2017-04-27 ALBUM REVIEW - BLACK WATER COUNTY "Taking Chances" (2017)

Black Water County "Taking Chances"
Release date: February 3, 2017
Running time: 44:20, 11 tracks

We have been following Black Water County from their earlier stages. Their first EP “Welcome to the Black Water County” reached the fifth slot at our Best of 2013 and their second EP "The Fellowship of the Craic" was our Best EP of 2014. Finally, after a couple of videos and a single, their debut album "Taking Chances" has been released in 2017. The five piece band is now a sextet thanks to the addition of new member Rusell Scagell on fiddle, guitars and backing vocals. Not only has he rounded the band’s sound with his fiddle, but he has also helped with the songwriting. Besides, Shan has taken a bigger “responsibility” sharing vocal duties with Tim.

“Start Something New” is the album opener. It’s a mandolin driven number that has a slight So-Cal feel. Listening to this track, everybody will be aware that Black Water County are at the forefront of the English Celtic/folk punk scene together with the likes of Roughneck Riot and Mick O’Toole.

The next cut is called “The Painful Truth”. It runs at a lower speed than the previous song, but, at the end of the song, Black Water County speed up.

“Way Down Low” is one of the highlights on “Taking Chances”. It starts with acoustic guitar and then tin whistle. Tim sings first and then Shan sings too, perfectly backed by the banjo. The last half of the song is spotless, with banjo, tin whistle and amazing fiddling.

“If Only You Were Here” is a badass number. This fast-paced song starts with great drumming and fiddling. Shan shines on lead lead vocals.

The following track is my fave, “Rise and Fall”. Firstly tin whistle and acoustic guitar. A 1-2-3 shout and Shan sings with the rest of the band backing perfectly. Banjo and tin whistle lead the theme. Shan slows down backed by the acoustic guitar and banjo and another 1-2-3 counting is the starting point for a fast-paced end.

“One More Beer Won’t Hurt” is sung by Tim and it has a punk edge. Towards the middle of the song there is a banjo, tin whistle and fiddle part backed by a Brit-pop sounding drumming. Tim sings again and the vocals become angrier and then the punk twist comes again.

Track no. 7, “Memories from Another Life” have grown on me. I liked this slow number sung by Shan, but after some spins I can say that I really love it. Acoustic guitar, female vocals, fiddle joins and then Tim sings with Shan. Andy makes a great job on drums too.

“Rambling Johnny”, a song from their previous EP, is revisited on “Taking Chances”. The new version features guests Neil Doherty on trumpet, Nick Smith on tenor sax and Géza Molnár on trombone, adding the full ska flavor.

The horns can be heard too on the next number, “No Regrets”, a song with a Brit-pop from the 80´s feel.

“Under Skies of Black and Blue” is another standout. Shan sings lead vocals on this Flogging Molly infused number. In other words, banjo and fiddle are excellent.

The album is over with “Seeing is Believing”, a ballad sung by Tim backed by tin whistle and acoustic guitar, apart from some backing vocals. Even at their slow numbers these boys and girl don’t fail.

“Taking Chances” comes in a jewel case and the eight page booklet provides all the information about the CD: line-up, guests, studio credits, lyrics and songwriters. The artwork has been made by Bradley and Shan.

Black Water County have grown up. They’re better musicians and they write better songs. But their sound is not “adult”. Quite the contrary, they’ve kept the fresh and young attitude and their songs are always catchy and addictive. A must have album.
 

Track listing:

1. Start Something New 3:01
2. The Painful Truth 3:39
3. Way Down Low 3:40
4. If Only You Were Here 3:25
5. Rise and Fall 3:50
6. One More Beer Won’t Hurt 4:23
7. Memories from Another Life 5:38
8. Rambling Johnny 3:54
9. No Regrets 3:53
10. Under Skies of Black and Blue 4:35
11. Seeing Is Believing 4:22

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Review by Kinksmarkham

You can also check out the album review that our friends from London Celtic Punks posted.

2017-04-26 FREE DOWNLOAD - THE TEMPLARS OF DOOM "Bring Me the Head of John the Baptist" (2017)

These early Ruff mixes are free for now. Enjoy!

