Handwritten

The Gaslight Anthem have come a long way from the Spingsteen-esque punk fusion of their early exploits. Though even to relatively new fans the bar has been set high by their charmingly powerful 2010 predecessor American Slang. Basic, raw and engaging, Handwritten takes the leap into new territory and by no means does it fall short. Incorporating their classic sing along sound, most obviously present on `45', `Mullholland Drive' and `Biloxi Parish', with a new rockier drive it's unlike anything they've ever done before. The effect, which can partly be credited to different producer Brendan O'Brien, gives the bands folk punk core a new fiery exterior which undoubtedly engages the listeners attention much more effectively than previous efforts on a first run through. However, this does also leave a feeling of unfulfillment in places which a more layered approach would have remedied.

If you're expecting a start to finish fast paced strong chorused album then you might find yourself dissatisfied. Much like previous albums Gaslight successfully vary the overall feel. Songs such as `Here Comes My Man' and `Mae' offer a more reserved approach to punk rock then the forceful `Too Much Blood'. Though perhaps disappointingly `National Anthem' is the only truly acoustic track on Handwritten; slow, soft and brooding Brian Fallon's emotionally empowering vocals are used to great affect which co-insides beautifully which the gentle guitar hook. It's just a shame there are less of these moments throughout, though the bonus addition of the album showcases a few live acoustic versions of past fan favourites should you be left craving more like myself.

Overall The Gaslight Anthem has done a fantastic effort with Handwritten. Stripped down and catchy it's definitely an album which adds something refreshing and new to their catalogue. Though it doesn't quite blow me away it certainly has its moments making it a perfect example of how punk should be done for a new era of fans. (Hope you're listening Green Day)

Standout Tracks: "45", Howl, National Anthem

For Fans of: Against Me, Frank Turner, Bruce Springsteen

There are many similarities between The Gaslight Anthem and Bruce Springsteen and that's not surprising given that front man Brian Fallon is self confessed Springsteen devotee but for me one of those similarities was hype. I first heard about the band a couple of years back when magazines like Mojo and Q were raving about the American Slang album. I heard the title track, didn't like it much and filed the band under "so what". That is until I had to fly over to the US at short notice a few weeks back and took the (for me) unusual step of checking out the albums available on BA's in flight entertainment. This one clearly stood out from the opening of "45" and for the next 40 minutes or so I enjoyed every track. The we arrived at track 10 - "Mae" - and I just couldn't believe what I was hearing. Thumping drums, walking bass lines, subtle guitars, powerful lyrics all vying with each other for the lead spot. Like brooding early Bruce at his best but with over tones of U2. I really can't praise this album (or this particular track) enough. Never again will I say "so what" to the Gaslight Anthem.

Been a massive Gaslight Anthem fan since buying 'The '59 Sound' a few years ago. However I was somewhat dissapointed by their follow-up 'American Slang' which seemed to be lacking the heart of the previous albums. But Handwritten I'm glad to say is much better. Great catchy tunes with amazing lyrics from Fallon. Also a nice mix of slower and acoustic songs to round-up the album.

Song by song:
1. '45' 10/10 - Awesome song and absolutely perfect start to the album. The sing along chorus gets you hooked straight away and the lyrics have some real passion and heart behind them, as we've come to expect from Gaslight.
2. Handwritten 9/10 - ANother great song. Really touching lyrics in this one and the vocals are very good throughout. My only issue is I'm not too fond of the 'woh-oh' vocals in the intro.
3. Here Comes My Man 7/10 - Good song seemingly written from a woman's perspective. Intro is a bit bland compared with other songs on the album.
4. Mulholland Drive 8/10 - This is a really great song with another great chorus. Really liking the guitar + solo in this one and the outro will definitely have you singing along.
5. Keepsake 8/10 - A bit of a darker feel in this song. The verses are very good with some good use of backing vocals. The chorus is very grand and you can hear the emotion in Fallon's voice. The interlude section could have progressed the song more I feel though.
6. Too Much Blood 8/10 - Very strong verse vocals from Fallon here in a more classic rock style. Chorus is really good and the lyrics throughout are awesome.
7. Howl 8/10 - This is a great fast-paced catchy song which is a bit more reminiscent of 'Sink or Swim'. LIke the lyrics in this one aswell - 'Does anything still move you, since you're educated now?'.
8. Biloxi Parish 9/10 - They've been playing this song live for awhile now. Great intro and verse and a chorus that will get stuck in your head for days. Sounds like a bit of a mash up of 'The '59 Sound' and 'American Slang' but in a good way.
9. Desire 6/10 - Not feeling this song as much as the others to be honest.
10. Mae 8/10 - A nice slower song hear so you can really appreciate Fallon's vocals and lyrics. Sounds more like 'The '59 Sound' here.
11. National Anthem 7/10 - Heartfelt acoustic song to end the album.

Overall 8.5/10