UP AND COMING ALBUMS THAT WILL ‘ROCK’ YOUR SUMMER: DAY THREE

DAY THREE FOR YOUR DIARY – JULY 24th

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM – ‘HANDWRITTEN’

Before going any further, I must admit, I have a big, fat, biased liking for this band; whilst they may not be one of the more long-life, defining groups of our generation, they are (in my mind) a present definition of good, honest rock music. From the first time I heard them on a compilation CD after perusing through an old rock magazine, with ‘The 59 Sound’ (the song that secured their place in the modern rock scene), I was gripped. There is something haunting about the melody, the vocals, the lyrics – it’s the kind of music that grasps a meaning immediately, and remains with you indefinitely. All components needed in a fresh summer album.

Released to the world yesterday was the up-and-coming track list. It goes as follows – ahem:

1. 45

2. Handwritten

3. Here Comes My Man

4. Mulholland Drive

5. Keepsake

6. Too Much Blood

7. Howl

8. Biloxi Parish

9. Desire

10. Mae

11. National Anthem

But, apart from the realisation each shall hold a potent story and have an ‘anthem’ sounding resonance… not much can be predicted from a list of names. I CAN predict, however, through listening to the first single released from the album, being numero uno, ‘45’ (one not yet available to downloaders in the UK, unfortunately), heavier tones than those previously heard in ‘American Slang’. They’ve turned down the crisp-distortion on the lead guitar, and whacked the vivacity up to eleven. The track, alongside the album artwork (also released yesterday), gives a new level of maturity to the group. You might not notice it at first, but there is a definite growth in sound, swaying away from the ‘punk’ fuelled influence. From hearing what I think is the perfect summer anthem to all those who need a good crazy-dancing session around the bedroom, the album’s already got me jumping.

All I can hope for now is that the newly released tour dates decide to migrate over from the US…