The last we heard of The Gaslight Anthem, they were paying tribute to The Beatles. But now the band is hard at work on its new album, American Slang, the follow-up to 2008’s The ’59 Sound, and the Jersey rockers are going for something unlike they’ve ever done before: a bit of reality.
In an interview with Express Night Out (via DyingScene.com), lead singer Brian Fallon had a lot to say about a variety of topics. But more interesting than growing up in New Jersey is the sound of their third album. Fallon said that the Americana stories that fueled that last album (like the girl named Maria) have been done away with for something less literary.
“I’ve kind of abandoned all of that,” said Fallon. “There are no names and none of the old stuff. I feel like I’ve said a lot of what I had to say about that old stuff. I’m moving on. … [American Slang] is a hyper-literal album. These stories are coming out of my life and the reflections on the things I’ve gotten as I’ve gotten older. It’s more autobiographical, definitely more direct. Not so shrouded in mystery. I’m not trying to confuse anyone with a trail of images on this one.”
Part of that change comes from Fallon’s own growth and recognition of the importance of being more forward with people.
“I think I have a better focus on what to say to people,” Fallon said. “Now, I have a reason to tell people things, instead of crying on someone’s shoulder. I just kind of got ahead on it [life], and I know where it’s going.”
For more insight on Fallon and the band, be sure to read the entire interview. Stay tuned to CoS for more details regarding American Slang once they’re announced.