Brand new exciting release by the band formerly known as Alternative Ulster. They've changed their name but kept the same great rocking Irish sound. Celtic, Kilted all the way!

This great group has remained united through diversity and changed their name to the Templars of Doom after their former piper quit. Formerly known as Alternative Ulster, check out the mighty Celtic rock of The Templars of Doom!

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Line-up:

Rory Quinn - guitar and vocals
Michael X. Rose - vocals and bass
Eric Pomarico - drums, vocals
Josie Rose - Bagpipes
Marty Shane - mandolin

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2017-04-25 COUSIN PADDYS SUNDAY MORNING PODCAST

This is the Paddys Home and Pub Podcast from April 9. Paddys Home and Pub Podcast is hosted by Scott, from Syracuse. You can download previous episodes from this site.

Don't forget to give him a like on Facebook too.

Enjoy! 

 

DOWNLOAD:

 

Podbean

 

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2017-04-24 EP REVIEW - RAISE MY KILT "Gaitas and tanos" (2016)

Raise My Kilt "Gaitas y tanos" EP, digital release, Wagner Records
Release date: December 28, 2016
Running time: 13:09, 4 tracks

Argentina is the third country of South America in terms of population and the fifth country of the whole America (North, Central and South). While there is a burgeoning Celtic punk/rock scene in Brazil, we have had no news from Argentinian bands. This was a little bit weird, as 70% of the Spanish emigration to Argentina were Galician people. Last year a band from Rosario was featured on Celtic Folk Punk and More: Index Of. A couple of bagpipes punk songs were included on their debut album, but it was not a full Celtic punk album. Recently, we were contacted by a “real” Celtic punk rock band from Buenos Aires: Raise My Kilt. A couple of videos for songs from their first EP can be found on our YouTube channel and now we’re posting our thoughts about the “Gaitas and tanos” EP.

Raise My Kilt were founded in 2013 and they are Carlos Caverna (bass and vocals), Mariano Miramontes (electric guitar and vocals), Pablo Gadea (Highland and small pipes), Damián Giancarlo (electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin), Diego Guyón Moreno (banjo and acoustic guitar) and Manuel Magariños (drums). “Gaitas and tanos” was released at the end of 2016 and consists of 4 tracks, an original, a Scottish tune, a 77 punk song and an Irish song.

“Raise My Voice” is the only self-penned song. It’s the proof that the band can also write their own stuff.

I daresay that Raise My Kilt are the Argentinian answer to Black Tartan Clan. Both bands have pipes and banjo, and the sound is similar. Besides, Black Tartan Clan also covered Sham 69’s anthem “If the Kids Are United”. Don't expect a carbon copy, Raise My Kilt deliver their own cover.

“Hector the Hero” gets a Celtic punk rock treatment that differs from the Wolfstone’s rendition, and it’s one of the EP hottest moments.

“Wild Rover” is amazing too. Instead of following the usual approach, Raise My Kilt have based their cover on the version recorded by Stiff Little Fingers on their 1989 live album “See You Up There!”

“Gaitas and tanos” is a kick-ass EP to whet appetites. I’m looking forward to listening to the band’s debut album. Check out the videos at the bottom of this post and, if you like what you hear, buy their EP.


Track listing:

1 - Raise My Voice 3:01
2 - Hector the Hero 3:14
3 - If the Kids Are United 3:12
4 - Wild Rover 3:42    

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Review by Kinksmarkham

2017-04-23 VIDEOS - CELTAS CORTOS AND FLOGGING MOLLY

Some videos that have been added recently to the Celtic Folk Punk YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe!

Celtas Cortos - Fiesta (In Crescendo - Directo con la OSPA)



Flogging Molly - "The Guns of Jericho" (Lyric video)



Flogging Molly - "The Hand of John L. Sullivan" (Lyric video)

2017-04-19 ALBUM REVIEW - RESTLESS FEET "Homeward Bound" (2017)

Restless Feet "Homeward Bound"

Release date: March 15, 2017

Running time: 40:30, 13 tracks

“Homeward Bound” is the sophomore album by German band Restless Feet: Kai (vocals, tin whistle, Irish flute, banjo), Markus (vocals, guitar), Marcy (vocals, fiddle), Arthur (bass, banjo, electric guitar) and Alex (drums). If their debut album included a couple of Breton songs, this time the five piece band from Freiburg have focused on their own stuff (6 tracks) and some sea songs and Irish songs (7 tracks).

