It's a long time since I went to a gig at The Waterfront. There haven't been many bands playing there that interested me and those that did have always sold out before I found out they were on. However, last night was different. About three weeks ago I read an excellent review in The Guardian of a band I'd never heard of which said that their next UK concert would be at The Waterfront in Norwich so I was able to get tickets before they sold out. The band in question was The Gaslight Anthem from New Jersey and I went to see them last night with my daughter Ruth.
Before the main event we were treated to two support acts. First on was Polar Bear Club from New York. Good sound, fast songs, punk inspired. Singer was a bit too "shouty" for my tastes but the rest of it was OK. Next on was Frank Turner (from Winchester) who played an acousic set of his own songs - observations of life, a bit Billy Bragg, with amusing chat in between.
The Gaslight Anthem is an excellent rock band. A four piece - guitar, guitar/singer, bass and drums - from New Jersey. Some of their songs sound as though they have punk roots - fast bouncing tempos - but the overall impression is very much Springsteen-influenced. Their songs have lots of girls names and car references and allusions to Tom Petty and Dylan, as well as Charles Dickens! A number of the songs live up to the band's name and are quite anthemic. Their frontman, Brian Fallon, is very personable and enthusiastic and can quite easily be imagined on the stage of an aren or sports stadium. In fact, I believe they have a support slot with Springsteen in Hyde Park this summer.
Overall a very enjoyable evening - despite noticing that I was probably about forty five years older than the average member audience and suffering aching legs after standing for four hours!
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