The most powerful and stirring singer-songwriter records are often concocted by tortured artists wrestling with their inner demons. Given the Gaslight Anthem's penchant for angst-ridden blue-collar punk rock, you may be expecting Brian Fallon to follow suit on his debut solo album, 'Painkillers'. But he's only gone and crafted a rather lovely Americana record, reflecting on his tribulations in a fresh, relaxed and deceptively upbeat manner.
Fans may have been upset when the Gaslight Anthem announced they were to take an indefinite hiatus last year, but the band were clearly running on empty. Worn down by endless Springsteen comparisons, they tried to reinvent themselves with 'Get Hurt’, but it was a critically panned and confused misstep from a group who'd lost their identity and edge.
That break allowed Fallon to take stock and emerge with renewed clarity and acceptance of himself and his musical identity.
Beginning with a drum intro and instrumental sparkle that proudly apes vintage Springsteen, and by extension 'American Slang', A Wonderful Life is a joyous opening declaration. Easily the most optimistic song Fallon has written, it's the sound of man who's realised it's an honour, not a curse, to be the heir apparent to such a great legacy.
Acceptance is a key principle throughout. Nobody Wins and Open All Night bid fond farewells to past loves, savouring the memories rather than being driven insane by the what might have beens. The same issues and ghosts are still on his mind, but he's stopped fighting their existence, writing from a place of calm resignation rather than desperation.
The exceptional title track, Steve McQueen and Red Lights are all maturely woven tunes of loss and heartache that allow the serrated soul of his voice to shine. But without being bogged down by his unresolved turmoil a cloud has lifted, affording his artistry more room to breathe. His Dylan-esque characters, evocative imagery and overall sound feel more colourful, expansive and emotionally rich as a result.
The ornate beauty of Honey Magnolia finds Fallon writing from a woman's romantic point of view, delicately flipping gender attitudes on their head, while the exquisite Boss-flavoured Rosemary – with a cheeky glockenspiel added for good measure – depicts a once vibrant woman living with the pain of ageing alone.
'Painkillers' boasts a nice mixture of acoustic and electric instruments too, with banjo, piano, and lap steel guitar decorating the folk, country and classic rock ‘n' roll of Long Drives – he still loves Tom Petty songs - and the Beatles bounce of Mojo Hand. There's a wealth of sublimely orchestrated backing vocals and luminous hooks, with Amongst Other Foolish Things possessing a touch of the Beach Boys and highlighting the contributions of producer Butch Walker.
Without wanting to be disrespectful, few would be able to name the other three guys in the Gaslight Anthem. It was mainly Fallon's heart, soul and superior songwriting that drew people to their music. 'Painkillers' isn't a dramatic reinvention so much as a distillation, with Fallon focusing and subtly expanding on the best elements he brought to the band to create his finest work since 'The ‘59 Sound'. And if he chooses to remain as a solo artist, we'll happily accept that.
Brian Fallon Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue April 05 2016 - MANCHESTER Ritz
Wed April 06 2016 - GLASGOW O2 ABC
Thu April 07 2016 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute
Fri April 08 2016 - LONDON KOKO
Sat April 09 2016 - NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Sun April 10 2016 - BRISTOL O2 Academy Bristol
Mon April 11 2016 - LONDON St Pancras Old Church
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