Regarding the original stuff, my fave is track no. 10, “The Ballad of Johnny Doran” with its chorus “I’m the Everywhere Man, slán and I’m gone”. “Sailor’s Yarn” is another highlight: drunken vocals, great fiddling and female backing vocals. The opener “Hold Sway” is a good Celtic punk number with a The Moorings twist. “Wake’s Souvenir” have an intro, the previous cut titled “The Cabin”, featuring accordion. The main song is well written, with interesting fiddle and flute arrangements, rocking guitar and backing vocals. Finally, “Waste My Throat (on Irish Folk)” is a kick-ass R’n’R number about the music we all love.

I enjoy when bands record sets of tunes on their albums. Restless Feet deliver a set consisting of “Irish Washerwoman”, “Cooley’s Reel” and “Maid behind the Bar”. Banjo, fiddle and flute do a great job.

There are a couple of Irish rebel songs, the amazing cover of “Boys of Wexford” and the poignant rendition of “By Memory Inspired”. The other traditional numbers / standards are all of them related to the sea. “The Shores of Botany Bay” includes a fiddle and tin whistle tune and it’s a great cover; “Rolling Down to Old Maui” has a fantastic fiddling towards the end. Both “Greenland Whale Fisheries” and “The Irish Rover” were recorded by The Pogues. “Greenland Whale Fisheries” follows the usual approach, but fortunately Restless Feet have added a traditional tune and some hey hey shouts à la Mahones. So the final result is awesome. “The Irish Rover” is played with gusto, but nothing new is offered to differ from other versions.

If Restless Feet’s debut album came in a jewel case, “Homeward Bound” comes in a 4 panel digipack with a 12 page booklet. All the lyrics to the songs and a lot of pics are included.

Restless Feet are a tight band and their original material on this album is top-notch. They have also selected some traditional stuff that will sound new to a lot of fans. In other words, there are a lot of songs on this album that will please the Celtic punk fans.

Track listing:

01. I Hold Sway 2:25

02. The Cabin (Wake's Intro) 0:26

03. Wake's Souvenir 3:47

04. The Shores of Botany Bay 3:33

05. Sailor's Yarn 2:23

06. Waste My Throat (On Irish Folk) 3:22

07. Tuneset 2:58

08. Greenland Whale Fisheries 3:17

09. The Boys of Wexford 3:29

10. The Ballad of Johnny Doran 3:45

11. The Irish Rover 3:11

12. By Memory Inspired 3:52

13. Rolling Down to Old Maui 4:01    

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Review by Kinksmarkham

2017-04-17 VIDEOS - 13KRAUSS, CELTAS CORTOS, BEYOND THE FIELDS

Some videos that have been added recently to the Celtic Folk Punk YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe!

13 Krauss Slow Down

 

Celtas Cortos - El Peor sueño (acústico)

Beyond The Fields - The Canterbury Tales (Live 2017)

2017-04-10 VIDEOS - MAD MAN'S CREW, FLOGGING MOLLY, MR. IRISH BASTARD

Some videos that have been recently added to the Celtic Folk Punk YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe!

Mad Man's Crew - Left Behind



Flogging Molly - Reptile (We Woke Up)



Mr. Irish Bastard - Fuck You My Darling

 

 

2017-04-09 ALBUM REVIEW - McSCALLYWAG "Dirty Water" (2017)

McScallywag "Dirty Water"
Release date: February 1, 2017 (digital)
Running time: 26:46, 9 tracks

McScallywag are the latest addition to the burgeoning Dutch scene. They are  Ruud (drums), Ashley (guitar, vocals), Peter (bass), Frodo (accordion), Arian (banjo, mandolin, vocals), Talitha (cello, vocals) and Tom (guitar). This seven piece band hail from Groningen (North East of the Netherlands) and they released their 9 track debut album “Dirty Water” last December 9th  2016 at a party with their fellows Flannery.

