Flogging Molly are not your typical band. They are a seven piece monster in an era of minimalist groups. They do not consider themselves as punks but their sound has been embraced by the punk fraternity and have become a fixture on the Warped Tour. Oh and did I mention they play the fiddle, uilleann Pipes, banjo, mandolin accordion, tin whistle and of course the spoons among other things. That is not to say Flogging Molly are a trad. band either.
They infuse heart wrenching ballads with driving rock guitars and pounding drums. A supercharged version of the Pogues then? There are similarities between the bands but to imply that Flogging Molly are a just a Pogues spin off would not do them justice. Both bands have been influenced by trad. music but Flogging Molly have a sound all of their own and a lyricist of no mean skill.The founder and lynch pin of the band Dave King describes the band’s unique style like this,"If it didn't have mandolin, accordion, fiddle and whistle, it would be punk-rock, and if it didn't have guitar, bass and drums, it would be traditional Irish music. Flogging Molly has both."The power and energy of their live performances need to be seen to be believed. The usual clichés could be trotted out but manic is the only thing that comes close to capturing the energy they radiate on-stage.
Three studio albums and one live album into their career the band have just put out a DVD/CD double disc called Whiskey on a Sunday. The DVD is a documentary style look at the band as they tour and prepare to record their third album Within A Mile Of Home. King talks candidly about how the death of his father dominated his young life and shapes his lyrics. The lyrics of his songs swing from tender and poignant to songs about pirates. Drink is often mentioned but what would you expect from a man who’s musical memories where shaped by people just back the pub! The CD part of this package contains acoustic versions of existing songs, live versions of favourites and a studio version of a song (Laura) which only ever appeared on the live CD. The double disc realise is really aimed at fans and if considered in that light it’s a success. It is more of a behind the scenes look at the band that a showcase of their talent. A full length concert would have been a much better method of that. There are live clips in Whiskey but not enough to properly show the true beast their music becomes when played live.
As with any Irish man with something personal to say politics are never too far from Kings mind. On the last studio album songs such as Screaming at the Wailing Wall which attacks Bush’s warmongering in Gods name and Tobacco Island which deals with Cromwell’s deporting of Irish as slaves to Barbados. Apparently all his songs are written on a typewriter from 1916.King achieved success in the early 80’s with Fastway which saw him coupled with Motorhead’s Eddie Clarke so he has been around a while but not so for the rest of the band. Nathen Maxwell (Bass) joined the band when he still needed a fake ID to see them play bars, and Matt Hensley (Accordion, Concertina) had being playing for about six months when he took up his place.
Flogging Molly are largely unheard on these shores but have a large following in both Europe and the US, where they are based. That too is slowly changing as they have played a number of gigs around the country and even got a space in last years Oxegen festival. While this new offering is more for those who have been converted their growing success in the world beyond these waters may hopefully push ‘em into the mainstream. [DMcN]
Electric Picnic stage times
have just been released (see following list), the music festival that
runs from Friday to Sunday is to be broadcasted on RTE Two television,
as well as on 2FM radio. Both at least part live, with an extended web
radio channel for EP…This exciting line up will not only be covered on our regular FM channel but also on our special RTÉ 2fm Electric Webnic [sic] channel. This is basically a second radio channel on [http://www.rte.ie/2fm] with undiluted live music and cool low key vibes from Mark McCabe, Mr Spring, Conor G and Cormac Batlle ! Coverage begins on Friday when Rick O'Shea will bring inserts from Dan and Jenny at
the Picnic and then full live coverage with Cormac Battle and Damien McCaul until mignight
Things have soured for Cristal.The champagne of choice for hip hop and R n’ B’s elite has fallen from grace. Long considered liquid bling since Jay-Z gave it props in his rhymes (and clubs), it is now getting an image drubbing at his hands. Feuds in Hip-Hop can start over the smallest matter but this is the first a rapper has thrown down to a bottle of crushed fermented fruit.
