Craic "It's Still New Enough That It's Forgivable!"
Release date: 9th July 2011
Running Time: 21:15, 6 tracks
Last year was an excellent year for Paddypunk. And it seems that 2011 is going to be as good as 2010: excellent albums by old bands and amazing recordings by new bands. And one of those amazing recordings is the 6 track EP released by the band from Cleveland (Ohio) Craic.
Craic is an eight piece band featuring drums, fiddle, bass, banjo, tin whistle, electric/acoustic guitars and 12-string acoustic guitar. Standard line-up for a Celtic punk band. Then, why are they so special? Because they have been able to develop their own sound. A blend of punk, Irish folk and bluegrass in which the banjo really shines. Yes, I know that other bands have banjos, but I feel that Mitch Kozub’s banjo has a different style. Add Brett Burlison’s vocals, the fiddle and tin whistle by the two girls (Andrea D’Amore and Nikki Wolfe), the guitars and the co-production by ex-Dropkick Murphys Ryan Foltz and the result is “It’s Still New Enough that It’s Forgiveable”
Half of the tracks on the EP are self-penned songs. “Ishkabaha” (Uisce Beatha) is the right opening track. A catchy song that defines Craic’s sound based on banjo, fiddle and tin whistle. “Steppin’ Out” is another stand out. Great tin whistle and fiddle on a song with a DKM style chorus. Finally, “For the Man” is a song more American than Irish, another strong number that could be filed together with The Pogues “Rum, Sodomy and the Lash” album.
Regarding the traditional songs, “Irish Rover” can rival with both The Pogues and The Mahones renditions. Normally I wouldn’t recommend any band to record “Star of the County Down”: I feel that there are three top-notch renditions that can’t be improved (The Pogues, Oysterband and MacKeel). Anyway, Craic’s version is very interesting, with great fiddle and banjo arrangements. And the tongue-twister “Rattlin’ Bog” is performed exactly as it should be: the speed is constantly increased with each additional verse.
Remember the name, Craic, from Cleveland. They will be competing with the French band Celkilt for the award for the best EP of 2011. I’m already awaiting their debut album.
Tracklist:
01 - Ishkabaha 3:04
02 - Irish Rover 4:15
03 - Steppin' Out 2:35
04 - Star of the County Down 3:50
05 - For the Man 4:36
06 - Rattlin' Bog 2:55
http://www.craicpunks.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/craicpunks
http://www.facebook.com/craicpunks
Contact the band to buy the CD
Review by Kinksmarkham
.
Release date: 9th July 2011
Running Time: 21:15, 6 tracks
Last year was an excellent year for Paddypunk. And it seems that 2011 is going to be as good as 2010: excellent albums by old bands and amazing recordings by new bands. And one of those amazing recordings is the 6 track EP released by the band from Cleveland (Ohio) Craic.
Craic is an eight piece band featuring drums, fiddle, bass, banjo, tin whistle, electric/acoustic guitars and 12-string acoustic guitar. Standard line-up for a Celtic punk band. Then, why are they so special? Because they have been able to develop their own sound. A blend of punk, Irish folk and bluegrass in which the banjo really shines. Yes, I know that other bands have banjos, but I feel that Mitch Kozub’s banjo has a different style. Add Brett Burlison’s vocals, the fiddle and tin whistle by the two girls (Andrea D’Amore and Nikki Wolfe), the guitars and the co-production by ex-Dropkick Murphys Ryan Foltz and the result is “It’s Still New Enough that It’s Forgiveable”
Half of the tracks on the EP are self-penned songs. “Ishkabaha” (Uisce Beatha) is the right opening track. A catchy song that defines Craic’s sound based on banjo, fiddle and tin whistle. “Steppin’ Out” is another stand out. Great tin whistle and fiddle on a song with a DKM style chorus. Finally, “For the Man” is a song more American than Irish, another strong number that could be filed together with The Pogues “Rum, Sodomy and the Lash” album.
Regarding the traditional songs, “Irish Rover” can rival with both The Pogues and The Mahones renditions. Normally I wouldn’t recommend any band to record “Star of the County Down”: I feel that there are three top-notch renditions that can’t be improved (The Pogues, Oysterband and MacKeel). Anyway, Craic’s version is very interesting, with great fiddle and banjo arrangements. And the tongue-twister “Rattlin’ Bog” is performed exactly as it should be: the speed is constantly increased with each additional verse.
Remember the name, Craic, from Cleveland. They will be competing with the French band Celkilt for the award for the best EP of 2011. I’m already awaiting their debut album.
Tracklist:
01 - Ishkabaha 3:04
02 - Irish Rover 4:15
03 - Steppin' Out 2:35
04 - Star of the County Down 3:50
05 - For the Man 4:36
06 - Rattlin' Bog 2:55
http://www.craicpunks.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/craicpunks
http://www.facebook.com/craicpunks
Contact the band to buy the CD
Review by Kinksmarkham
.
awesome...just awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteThey are the best band out now!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this EP by CRAIC. Their music is so unique!!Want to hear more for sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. I'm sure that the band appreciates them.
ReplyDeletethis band is one of my favorite bands. CRAIC has become some very dear friends of mine. i moved back to california and the #1 reason i regret moving is them. i miss seeing their shows. fantastic performances, amazing music, and just all around a great group of people. i couldn't have asked for a better 2 years in cleaveland. thanks to these guys, i will be a CRAIChead for life. Brett, Timmy, Nikki, Mitch, Eric, Gojiko, Karl, cannot wait to see you all this summer! =D
ReplyDeletecannot wait to pick up the new EP this year!!! 2013 will be fantastic for yall! i believe in you guys 100%
Sláinte!