The band’s sound is the classic Dutch approach and echoes from other bands from The Netherlands can be noticed. But there is also a German band twist, mainly in the accordion. In fact, Groningen is closed to the North of Germany, so this could be normal.

“Billy’s Curse” is the opening track on “Dirty Water”. The song reminds me of Bunch of Bastards and the accordion and banjo are top-notch.

The next track is one of my faves: "Days of Travel". The accordion and banjo are slow at the beginning. But all of a sudden, the band speeds up. There are some stops and go, and powerful chorus with gang vocals and fast-paced banjo and accordion.

Track no. 3 is called “The Road” and The Pogues influence is clear. Good work on the backing vocals that add the pub atmosphere to the song.

“Letter to Megan” kicks off slowly with acoustic guitar and accordion and later the banjo jumps in. Finally, the song burst into a fast-paced Celtic punk number-

St. Patrick’s Day is gone, but McScallywags deliver a great “St. Paddy’s Anthem”. Amazing upbeat number to sing-along and another one of my faves on the album.

McScallywag follow a different approach on “Eye of the Storm”: Arian shifts from banjo to mandolin and Talitha sings lead vocals on this slower number.

“Ashes to Ashes” moves away from the lively Celtic punk too. Vocal duties are shared by Ashley and Talitha, who also plays cello. Probably you won’t pay attention to this song at first hearing, but it will grow on you. One of the most interesting tracks on “Dirty Water”.

McScallywag come back to the standard Celtic punk territory on the closing tracks. “Whiskey I Love You” is a badass sing-a-long number with an early Dropkick Murphys twist (“Boys on the Docks”). And “Johnny Went Away” is an awesome mandolin driven number to file together with Circle J’s early stuff

McScallywag “Dirty Water” comes in a four panel digipack. There’s a band picture, thank-you section and track listing. No lyrics leaflet is included, but they can be found at the band's website. “Dirty Water” is a fantastic whiskey soaked albums that banjo and accordion lovers will enjoy.

Track listing:

1 - Billy's Curse 2:51
2 - Days of Travel 2:59
3 - The Road 4:20
4 - Letter to Megan 2:44
5 - St. Paddy's Anthem 2:51
6 - Eye of the Storm 2:34
7 - Ashes to Ashes 4:13
8 - Whiskey I Love You 2:05
9 - Johnny Went Away 2:05

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Review by Kinksmarkham

2017-04-06 FREE DOWNLOAD - SILENT MAJORITY ALBUM

"The purpose of this campaign is educate on the importance of your vote through music, art, words of those already passionate and being up to date with current affairs and events.

To promote change in our future and influence the majority to let their voice be heard and votes count."

 

This album featuring the likes of Mick O'Toole, The McMiners, Headsticks or  The Bay Street Bastards is available for free.

DOWNLOAD:

Bandcamp

2017-04-05 COUSIN'S PADDY AFTER St. PATRICK'S DAY PODCAST

This is the Paddys Home and Pub Podcast after St. Patrick's Day. Paddys Home and Pub Podcast is hosted by Scott, from Syracuse. You can download previous episodes from this site.

Don't forget to give him a like on Facebook too.

Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD:

Podbean

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2017-04-04 ALBUM REVIEW - BENJAMING'S CLAN "Sedm statečných" (2017)

Benjaming's Clan "Sedm statečných"
Release date: January 28, 2017
Running time: 53:30, 14 tracks

"Sedm statečných" is the second album released by Czech band Benjaming’s Clan. The bagpipes punk family band Benjaming Band evolved into a Celtic rock band when Polish musician Jacek joined them. A new approach involved a new name. Another Polish musician came on board, fiddler Gřešek. Later, Gřešek left the band and they hired the services of female fiddler Barča. Gřešek came back and currently Benjaming’s Clan are a 7 piece band. In fact, the title of their brand new album “Sedm statečných” means “The Magnificent Seven”.

