levine (bass) and Benny Horowitz (drums). Already their second album, the 2008 release The ’59 Sound made it to the US charts and even had a golden record in the United Kingdom. Since their 2010 album American Slang, the quartet made it to into several Top 10 of North American and European charts. For example, their last album Get Hurt ws a Top 3 in Canada and Germany. Their 2012 song 45 topped the British rock charts.
The Gaslight Anthem – History Books – Track by Track
The ten track album lasts 40 minutes.
1. Spider Bites
The drumming of the opener feels like the ticking of a (slightly too fast) clock. The song starts very melodic with a slightly melancholic touch, but also presents a very rocking side in later section.
2. History Books (feat. Bruce Springsteen)
Okay, if “The Boss” is joining you for the title track of your album, you likely made it. The vocal collaboration of Brian Fallon and Bruce Springsteen indeed turns the second track to a very special listen. But it is also simply a good write which catches you during the listen.
3. Autumn
The third track goes for a darker, more groovy sound. Again, the ability of the band to create different kinds of atmosphere and guides you through the story of the song is lovely. On top of that, the usage of the different (not too many) instruments feels very precise
‘Cause I know someday it’s gonna be all over
No more Spring into Summertime
So can I hold you underneath October?
Black jeans in Autumn, leaves falling down
4. Positive Charge
Every song of this album spends a special mood and style to the whole set of tracks. Positive Charge is a straight rocker with a very melodic and a bit of kitschy chorus. How I’ve missed you, and feelin‘ good to be alive is the statement in the main part of the listen. Rough and gentle – these guys go for a perfect blending.
5. Michigan, 1975
After three previous single releases, Michigan, 1975 is a track which has not been released yet. Like in so many tracks of History Books, you start listening to it – and step by step you slip into the story of the song. You feel the emotions, you enjoy becoming part of the stories of the album. The slow style of this fifth song feels mystical and thus fascinating.
6. Little Fires
The last single release of this album, Little Fires, is rather a big rock firework. While other tracks have also some melancholic character, this track is perfectly made to sing with the band and have a good time. Great rock party track, which will definitely be a great one on the upcoming European tour (see below).
7. The Weatherman
Even though there is a nice folk touch in the song, it is about The Weatherman and not The Wellerman. A great song to raise your beer and sway and sing – despite the song’s general topic and atmosphere.
8. Empires
These four and a half minutes take the role of a rather slow and dignified song. I would not call it a ballad, but it is a great song to dream into the story and feel the emotions told by Brian Fallon.
9. I Live In The Room Above Her
The second last song is driven by rather dark and rich guitar and bass sounds. The sound feels to perfectly match early 2010’s albums of the band and might thus have the potential becoming a fan favorite.
10. A Lifetime Of Preludes
These final three minutes come with a lovely strumming farewell track. There is a lot of folk and Americana in A Lifetime Of Preludes, which is overall a rather calm song. Nice one.
The Gaslight Anthem – History Books – Spotify
Here is the album on Spotify:
The Gaslight Anthem – History Books – My View
Wow, these History Books are indeed a lovely book of ten different, but very catching stories. The Gaslight Anthem make you feel their songs from the very beginning of the album to its very end. This leads to an amazing experience. Hope that this time, the band is having a more solid and longer-lasting future. It is just too good to listen to their music.
The Gaslight Anthem – UK/EU Tour 2024
In early 2023, the band will also be on stage on several spots all over Europe. Feels like a good opportunity to rock with them. In addition, some festival appearances for summer 2024 are already confirmed
We 06.03.2024 | Stockholm (Sweden) – The Annex | |
Th 07.03.2024 | Oslo (Norway) – Sentrum Scene | |
Sa 09.03.2024 | Copenhagen (Denmark) – Gray Hall | |
Mo 11.03.2024 | Berlin (Germany) – Columbiahalle | |
Tu 12.03.2024 | Wiesbaden – Schlachthof | |
Th 14.03.2024 | Brussels (Belgium) – Ancienne Belgique | |
Fr 15.03.2024 | Cologne (Germany) – Palladium | |
Sa 16.03.2024 | Utrecht (Netherlands) – TivoliVredenburg | |
Mo 18.03.2024 | Glasgow (United Kingdom) – Academy | |
Fr 22.03.2024 | Manchester – O2 Apollo | |
Sa 23.03.2024 | Wolverhampton – Civic Hall | |
Mo 25.03.2024 | London – Roundhouse | |
Tu 26.03.2024 | London – Roundhouse | |
Fr 29.03.2024 | Dublin (Ireland) – 3Olympia Theatre | |
Fr 21.06.2024 – Su 23.06.2024 |
Scheeßel (Germany) – Hurricane Festival | |
Fr 21.06.2024 – Su 23.06.2024 |
Neuhausen ob Eck – Southside Festival | |
We 10.07.2024 | Nottingham (United Kingdom) – Rock City | |
Th 11.07.2024 | Cheltenham – 2000 Trees Festival |
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