In 2005, four edgy Garden State-based musicians collaborated to form The Gaslight Anthem. The following year, The Gaslight Anthem had its first gig at a small collectibles store in Somerville, New Jersey, performing mainly covers and unmastered originals.

Despite failing to gain notoriety during its first two years of existence, The Gaslight Anthem weathered the storm, hoping that its first full-length album, “Sink or Swim", would capture the attention of punk fanatics and critics alike.

“Sink or Swim” served as the band’s breakthrough in New Jersey’s highly competitive punk rock scene. Independent music critics embraced “Sink or Swim” for its gritty lyrics and unwavering fluidity. Drawing comparisons to Hot Water Music frontman Chuck Ragan and legendary rock and roll icon Bruce Springsteen, TGA lead-guitarist Brian Fallon exhibits maturity on this album, showcasing boundless energy track in and track out.

Unfortunately, I was only eight years old when “Sink or Swim” was released. Even worse, I didn’t find out about The Gaslight Anthem until SIX YEARS LATER.

Yup. I remember playing NHL 13 on the XBOX 360 for the first time and coming across a catchy, fast-paced tune as part of the game’s soundtrack that I couldn’t help but bob my head to. “Hey, turn the record over. Hey, I’ll see you on the flip side.” The singer’s voice was grizzled yet melodic, dark yet optimistic.

After falling in love with “45", I decided to delve into some of Gaslight’s older projects. “Sink or Swim” is a rollercoaster ride saturated with emphatic backing vocals and strumming guitars, while “The ‘59 Sound” allows listeners to view adolescence from Fallon’s perspective as he reminisces through a series of nostalgia-induced tracks.

It didn’t take long for these guys to become my favorite band.

The first and only time I ever saw The Gaslight Anthem live in concert was at the PNC Bank Arts Center in September 2014. I’m not exaggerating when I say that was one of the best nights of my life. Headlining one of the largest venues in New Jersey for the first time, TGA did not disappoint.

I am forever grateful for Brian Fallon who, in front of his hometown fans, went above and beyond in his performance. It was like I was stuck in time; I never wanted that concert to end.

Nearly a year later, however, TGA announced its indefinite hiatus. I hate to say it, but I kind of saw it coming. “Get Hurt", the band’s most recent studio album, lacks crucial elements that previous albums contain. The songs on “Get Hurt” are slow and do not possess the lyrical content necessary to make up for their sluggishness.

Nevertheless, I was devastated by this news. My favorite band, EVER, was breaking up. This was a nightmare I’d never wake up from.

As time progressed, I gave up any hope on a potential TGA reunion. Each member of the band was off working on other projects, and none of them seemed determined to get the band back together in the near future.

Then something happened.

It was early January of this year. I was home for winter break and had slept until 2 PM, which seems about normal for me. I read through the notifications on my phone in a groggy daze. Hmmmmm. My brother mentioned me in a Facebook post. What could it be?

OH, MY GOD!

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM IS PERFORMING AT GOVERNOR’S BALL!

I couldn’t contain my excitement. I was like a little kid on Christmas morning. The Gaslight Anthem, the Dimestore Saints, Bruce Springsteen’s children. They’ve returned!

Days later, TGA also announced that it would be conducting a summer tour to celebrate the ten year anniversary of “The ‘59 Sound”. Miracles do come true.

As I sit at my laptop writing these words, all I can think about is Brian Fallon and his love for Maria and classic cars and movie screens.

Don’t bother me on June 2, 2018. I’ll be too busy basking in the presence of tattoed punk deities, also known as The Gaslight Freaking Anthem.