It would be simple to say that the old bagpipes punk band evolved into a bagpipes rock band. But this would not be 100% right. The bagpipes rock side of the band is showcased on the amazing song “Baby Boxy”, the interesting tribal number “Šel do baru”, “Všude kde jsi” with a Mudmen touch, the bluesy “Zeleznej Dedek”, “Pohádková” or the opening track “Andel strážný”. But there are quite a few Celtic rock numbers were no pipes are played. Yes, accordion, percussion or backing banjo play a big role on Benjaming’s Clan new album.

“Stoletá láska” has all the above mentioned elements and it’s one of the album highlights. “Vekslák” is a catchy number, thanks to its na-na-na vocals, an addictive accordion and fiddle theme, and some yee-has. I love the bluegrass-y “Obézní muz”, and “Hudebníkova Zpoved’” ans “Slepecký pes” are enjoyable songs too.

The only cover in the album is the closing number “Amazing Grace”. It gets an ethereal treatment with guest Maruska on female vocals. Most of the lyrics on the album have been written by their friend Jiri lokouta, but “Zeleznej Dedek” has been written by poet Petr Havránek.
 
"Sedm statečných" is more ambitious musically than their previous album and Benjaming's Clan have not failed, quite the contrary. In other words, "Sedm statečných" is the Benjaming’s Clan’s most mature effort to date.
 

Track listing:

01 - Andel strážný 4:00
02 - Stoletá láska 3:11
03 - Hudebníkova zpoved' 3:32
04 - Babyboxy 3:03
05 - Slepecký pes 4:45
06 - Zeleznej dedek 4:08
07 - Vekslák 3:12
08 - Krize 4:56
09 - 1305 2:49
10 - Všude kde jsi 4:43
11 - Obézní muz 3:18
12 - Šel do baru 4:35
13 - Pohádková 3:29
14 - Amazing Grace 3:40

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Review by Kinksmarkham

2017-04-03 THE WHISKY PRIESTS REUNION TOUR

 

THE WHISKY PRIESTS – 2017 Reunion!

YES… at long last! - They’re “Bloody Well Back!” - to complete some “Unfinished Business!”

Internationally acclaimed and hugely influential cult band The Whisky Priests are reuniting to perform what will be the band’s first official live shows in over 13 years and to release a retrospective Complete Recordings 12-CD box set (containing all the band’s official studio & live releases, covering a 15-year period from 1985-2000, as well as an extensive collection of demos and other rarities), to celebrate the band’s unique career. A live DVD and 'Best of' are also in the works.

Formed in Durham, England in 1985 by twin brothers Gary & Glenn Miller, The Whisky Priests became one of the major pioneers and finest exponents of the ‘folk-punk-rock’ genre. The band released a string of internationally acclaimed albums but was particularly renowned worldwide, and in constant demand, for its incredible live shows, touring extensively and taking in 1250+ concerts in over 20 countries, including many festival performances, TV and live radio sessions.

“A Whisky Priests show is the sort of stuff to make your hair curl; honest, earthy, loud, raucous and tremendously uplifting” (Folk Roots, UK)

“You’ll never see another live band to touch them” (Manchester Evening News, UK)

“Live the band is in great form” (Oor Pop Encyclopaedia, the Netherlands)

The reunion line-up features all-original members from the band’s peak period:

Gary Miller - Vocals, Guitar
Glenn Miller - Accordion, Backing Vocals
Mick Tyas - Vocals, Mandolin, Banjo, Bouzouki, Guitar, Harmonica
Kevin Wilson - Mandolin, Bouzouki, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Nick Thompson - Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Michael Stephenson - Bass
Sticks - Drums

To book The Whisky Priests for one of their exclusive reunion shows contact Whippet Promotions on:

+44 (0)7873 234 953
info@garymillersongs.com


The Whisky Priests on the web:

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Buy their albums:

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I've uploaded to Dropbox some pics, band info and the band's mail-outs (1994-2000). 

2017-04-02 FREE DOWNLOAD - THE STEEP "Resistance Drills"

The Steep is a Celtic inspired music project that just recently released an EP titled "Resistance Drills". The Steep combines bagpipe sounds and Celtic tonality with fuzzy drones, shoegaze, post punk, and post rock.

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Bandcamp (Name Your Price)