FallonÔÇÖs first solo album ÔÇÿPainkillersÔÇÖ opens with the bouncing ÔÇÿA Wonderful LifeÔÇÖ, a stark contrast to its opposite number on The Gaslight AnthemÔÇÖs last release ÔÇÿGet HurtÔÇÖ. Where ÔÇÿStay ViciousÔÇÖ barrelled in on a grungey riff and desperate lyrics, ÔÇÿA Wonderful LifeÔÇÖ drips with optimism and sees a return to FallonÔÇÖs trademark 50ÔÇÖs references.

Perhaps partly a reaction to the criticism of the bleak themes and presentation of ÔÇÿGet HurtÔÇÖ, this solo offering follows up in a bittersweet tone, its jauntier arrangements grown around campfire acoustic guitars. As with any Fallon release you know roughly what youÔÇÖre going to get (loving tributes to his musical heroes Springsteen, the Clash and Dylan) and if youÔÇÖre after left-turns its fair to say you wonÔÇÖt find them here.

Producer Butch WalkerÔÇÖs fingers are all over the handclapping singalong of ÔÇÿSmokeÔÇÖ, where Fallon laments the loss of a love grasped too tightly. Without the usual band behind him distortion takes a backseat to mandolins, keyboards and acoustic instruments. The rugged folk of ÔÇÿRosemaryÔÇÖ could pass for Frank Turner, while ÔÇÿLong DrivesÔÇÖ features yearning pedal steel and gorgeous bluegrass harmonies from bassist Catherine Popper.

Rather than change the core of his songs between his different projects Fallon seems to alter the dynamics and adornment, dressing his tales of heartbreak and highways up in different clothes; be they blue jeans and white T-shirts, Tom Waits suits or jean jackets.

At the behest of Walker, Fallon has dropped some of his more well-worn turns of phrase for a more straightforward, conversational tone lyrically, which understandably has its hits and misses. Incidentally there are only two mentions of the ubiquitous ÔÇÿradioÔÇÖ of earlier work (we were only messing with you Brian).

In trading heartache for handclaps Fallon has written a largely enjoyable album that allows him to try his hand at folk and country alongside his trademark heartland rock. If not as emotive as recent Gaslight albums, ÔÇÿPainkillersÔÇÖ is a solid slab of Americana and it certainly sounds like Fallon had a blast creating it.

DILLON EASTOE