Gasoline Heart - Nostalgia Ain't What It Used To Be

[Gregory Robson]

Gasoline Heart - Nostalgia Ain't What It Used To Be
Record Label: Hopeless/P Is For Panda
Release Date: Sept. 5, 2009

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Bruce Springsteen sure must be beaming. In the last few years, the number of bands copying his playbook seems to be increasing. While their sound deviates from the Boss’ script in more than a few places, Brooklyn’s The Hold Steady have numerous songs that ooze with a Springsteenian jangle. Just down the Jersey Turnpike, Brian Fallon and The Gaslight Anthem have formed a nice career writing Springsteen-inspired bar room rock. And now, Orlando, FL’s Gasoline Heart have once again attempted to tackle the Garden State’s favorite son with their sophomore album Nostalgia Ain’t What It Used To Be. And now comes the bad news. Regardless of what you might have heard, Gasoline Heart isn't that great. Sure they cite friends like Stephen Christian, Aaron Marsh and have worked with Steve Albini, but truth be told, the band's sophomore effort, Nostalgia Aint What it Used To Be, is a disjointed, copy-cat album that only has a flew glimmers of substance.

Beginning with the Springsteen-esque opener "Never Been Worse," vocalist Louis Defabrizio croons “I guess we all have our shit,” over a gentle and vernal mid-tempo pace. While the song is a rather emotive and arresting listen, the comparisons to Springsteen are hard to deny, and the song almost comes across as a straightforward homage. Certainly one can dismiss the band for this slight mistake, but when it happens again repeatedly, as it does numerous times on Nostalgia, one begins to question, what exactly the band is trying to achieve. Let it be known, trying to distance Gasoline Heart from Springsteen takes a lot of work.

Though the chore becomes easier on second track "Can’t Keep a Good Kid Down" and third track "Just Like a Ghost" which both kick and punch with a gritty, sweaty energy that's effusive, raw and spunky, their version of punk seems a bit sloppy. Whether this is due to Matt Goldman’s recording work, T.W. Walsh’s mastering, or the absence of founding members Joey Bradshaw and Andy Simonds, both of the songs sound like a band trying too hard.

One of the album’s better moments is fourth track "Armadillo," which wears a veneer analogous with Tom Petty, a comparison, which to date has been the band's most consistent musical doppelganger. Fifth track "Stop Pretending" aims to slow things down and does so rather well. A leave-it-all-on-the-table ballad, the song is a cascading, autumnal effort that proves when they want to, this band can really shine. The bare-bones acoustic yarn “Difficult,” bleeds with desperation, helplessness and strife, before returning to the disappointing punk edge on seventh track "Look Up Baby, You’re Bleeding," and eighth track, “Backbooth,” which don’t really offer anything incredibly substantial to the table.


And then as if scripted, the album’s last three songs are nothing short of stunning. Ninth track "Sunshine State," is a definitive shining moment and finds the band offering up social commentary amid an airy, quivering mid-tempo structure. Cheeky, pointed and incredibly sardonic, “Sunshine State,” is a statement song the band should wear with pride. The six-minute bar-room rocker “Eager Seas,” follows and it’s another original, wholly convincing no-nonsense rocker, before resting on closer, “Never Been Better,” which for all intents and purposes is an acoustic refrain of album opener “Never Been Worse.”

The major problem with Nostalgia Aint What it Used To Be is that the entire effort feels disjointed and uneven. Whereas albums are supposed to flow and jell cohesively, none of Nostalgia does that. The disc feels in essence like one scrap heap of studio favorites assembled together and passed off as a record. The only unifying theme is the emotions of disappointment, anger and rage, which Defrabrizio alludes to on more than one occasion. A self-admitted over-confident, over-weight, degenerate, over-the-hill rocker, he sums up the entire effort by saying, “What's the worst thing that could happen? The same shit that's always happened?" And that gruff confession is the heart of what Gasoline Heart is all about. If only their music backed up their talk.

1. Never Been Worse (2:41)
2. Can't Keep a Good Kid Down (4:06)
3. Just Like a Ghost (3:49)
4. Armadillo (3:50)
5. Stop Pretending (4:37)
6. Difficult (3:55)
7. Look Up Baby, You're Bleeding (3:40)
8. Backbooth (2:21)
9. Sunshine State (4:26)
10. What We Are (3:50)
11. Eager Seas (6:10)
12. Never Been Better (2:19)

John Fortson
Erich Jackson
Louis Defabrizio
Rick Calvo
Jeff Irizarry

The Gaslight Anthem, The Hold Steady, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty

Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/gasolineheart)
Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/gasolineheart)

[Gregory Robson]

i really used to be into this band, but i ran into louis in downtown orlando a few weeks ago and all i did was in passing say "hey man, what's up? i'm a big fan of your band." he was such a dick. totally turned me off.
He's never impressed me.

