Song Exclusive: The Gaslight Anthem, ’45’

Combining punk rock, folk and the spirit of Americana, New Jersey rockers the Gaslight Anthem fuel their heartfelt formula with new intensity on “45,” the first single off the upcoming album Handwritten. Well-known for his referential folk-style storytelling, frontman Brian Fallon instead reflects on his own experiences and reels back his deeply embedded references.
Though the band grew their sound immensely on 2010’s American Slang, Fallon wished to return to the driving punk rock that ignited earlier Gaslight Anthem work. With “45,” written early in the creative process, the Gaslight Anthem knew they had the right spark. “This song felt to us like we still had something to say in this long line of rock & roll tradition,” says Fallon. “It made the path clear as to what we should do next. Sometimes you just have to leave things behind . . . turn the record over.” “45” will be out on iTunes May 8th, with Handwritten set for a July 24th release.
Listen to the Gaslight Anthem’s “45”: