Something Like Sound

St. Patrick’s Day has come early this year, break out the Irish beer, wear green clothing and listen to Flogging Molly’s newest album Float. Mines students may remember that Flogging Molly headlined the 2007 E-Days festival concert, which was one of the most popular parts of the festivities. Since last spring, the L.A. based Irish-punk rockers have been busy touring and recording. The newest disc from Flogging Molly is a return to form as they blend So-Cal punk with traditional Irish instrumentation.

“There’s a government whip cracked across your back!” are politically charged lyrics that start the album on the track “Requiem For A Dying Song.” Banjos, tin whistles, electric guitars and heavy drums fill the speakers in one of the most upbeat requiems ever heard. Moving from funeral songs to lamentations, “Paddy’s Lament” references a traditional Irish tune about immigration and exile in America. “Float,” the title track for the album, remains laid back and does not break into all out punk beats, but gives the listener a chance to hear the lyrics.

Similar to past albums, Flogging Molly focuses their lyrics on drinking, the lives of sailors, the enchantment of the sea, and occasionally politics. The pace of the album picks up again with “You Won’t Make A Fool Out of Me” and continues through until the closing track “The Story So Far.” A highlight of the second half of the album is “Between A Man And A Woman,” a track that originally appeared as a live track on Flogging Molly’s first release Alive Behind The Green Door.

Float is an enjoyable listen because of its high energy drinking songs and unique style. Flogging Molly have not changed their sound since the late 90′s, however they have not become stale in their approach to music. Of the handful of Irish-punk bands, Flogging Molly rises above others with their newest release.