Gaslight Anthem Review

Gaslight Anthem, an American rock band from New Jersey, are one of my favorite bands.

This band has released three albums. "Sink or Swim," my favorite "The 59 Sound" and their most recent "American Slang." They have also just announced that they have began recording songs for their fourth album which they hope to release later this year. I personally feel "The 59 Sound" is the bands most successful album to date, due to their ability to combine rock n'roll with definte elements of hardcore, pop-punk and classic soul.

If you are a fan of artists such as Frank Turner, Bruce Springsteen and Brian Fallon, than Gaslight Anthem are a band you should check out!

I saw this band last year at the 02 Academy in Birmingham, UK. The two support acts Shark and Twin Atlantic, were nothing special and did little to warm up the crowd. Despite this, when Gaslight Anthem finally came onto the stage, the crowd instantly warmed up and sang along to all their songs. I have to admit, I was pretty surprised to see the wide mix of people that turned up to see them live.

The set which Gaslight Anthem performed was very good. They opened their gig with American Slang and progressed with the songs Great Expectations, The 59'  Sound, Boxer and Stay Lucky. I must add they gave an exceptional performance of Queen of Lower Chelsea and Blue Jeans & White T-shirts.

My personal highlight was watching the lead singer, Brian Fallon on stage. He looks completely in his element and sings with so much confidence and passion that the entire crowd is left captivated. 

The gig was very good and I would certainly suggest people to go and see them live.

Tour dates:
26th July. Hudson River Park - NYC
28th July. Hudson River Park - NYC
31st July. Upstate Concert Hall - NYC
8th September. The Paramount - Huntington, NY

For information regarding tickets or the rest of their tour check out:  http://www.songkick.com/artists/550811-gaslight-anthem/calendar?page=1

House of Essex

As someone who is all for hearing about new music/bands, I introduce to you: House of Essex.

This  american eclectic rock band first got my attention when they sent me a message on Twitter. After looking up House of Essex, it became clear this five person band from New Jersey is both diverse and hugely talented. Between them, these musicians have toured around the world, played with Bruce Springsteen and Carly Simon, and worked for a number of hit broadway plays, such as Hairspray.

The band includes lead vocalist Tim Welch, bass and vocalist Gregory Jones, percussionist David Longworth, harmony vocals Lora McFarlane, and lead guitarist Courtney Sappington.

When listening to the tracks of House of Essex you will instantly hear the strong influence of rock, jazz and soul. Although not a band for everyone, this band certainly deserves to be checked out! The music generated by this band reminds me a great deal of artists like Santana and Bruce Springsteen, and I would even have to add - listening to Tim Welch reminds me a great deal of Chris Cornell.

If you are interested by what you have heard then I urge you to check out their EP: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/house-of-essex-ep/id564391025

Tour Dates: 
9th November. Hat City Kitchen - NJ
13th December. Sullivan Hall  - NYC

For more information about this band, check out their website: http://houseofessexband.com/HOE/Welcome.html