Brian Fallon survives his painfully dull new band at homecoming N.J. concert: review

from www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2018/04/brian_fallon_review_2018_nj_starland_ballroom_phot.html

"Fallon should still be counting the minutes until his return with The Gaslight Anthem and the fanfare accompanying those shows, lest he be tethered any longer to the Howling Weather — by far his dullest backing band to date. What a drag this threesome was, robotically tending to their parts, rarely moving a step or two away from their posts. The outfit includes Nick Salisbury on bass, Matt Olsson on drums (yes, I know drummers can’t exactly move around), and Fallon’s longtime collaborator and Gaslight touring guitarist Ian Perkins on lead guitar, who always seems to perform in slow motion. There was little interaction and no discernible vibe with this group whatsoever; more accurate monikers include Brian Fallon and The Tax Assessors, or Brian Fallon and The Patio Furniture."

I don't know what show this guy attended but it clearly wasn't the Starland show Sunday night.

I mean, yeah Ian and Nick aren't exactly the most animated/charismatic guys but neither were Rosamillia or Levine so who cares? They're good musicians which is what matters most. And the drummer is full of energy and enthusiasm unlike the drummer in the crowes. The only time he seems dull is when he looks incredibly bored while Brian is talking.

Also, this guy makes it sound like this was a mediocre show when it was one of the best shows I've seen Brian play. He practically blew the roof off the place during Etta James.

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

And the drummer is full of energy and enthusiasm.

Yeah! It was a pleasure to watch this guy do his thing.

I always thought that Ian and Nick fit in nicely with the style of music. Sure, some people would put on more of a show, but this isn't head banging music after all.

I didn't disagree with that article.

I honestly love to watch Matt play. He has such enthusiasm and makes it all look so easy. He also has an amazing array of things to hit his drums with, and will often play one-handed whilst playing a tambourine or shaker. Massive improvement on the fellow from the Crowes IMO.

And whilst I do miss Jared, I wouldn’t say either Alex or Frank were that visual as performers...good players, but fairly staid.

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cowgirlwiththeblues wrote:

I honestly love to watch Matt play. He has such enthusiasm and makes it all look so easy.  He also has an amazing array of things to hit his drums with, and will often play one-handed whilst playing a tambourine or shaker.

THIS!! Couldn't agree more with this.

And we are not comparing a backing band of a solo artist (Brian) with an actual band (Gaslight), right? Because they are two very different things.
All I can say is, that I enjoyed the Sleepwalkers tour a lot and that I also really look forward to the Gaslight gigs.

some guy wrote:

more accurate monikers include Brian Fallon and The Tax Assessors, or Brian Fallon and The Patio Furniture."

This is some of the funniest journalism I've ever read, hahahaha

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

And the drummer is full of energy and enthusiasm unlike the drummer in the crowes.

Granted, I only saw them on the second ever show of The Horrible Crowes back in 2011, but I remember him being very energetic and enthusiastic. Things can change, I guess.

Harbortown wrote:

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

And the drummer is full of energy and enthusiasm unlike the drummer in the crowes.

Granted, I only saw them on the second ever show of The Horrible Crowes back in 2011, but I remember him being very energetic and enthusiastic. Things can change, I guess.

I don't think it's the same drummer than the crowes. Also the drummer from the crowes was the weakest link by far.

But they all compete with Benny, and Benny is an incredible drummer.