'American Slang' is the first single and title track off Gaslight Anthem's upcoming third studio album, out June 15. The Jersey-bred group's sound is punk, but not over-produced; rather lead vocalist Brian Fallon delivers soul-driven vocals (backed by a looping, catchy guitar lead and backup vocals in the chorus) as well as lyrics that reminisce on the band's upbringing in the New Jersey suburbs: "And they cut me to ribbons and taught me to drive / I got your name tattooed inside of my arm / I called for my father but my father had died / While you told me fortunes, in American Slang."
The album 'American Slang' is a follow-up to 2008's 'The '59 Sound,' which critics deemed as the 'Born to Run'-era. However, their transition from 'The '59 Sound' to their third effort -- helmed by producer Ted Hutt -- is entirely different, a transition Fallon deems as "like the Clash's 'Give 'Em Enough Rope,' versus 'London Calling.'" The title track gives us a glimpse into their new sound, but we'll have to wait until June to hear the entire effort. Check out the new song on AOL Radio's New Alternative First station.
Listen to New Alternative First