Not so long ago, it wasn't cool to admit to liking Bruce Springsteen or, heaven forbid, declare him as a major influence. But it's fair to say that The Boss holds far more sway with the younger generation nowadays than during his '80s heyday (a heyday that has lasted during every subsequent decade). The Gaslight Anthem's genial singer Brian Fallon hasn't been ashamed to admit similarities between Broooce's rockier output and his band's own powerhouse punk 'n' roll sensibilities, something that makes the New Jersey outfit all the more fiery and fired up at their live shows.

Formed just six years ago, The Gaslight Anthem have continued a healthy musical tradition associated with the North East of America which includes Springsteen of course, as well as Sinatra, Bon Jovi (who named an album after the area), The Misfits, My Chemical Romance, Yo La Tengo and The Bouncing Souls. Perhaps it's the local delicacies that rear such passionate performers - New Jersey allegedly has more American diners per square mile than any other state AND is the founding home of the ice-cream cone. OK, no 5-a-day here but the music's decent enough, right?

Hailed by US fans as a punk-rock outfit, The Gaslight Anthem's canon points towards our own alt-rock scene - think Frank Turner, The Levellers and Gallows having a jam and you're someway there. After quietly issuing a debut album ('Sink or Swim') in 2007 to ripples of interest, the applause and adoration has got steadily louder with each release, topped off by 2010's 'American Slang' album, a Top 20 success on both sides of the Atlantic and right across Northern Europe, especially Germany and Ireland.

Album number four is imminent - 'Handwritten' will hit the shelves and servers in July, just ahead of their huge slots at the Leeds and Reading festivals in August. But what you want is a proper tour and luckily Fallon and the boys will be with you shortly. First stop on the short hop is Brixton on 15th October, followed by Manchester (18th), Glasgow (19th) and Birmingham (20th).

Update

After huge public demand, The Gaslight Anthem have had to announce a second Brixton Academy show, this time for 17th October. We will have tickets for this new show from 9am on Friday 13th July. Their other shows in Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham have, not surprisingly, sold out as well - we'll keep you informed of any additional gigs the band might add, other than their slots at Reading and Leeds festivals of course!