"We Haven't Turned Into The Cure"

The Gaslight Anthem’s rising career trajectory can be plotted via their Australian tours. In 2008 touring on the back of their debut Sink Or Swim the quartet packed out Annandale Hotel. A couple of years later it was the much larger Metro Theatre. In 2013 the band’s crossover appeal landed them on the stage of Enmore Theatre – a venue they’ll be returning to early next year. But despite their growing fan base the boys remain nothing but humble. “It’s just a pleasure to be playing,” offers Rosamilia. “I know that’s what everyone says, but really, for four guys from Jersey, we just love getting out there and playing our tunes. That we can do that for larger and larger audiences each time we travel the world is something we all treasure.”

"It would be a bit odd if we got compared constantly to, say, GG Allin – and I like GG Allin but there’s nothing in common there."

There’s no doubting that over the years The Gaslight Anthem have developed their sound; these days there’s a lot more Springsteen than The Clash in their tunes. In the case of their latest record Get Hurt, there’s even the shadow of Pearl Jam and The Who in the brooding and melancholy songs it contains. “Look, we’re getting older and have grown as musicians and as people – and the music shows that. We’ve never consciously set out to write in a ‘different’ way. It’s just the way we’ve developed as artists. As for Get Hurt – people are talking about how it’s slower and some people even think it’s a negative record. I’d say it’s sombre record, but not a depressing one. We haven’t turned into The Cure; not that I’d be opposed to that [laughs]. But again – we didn’t set out to write more mid-tempo songs – it’s just the way things turned out.”

As for all those endless comparisons to one of Jersey’s other favourite musical sons – do they ever get annoying? “The Springsteen thing, right?” laughs Rosamilia. “We obviously never wanted to get defined by that comparison but it is what it is. At least that comparison is sort of in the ballpark – it would be a bit odd if we got compared constantly to, say, GG Allin – and I like GG Allin but there’s nothing in common there. When it comes down to it people like to make comparisons between what they do know and what they don’t know – and if that’s how people want to get acquainted with our band then that’s fine by me.”

Despite the hype for Rosamilia and his band mates it’s clear that little matters except playing their music to as many people as possible. “We’re a live band; playing is where we feel most comfortable... It’s why we started this band and it’s what drives us forward. Every night on stage is a privilege, particularly when we’re playing in places like Australia.”