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Monday, June 29, 2015

REVIEW - BLACK ANEMONE "King of Kings" (2013)

Black Anemone "King of Kings"
Release date: January 21, 2013
Running time: 30:09, 11 tracks


If somebody asks for Swedish Celtic punk, the first answer will be SIR REG. And probably the next one would be Finnegan's Hell. Luckily, new bands keep on arriving and Sweden has a burgeoning (Celtic) folk punk scene as strong as its crime writers. Last year we got Captain Jack's Army five track EP to be reviewed and now, after having posted their previous "Let the Freakshow Begin" EP for free download, "King of Kings", the debut album by Black Anemone,  has arrived to our headquarters.

Black Anemone hails from Jönköping and, even if right now they are six members, their line-up has reached 9 people in the past. They label their music as Folk punk and influences from different bands can be noticed on their sound. Obiously, Flogging Molly's shadow is there, but they have been able to write some amazing numbers that are closer to other non Celtic brilliant bands such as Roughneck Riot.

The album kicks off with a short intro and Black Anemone delivers a catchy number in the Flogging Molly vein (banjo, fiddle and tin whistle) blending some vocals à la Dropkick Murphys: "Marky (King of Kings)"

Black Anemone shifts to a different end with a Canadian twist on the accordion fronted number "Pig of Swines".

The similarities with Warrington's finest Roughneck Riot can be heard on "Devil on Your Shoulder", a song based on the banjo, tin whistle and electric guitar.

The next number, "Galloway March" is sung by Tilda (tin whistle) and is a sort of intro to the following track, the pirate song "Hoist the Flag".

The album arrives at its peak with tracks 7, 8, 9 and 10. "She's My Whiskey" is a slower number, a ballad with a Canadian flavour. Fantastic arrangements on this song on which every single instrument can be clearly heard: guitar, mandolin, tin whistle, banjo and fiddle. "Slaving for Days" is an excellent DKM infused song showcasing the accordionist, mandolinist and drummer's skills. "Sing Along for the Unlucky Ones" has an acoustic guitar intro but soon evolves into a badass Celtic punk number featuring accordion, banjo, fiddle and gang vocals. And "We Own the Night" is a fast paced banjo and tin whistle led  Celtic punk rock number

The last track is called "Swing your Balls" and it's the kind of song that normally gets the "parental advisory" sticker.

"King of Kings" come is a six panel packaging including a four page booklet (band's biography, band's pic, line-up, contact details and band's link). The lyrics to the songs are not provided, but all of them can be found on BandcampYoutube or Reverbnation.

Curiously, "King of Kings" was released in 2013. Other bands that we have enjoyed in the last months have followed a similar approach on their Celtic punk songs (for instance, Punching Namard and Mick O'Toole). But, apart from updating the Flogging Molly classic sound, Black Anemone has been able to add other non-Celtic elements that we really appreciate. Go ahead and grab your copy!

Tracklist (click to listen):

01 - Intro 0:06
02 - Marky ( King of Kings ) 3:35
03 - Pig of Swines 3:04
04 - Devil on your Shoulder 3:45
05 - Galloway March 0:45
06 - Hoist the Flag 3:38
07 - She's my Whiskey and my Gin 4:30
08 - Slaving for Days 2:13
09 - Sing along for the Unlucky Ones 3:10

Click to buy:



Bandcamp

Amazon

iTunes

Review by Kinksmarkham


Sunday, June 28, 2015

VIDEOS - FOXES FAUX

A couple of videos for songs from "Foxes Tales", the debut album from Foxes Faux.




Foxes Faux - Isabella



 


Friday, June 26, 2015

FREE DOWNLOAD - 13KRAUSS "Seguir en pie"

I posted this on the Spanish e-zine, but I forgot to post it here. 13Krauss debut album "Seguir en pie" is available at Bandcamp (Name Your Price). It'd be rather nice if you could leave a tip.

The CD version is sold out, but vinyl copies are still available.

DOWNLOAD:




Thursday, June 25, 2015

VIDEO - JAY WARS & THE HOWARD YOUTH "Give Me A Drink"

News from Jay Wars & The Howard Youth:

"We are proud to announce and present two very awesome things!