[Steve Henderson]

I have trouble getting past the vocals on this record. :shrug:

[James RE Hughey]

This isn't a band jumping on a new bandwagon for Springsteen want-a-be's. GH has been doing this style music for some time now, before some of the same members were 'The Kick' and the sound was basically the same. Their bassist was in Squad 5-O and they also had a similar sound. Not saying they do not sound a lot like Springsteen type rock, but this is not just another band trying to jump on The Gaslight Anthem bandwagon of trying to be The Boss.

[Gregory Robson]

This isn't a band jumping on a new bandwagon for Springsteen want-a-be's. GH has been doing this style music for some time now, before some of the same members were 'The Kick' and the sound was basically the same. Their bassist was in Squad 5-O and they also had a similar sound. Not saying they do not sound a lot like Springsteen type rock, but this is not just another band trying to jump on The Gaslight Anthem bandwagon of trying to be The Boss.
This record does little to bolster your argument, mate.

[joelibyan]

This record does little to bolster your argument, mate.
I agree with the OP on this one... I feel like Louis (and by extension his whole Orlando crew) has been pursuing this sound for years (since the demise of dear ephesus... even tenderfoot had some element of the Boss' sound), but have always been under the radar. The only reason they're getting recognition is because the sound is coming back. I was mad when DE broke up because I loved their sound. Everything Louis has done since then just hasn't hit me in the right way. Good for him for following his tastes, but he lost me along the way.

[chillinlikebob]

I actually really enjoy this album and bought the physical release. I like the Tom Petty/Bruce Springsteen style of rock music and when other bands such as The Gaslight Anthem and Gasoline Heart put out similar stuff, that is fine by me. I think those are the two bands that actually represent the style well. I use to not like Louis's vocals either, but they're grown on me. I think this record is very solid and fun to drive to. The bands last record was very solid as well.

[James RE Hughey]

My point is exactly that. This is a sound this group of guys has been doing for years, it is not something they just decided to do because someone like The Gaslight Anthem is making it popular again. To say they sound like The Boss and not original enough is fair, but to tag them as joining the new ranks of copy-cats like The Gaslight Anthem is not.

[Gregory Robson]

My point is exactly that. This is a sound this group of guys has been doing for years, it is not something they just decided to do because someone like The Gaslight Anthem is making it popular again. To say they sound like The Boss and not original enough is fair, but to tag them as joining the new ranks of copy-cats like The Gaslight Anthem is not.
The same point can be argued for The Hold Steady.
So why exactly are The Hold Steady universally praised and gracing magazines and this band is not? Makes you wonder, huh?

[James RE Hughey]

This is not a review of The Hold Steady. I am not disagreeing with the review persay, just the fact that Gasoline Heart is being painted as a band jumping on a new bandwagon.

[Gregory Robson]

This is not a review of The Hold Steady. I am not disagreeing with the review persay, just the fact that Gasoline Heart is being painted as a band jumping on a new bandwagon.
It was the most appropriate intro I could think of. You'll see it your way, I'll see it mine. I still think the band could have done better. This album fails in a few too many places.

[chillinlikebob]

The same point can be argued for The Hold Steady.
So why exactly are The Hold Steady universally praised and gracing magazines and this band is not? Makes you wonder, huh?
P is for Panda is a brand new label though. Vagrant is known for bigger bands (The Get Up Kids, Dashboard Confessional, and Thrice) and so The Hold Steady has received more exposure.
I do think both The Hold Steady and The Gaslight Anthem are better than Gasoline Heart, but I still really dig both Gasoline Heart records.

[James RE Hughey]

I'm obviously a fan boy for this band and I will admit it, but I agree they definitely just take a sound that has been around for a long time. Extremely entertaining live and that is probably why I love them so.

[Gregory Robson]

P is for Panda is a brand new label though. Vagrant is known for bigger bands (The Get Up Kids, Dashboard Confessional, and Thrice) and so The Hold Steady has received more exposure.
I do think both The Hold Steady and The Gaslight Anthem are better than Gasoline Heart, but I still really dig both Gasoline Heart records.
P is for Panda is a great label, but Chad isn't exactly broke. He had tons of resources while at The Militia Group and plenty of Militia bands made it to the big time. I am not knocking P is for Panda. Though for what it's worth, that label's star is Damion Suomi, who in my opinion is far more talented and original than Gasoline Heart. But that's just my ten cents.

[Gregory Robson]

I'm obviously a fan boy for this band and I will admit it, but I agree they definitely just take a sound that has been around for a long time. Extremely entertaining live and that is probably why I love them so.
My knock on this record isn't so much their sound, its Louis' vocal inflections. It's like direct, 100 percent Springsteen knockoff and its just plain frustrating. Granted there are spots on the album he forms his own voice, but I dont know why he doesnt do that more often.

