we're having a party, everybody's swingin'
photos & story by Star BeatThe Gaslight Anthem played their last show of the year to an enthusiastic, sold out crowd on Friday night in the bands home state. The show was a testament to the growth they've made since forming in 2005 when they played basement shows and small clubs. The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair hosted 2,000 fans for a night that opened with what Brian Fallon said was a bunch of the band’s friends- The Hold Outs, Communication Redlight, and Vision.
The band's 90 minute set consisted of most of the New Brunswick natives discography. They played a nice mix of songs from their latest '59 Sound and older album Sink or Swim, as well as from their Senor and the Queen ep. The crowd sang along, crowd surfed, and most people sitting in the balcony stood up during the encore set.
From the lovely "Old White Lincoln" to the single "The '59 Sound" the band was tight and the set highlighted the band's driving music and compelling lyrics plus their folk, punk, and rock influences. The band's music, particularly on Sink or Swim capture the lush, danceable, romanticism of the Jersey Shore sound. Songs like "Wooderson," and "1930" are ones that make for great driving music with special people. "We Came to Dance" is the perfect Jersey song for two kids in love hanging out "under the central Jersey sky." There was a crispness and sincerity from the band I haven't seen in a long time.
The 8 song encore was most impressive featuring a new song, a Tom Petty cover, and songs from all 3 of their releases. It's funny they played a new one considering Fallon's earlier statement. He announced the band was writing new songs but couldn't play any because someone could record them. They closed it with "The Backseat."
Fallon later said via twitter:
The band's 90 minute set consisted of most of the New Brunswick natives discography. They played a nice mix of songs from their latest '59 Sound and older album Sink or Swim, as well as from their Senor and the Queen ep. The crowd sang along, crowd surfed, and most people sitting in the balcony stood up during the encore set.
From the lovely "Old White Lincoln" to the single "The '59 Sound" the band was tight and the set highlighted the band's driving music and compelling lyrics plus their folk, punk, and rock influences. The band's music, particularly on Sink or Swim capture the lush, danceable, romanticism of the Jersey Shore sound. Songs like "Wooderson," and "1930" are ones that make for great driving music with special people. "We Came to Dance" is the perfect Jersey song for two kids in love hanging out "under the central Jersey sky." There was a crispness and sincerity from the band I haven't seen in a long time.
The 8 song encore was most impressive featuring a new song, a Tom Petty cover, and songs from all 3 of their releases. It's funny they played a new one considering Fallon's earlier statement. He announced the band was writing new songs but couldn't play any because someone could record them. They closed it with "The Backseat."
Fallon later said via twitter:
thank you all so much for last night it was the best show to end a great year for us! and, it was a new song. It's called "bring it on.''
Communication Redlight put on a good show. Vision reminded me of great punk/hardcore, especially with "Close Minded." The singer seemed to use his mic stand as compensation for a lack of a guitar, but was intense and consistent.Just last year this month the band played a secret show at the Court Tavern. Brian Fallon returns their on Dec. 23 to perform solo at Andy Diamond's Christmas show with Let Me Run, The Sirs, and Communication Redlight (see flier under "read more"). Fallon also has a string of dates lined up for the new year.
The Gaslight Anthem are one of those band's that makes me proud to be from New Jersey. They make great rock tunes that aren't overdone, but sincere and bring in different influences yet maintain a cohesive sound. They are one of Jersey's best. Keep up the anthem, gaslight!
See below for tour dates, photos, videos, and setlist.
"Old White Lincoln"
"Werefore Art Thou, Elvis?"
Vision @ Wellmont Theatre
Brian Fallon solo dates:12/23 @ Court Tavern, New Brunswick, NJ
w/ Dave Hause of the Loves Ones
1/15 @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC
1/16 @ The Black Cat, Washington, DC
1/17 @ First Unitarian Church, Philly, PA
The Gaslight Anthem Setlist:
1. Old White Lincoln
2. Wooderson
3. Wherefore Art Thou, Elvis?
4. Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
5. High Lonesome
6. We Came to Dance
7. Film Noir
8. (I’da Called You Woody, Joe)
9. Great Expectations
10. Miles Davis & The Cool
11. Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts
12. Meet Me by the River’s Edge
13. Here’s Looking at You, Kid
14. The ‘59 Sound
Encore:
15. Casanova, Baby
16. 1930
17. Bring It On (new song)
18. The Navesink Blues
19. Refugee (Tom Petty cover)
20. Say I Won't (Recognize)
21. We're Getting A Divorce You Keep the Diner
22. The Backseat
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