Brian Fallon PAINKILLERS

The solo debut from the moonshine-voiced Gaslight Anthem frontman, Painkillers sees Brian Fallon holding true to his Jersey punk roots, while establishing himself as a top-tier songwriter in the increasingly crowded pantheon of indie-Americana scenemakers. Always a deft lyricist, with Painkillers, Fallon has proved that he can hold his own with open-road, roots rock bards like Eric Bachmann (Crooked Fingers), Josh Ritter, and Jason Isbell. Spirited, glockenspiel-hammered opener "A Wonderful Life" does little to dispel the oft-cited Springsteen comparisons that have both dogged and helped Fallon throughout the years, but the contemplative title track that follows introduces a more nuanced take on blue collar heartache that, for the most part, extends through to the remaining 11 tracks. Standouts like the lush "Among Other Foolish Things," the fist-pumping "Rosemary," the bonfire stomper "Smoke," and the easy, country-folk closer "Open All Night," deftly balance artistry and last-call de