[rawspinner]

so just to sum up Greg, the music isn't bad but the cohesiveness of all the songs on the record isn't great, and though the music is okay it's similarity to Bruce Springsteen type sound take away rather than add to the overall enjoyment?

[Gregory Robson]

so just to sum up Greg, the music isn't bad but the cohesiveness of all the songs on the record isn't great, and though the music is okay it's similarity to Bruce Springsteen type sound take away rather than add to the overall enjoyment?
Absolutely. Summed it up perfectly.

[rawspinner]

Absolutely. Summed it up perfectly.

cool. Why do I feel so elated that I got a compliment from an AP.net staff member?

[spansen]

i really like this record, to be honest.. i don't think they've got any punk in them, so i found those references sort of weird to be mentioned. if you asked me, i'd call them an alternative-country band.

[James RE Hughey]

They have more of a punk attitude I think than actual punk sound.

For his vocals, I just think that is how he sings. He has a limited range and he is raspy. He has to yell and scream when most people may hit high notes, so even if the music sound nothing like The Boss and think he would sound this way.

[chillinlikebob]

Off the subject, but does anyone know what happened to Discover America? They were on P is for Panda's compilation cd, but I haven't heard anything since.

[axl rose]

I reallylike this band and this album. I don't think it is as good as the last record but it is still great. As others have said, Louis has been doing music like this for years and now that it is cool again people think they are jumping on the bandwagon. Weak. Just go buy this record, crack open a beer, and enjoy!

[tomahawk]

I don't understand why some people aren't letting more than one band participate in this particular genre. Everyone on this site praises 1,000 bands that have the same sound, genre, or influences....but there are 6 good bands playing rock and roll and it's not allowed?

[Travis Parno]

cool. Why do I feel so elated that I got a compliment from an AP.net staff member?
because you're smart, funny, and beautiful

:wave:

[Gregory Robson]

I don't understand why some people aren't letting more than one band participate in this particular genre. Everyone on this site praises 1,000 bands that have the same sound, genre, or influences....but there are 6 good bands playing rock and roll and it's not allowed?
Mi amigo. There are far more than six.

[himynameisjohn3]

this band and this record are both awesome.

[noles848]

The record could have been better but at least its more enjoyable than most of the absolute shit that gets reviewed on here. I don't see whats wrong with being influenced by springsteen? (if you are saying something is wrong with that) Otherwise, good review.

[AaronMarsh]

Fad or no fad, Louis is a real-deal songwriter. It's a shame this band isn't more recognized. Good record.

[eons]

Fad or no fad, Louis is a real-deal songwriter. It's a shame this band isn't more recognized. Good record.
quoted for love.

[joelibyan]

Fad or no fad, Louis is a real-deal songwriter. It's a shame this band isn't more recognized. Good record.
is it a louis thing, though? is he a difficult commodity to sell? aaron, you know louis (and his bands) going back to the late 90's... why doesnt his stuff strike more chords in people and sell more than it does?

[rawspinner]

because you're smart, funny, and beautiful

:wave:

Twice in one day? I'm on cloud nine.

[gasolineheart]

geez louise!
im just happy someones talking about our record. im surprised so many people like and dislike it. i guess its good to stir something up. for some reason people really hate my band or like my band. i guess some people just think its ok. i dunno. i hate to make any of you mad at me but im really not some sort of huge Springsteen fan. i have no desire to be the boss or copy cat the boss. i think gaslight anthem sounds more like the get up kids then springsteen. p is for panda is not rolling in the money because if they were you would maybe see an add somewhere.
im sorry to the dude who said i was a dick to them downtown when they told me they were a big fan but the truth is im not good at taking compliments. ive been in bands since i was 18 and every group i have been in has always been somewhat of an underdog band. we never really had any following until we broke up or something. so usually when someone tells me good job i tend to think they are making fun of me. it all goes back to highschool when all of a sudden none of my friends would talk to me or say hi to me in the hall. If someone compliments me i assume its sarcastic. maybe its cuz i grew up on the east coast. who knows? i can tell you that the record is a lil lop sided. i like to write slow songs and punk kinda songs. maybe i should just be in two bands, i dunno. for me my favorite bands do a little bit of everything. thats what i like about music and thats what im trying to do with this band. trust me im not copying anyones style to try and hit big and make money. if i was gonna make money in this industry it would have already happened. i play music cuz i love it and also it beats making ten bux an hour at your local lunch establishment. i like the record. i think its cool. we put some time into it but not really all that much time to be honest.
just stop saying we are ripping the boss off. ive been singing like this forever. its just how my voice sounds. if i had my choice id be playing bass in some sort of band but i always got kicked out so i had to learn how to sing.
biggest influences on me are
patty griffin,david bazan,pearl jam,tom petty and the who
those are the people im trying to rip off

[chillinlikebob]

Louis, keep doing what you're doing. I'll keep buying and appreciating your music. Thanks for sharing your music.

