Live Music Review: Augustines

While there has been a steady flow of ‘post-Springsteen’ bands over the past decade, few have transcended mere hero worship of the New Jersey icon.

The Killers had a bright moment with ‘Born In The USA’ paean ‘When We Were Young’; sweaty strivers such as the Hold Steady and the Gaslight Anthem have applied a 21st century gloss to Springsteen’s gritty narrative style.

However, for all their earnest toil, such acts remain, by and large, fanboys with guitars – their music may be efficient pastiche but it is pastiche nonetheless.

With their second album, New York-based Augustines suggest they may be the first Springsteen acolytes to rival, or perhaps transcend, their idol. Behind the cliches – their collars are assuredly blue, their music steeped in dreamy realism – lurks real pain: frontman Billy McCarthy lost his mother and brother in quick succession several years ago and Augustines represents his attempt at working through the hurt.

On their self-titled latest album, McCarthy’s writing reaches a new plane of nuance and emotiveness. As conveyed in his gravely croon, the songs are at once anthemic and full of depth: there’s lots to sing along to but a great deal that is moving and reflective also.

Though their media profile is beneath the radar, Augustines seem on the way towards a fanatical following. With little advance notice, they sold out Whelan’s and their performance at the venue was remarkable both for the enthusiasm of the artists and the intensity of the audience.

Cheek by jowl on the small stage, McCarthy and his bandmates blazed through the new LP and its predecessor, Arise Ye Sunken Ships (recorded when the group went as the clunkier We Are Augustines). ‘Headlong Into The Abyss’ suggested a stoic third cousin to ‘Born To Run’; ‘Strange Days’ and ‘Walkabout’ steamrolled you with their hard -charging passion.

There were a few blips, however. Signed to a major label, it’s clear the band aren’t beyond reaching out to the mainstream.

For example, ‘Weary Eyes’ is a Coldplay-esque ballad that had nothing to say and seemed to take half the night getting the message across. You hope this is not a harbinger for the future – as of right now, Augustines are one of the most exciting new bands around.