In their first headlining New York City concert since August, New Jersey punks The Gaslight Anthem pulled out all the stops to prove why they are one of musics most talked about rising stars. Opening with "Great Expectations," from the bands latest The '59 Sound, they kicked into high gear and showed no signs of stopping. In the bands brief three year history they have received acclaim from fellow Jersey Idols Bouncing Souls and got The Bosses approval as Springsteen himself is a fan. Placing their hearts on their sleeves and their influences on their wave of rockabilly punk meets good old fashion Rock and Roll the Gaslight Anthem are bound for glory.
Just before getting into the title track "The '59 Sound," singer Brian Fallon reflected on how much he wanted to play Webster Hall after seeing one of his favorite bands, The Cold War Kids at the venue a year ago. "I showed 'em! We showed 'em! You showed 'em!", Fallon would chant after claiming his victory and vision of playing the legendary venue. The band was all smiles all night and humbled by selling out the concert, victory at last. The true highlight of the night came when they covered Pearl Jam's "State of Love and Trust," from the Singles Soundtrack. Fallon would also mention how much the soundtrack to the famous Cameron Crowe film would impact him as a songwriter and musician growing up. Yet, Pearl Jam was not the only cover the band jumped into, tossing in James Brown's "It's A Man's World," to Ben E. King's "Stand By Me," and even Glasvegas' "Geraldine."
One hell of a night and great way to kick start the weekend. I have not seen such a wild crowd in a very long time and a band that enthusiastic since the summer. Catch The Gaslight Anthem on tour this Spring and I promise it will be a great night!