Señor and the Queen - Gaslight Anthem

Release Info

Name: 

Kirby

Year: 

2008

Artist(s): 

Gaslight Anthem

Label: 

Sabot Productions

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A genre under fire from critics and embraced by many in the punk scene, folk punk is the sound currently in vogue.  While they are not the first band to tote the sound, Gaslight Anthem is producing what the masses want to hear.  Scratchy and woe-filled vocals coupled with the slight hint of country twanged punk rock that sounds more elegant in song than in words.  The argument has been made that this band is riding a wave of hype without backing it up with substance.  Some say the lyrics are contrived and seem forced to fit the music.  My response is that these songs are more literary works than attempts at autobiographical tales.  The stories work to create a mood and the music appropriately reinforces the sentiments. 

Maybe I am buying into the hype, but I am thoroughly impressed with the latest four-song EP, Señor and the Queen, by Gaslight Anthem.  You will not find much deviation from the previous formula used to create their previous full-length, Sink or Swim, so do not expect to become a fan if you were not already won over.  There is nothing here to change your impression of Gaslight Anthem.  For some, this is a disappointment.  For the rest of us, we are in luck.  Señor and the Queen highlights the band’s up tempo side for the most part while closing out with an appropriate and well executed ballad titled "Blue Jeans and White T-Shirts."

I do not think you would benefit from trying to overanalyze Gaslight Anthem’s sound.  Maybe they are influenced by Bruce Springsteen.  Maybe they have instrumental riffs reminiscent of Alkaline Trio.  Maybe it is just the right blend of influence and uniqueness that is instilling new life into an old sound.  Whatever it is, sit back and enjoy it.  You are going to be hearing from these boys for quite a while to come.