[counting_saturn]

I was going to say "in the spirit of Gasoline Heart, fuck off" to this review but then Louis just wrote his nice rebuttal.

This band rocks. Great songs, great spirit. Hits me everytime. 10x than 90% of the better selling bands.

This is a band that you can't review. It's more of an attitude, a spirit. I think youre hating it for what it's not, as opposed to what it is.

Or I just like shitty music.

[MattFDR]

I love this record as I have all former Gasoline Heart records. I think it is a breath of fresh air in the music scene. If you like Louis' voice or not, I hope that other people can at least connect with the fact you can believe what he is saying and there is some emotion there as opposed to autotune used to correct horrible singers or as one of the worst effects I have ever heard.
I hate most bands but I love Gasoline Heart.

[peterfcs]

Gasoline Heart won me over with "You Know Who You Are" when I first saw them in 2007. Their lyrics and music feel raw and honest. "Nostalgia Ain't What It Used To Be" is great continuance from their first two albums. I have to disagree with most of this review.

[duke15]

you people are clowns if you think gas. heart sounds like the boss or gaslight anthem
just because a band starts w/ gas doesnt mean the tunes are alike
anyways, gaslight anthem has a punk sound

and whats with the idiot who doesnt like the band because louis wasnt nice to him
is that how you decide what kind of music you like? if the lead singer wants to spend his weekends hanging out with you?
do you get your panties in a wad if bono or hootie or the lead singer of whatever other shitty music you listen to doesnt acknowledge you when you yell at them or doesnt want to have a drink with you?
get a life and choose the music you listen to because it means something to you, not because of who you think it sounds like or if the band members think you are cool
what else do louis have to do to impress you?
have a circle pit better than underoath at their next show?

[thecobrakais]

for anyone reading this, the comment i made about louis being a dick was a little over the top. i have a ton of respect for him for apologizing and taking the time to personally email me. I'll still hold "You Know Who You Are" as one of my favorite albums any day of the week. Check these guys out, definitely.

[James RE Hughey]

This band rocks. Great songs, great spirit. Hits me everytime. 10x than 90% of the better selling bands.

This is a band that you can't review. It's more of an attitude, a spirit. I think youre hating it for what it's not, as opposed to what it is.

Or I just like shitty music.

That is exactly how I feel when I listen to these guys. I wrote a review on this same album trying to express that http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1292702

I love this that was said in comments of that review;
if tom petty was a punk rocker and the gaslight anthem stopped being so much in love, it would be Gasoline Heart
this is a kickass album that everyone who claims to like rock music should hear.

They are coming to Tallahassee soon and I will be there for sure! If you have the chance see them live because if any band can make you a fan just from a live set this is the band.

[Blake Solomon]

for anyone reading this, the comment i made about louis being a dick was a little over the top. i have a ton of respect for him for apologizing and taking the time to personally email me. I'll still hold "You Know Who You Are" as one of my favorite albums any day of the week. Check these guys out, definitely.
ha, that's pretty weak dude, making a comment like that and leaving the whole other part of the story out.

[thecobrakais]

ha, that's pretty weak dude, making a comment like that and leaving the whole other part of the story out.
he apologized to me after he read it on here, weeks after it happened. what do you mean weak? i left no part of the story out.

[_all_star_me_]

P is for Panda is a great label, but Chad isn't exactly broke. He had tons of resources while at The Militia Group and plenty of Militia bands made it to the big time. I am not knocking P is for Panda. Though for what it's worth, that label's star is Damion Suomi, who in my opinion is far more talented and original than Gasoline Heart. But that's just my ten cents.
I really do love Damion's record. However, none should be taken away from Andy Shauf's incredible debut and Mike Dunn's & the Kings of New England new record is amazing as well. Have you heard them?

[sidekicksuicide]

That is exactly how I feel when I listen to these guys. I wrote a review on this same album trying to express that http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1292702

I love this that was said in comments of that review;


They are coming to Tallahassee soon and I will be there for sure! If you have the chance see them live because if any band can make you a fan just from a live set this is the band.
I was super thrown off by you quoting me from a different thread, but I want to echo you:
Yes. Go see Louis play if you're torn about this band. I've seen Gasoline Heart 5 times in 4 years in every incarnation- full band, Louis solo, and even with a full band of fill ins. I've loved it every time. It's the songs, man, the songs!

[gasolineheart]

you know the guy who wrote this review
really has no fucking clue
he can fuck off!