New Brunswick, New Jersey is a punk and hardcore breeding ground. Bands like Lifetime, Thursday, and The Bouncing Souls have all cut their teeth in basements there, so it's not surprising to see bands of like-mind come out of this scene. But what happens when kids who were bred on such a scene meet up with a Springsteen/Strummer inspired songwriter from Red Bank, (NJ) and a No Idea Records fan from the Bronx?

Enter The Gaslight Anthem...

The group's full length debut, Sink or Swim, came out on New Jersey label XOXO Records. The album is obviously inspired by artists like Bruce Springsteen, The Clash and Hot Water Music along with elements of soul, blues and folk. The diversity of each of the four members’ musical upbringings is also showcased, as The Gaslight Anthem are able to seamlessly blend their distinctive musical tastes into one cohesive mixture, resulting in a sound all their own. These four gentlemen have found something classic and yet brand new all at the same time. Some reviewers have gone on to name Sink or Swim "Album of the Year."

The Gaslight Anthem have also stirred up positive recognition from the 200+ dates of touring they've done this year alone, including dates with Against Me!, The Draft, Dead to Me, and a solo European tour. Armed with a van, a few amps, and some good old-fashioned gut hunger, these boys will continue to bring their music to the masses. If you missed The Gaslight Anthem on their last few tours, it won't be long until their explosive traveling show rolls through your neck of the woods again, no matter what continent that may be on.

Look for The Gaslight Anthem in a town near you in support of this their full length Sink or Swim, and be sure to check out their new EP Senor and the Queen, out January 29th on Sabot Productions.