Firstly, it's an honour to announce that we have signed with Melbourne's best record label, Whisk and Key Records, to release our next album (due out in November). We love these guys and are stoked to be able work with them and to share the spotlight with such awesome Whisk and Key bands as Joe Guiton & The Suicide Tuesdays and Del Lago!

Secondly, here's our new video for the final single from "Carry Me Home", "Give Me A Drink!" We spent a couple fun nights making it, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Excellent performance from Joe Guiton as the Insecurity Guard. 

THANKS HEAPS AND ENJOY!!!"



 

FEATURED CDs ON CELTIC-FOLK-PUNK RADIO (26-28 JUNE 2015)

Mickey Rickshaw "No Heaven for Heroes" and The Royal Spuds new album "It's a Freakin' Freakshow" are the featured CDs at Celtic-Folk-Punk Radio.

Weekend schedule as follows:

Friday 26 June 2015

6h00, 10h00, 14h00, 18h00 and 22h00 (CEST, Paris-Berlin-Rome time)

Saturday 27 June 2015

2h00, 6h00, 10h00, 14h00, 18h00 and 22h00 (CEST, Paris-Berlin-Rome time)

Sunday 28 June 2015

2h00 (CEST, Paris-Berlin-Rome time)

There are two different playlists, and therefore every 4 hours the songs won't be the same. Besides, the order will be different every day. That is, if you can only listen to the radio on Friday,  for instance, at 22h00, you can listen again on Saturday at 22h00, since the songs won't be the same.

Tune in and enjoy!

http://celtic-folk-punk.playtheradio.com

http://www.radionomy.com/es/radio/celtic-folk-punk/index

http://tunein.com/radio/Celtic-Folk-Punk-Radio-s196762/


VIDEO - EBRI KNIGHT "Foc"

Ebri Knight has a new video out: Foc.

The video has been directed by Lluís Maymó and produced by Cromo Films.

Ebri Knight - Foc





Wednesday, June 24, 2015

REVIEW - COCKSWAIN "Séamus" (2015)

Cockswain "Séamus"
Release date: April 20, 2015
Running time: 31:31, 9 tracks


Cockswain is a Cetic/pirate band hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. They are two girls and four guys: Mo Perzan (flute, tin whistle, piano, vocals), Amanda Lubking (fiddle, backing vocals), Neil Jay Ward (vocals, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and songwriting), Wake Lubking (tenor banjo, 5 string banjo and vocals), Clint Davis (bass, backing vocals) and Shane Smith (drums, backing vocals). "Séamus" is their impressive debut, a CD showcasing Neil's songwriting skills and a traditional set of tunes.

Cockswain have taken an interesting seafaring approach on their lyrics and musically they have chosen to add to their sound some sax by guest Tuff Eddy.

The album opener is titled "Tonight We Dance" and it's a mid-tempo sing-along on which some of their heroes are mentioned: Brendan Behan and Shane MacGowan.

"Gods Have no Graves" is a badass instrumental. That's the kind of stuff that I miss on some recordings

The shanty "All Hands on Deck" is one of the album's highlights. There is  also a shade of gypsy music which is more obvious on the following number, "Ghost Ship".

"Hanged Man" is probably my choice. One could feel that it's an instrumental because of the dancing intro. However, it's a fantastic song with great banjo, fiddle, whistle and hey shouts.

The next number is a duet boy/girl, "Long Lonesome Road", a ballad with la-da-da-oh chorus.

"Damned to Hell" is Celtic punk at its best and "Sailor's Son" is a number that Celtic punk fans will enjoy too. Between those tracks, Cockswain deliver a set of tunes: "Wind That Shakes the Barley / Cock o' the North".

"Séamus" comes in a jewel case. All the lyrics to the songs can be found on the 4 page booklet, together with full info about the band (line-up, website, favebook page), guests on the album and credits. The amazing cover artwork has been drawn by Jeremy "Zombie Yeti" Packer and the back cover picture has been shot by Marlow Sharpe.

Cockswain's debut album has every single thing that I love to find on a Celtic punk/rock CD: shanties and sailors' songs, catchy chorus, uptempo songs, some gypsy drops, instrumentals and no overexposed ballads. Maybe some arrangements could have improved the final result, but one thing is  clear: all of the tracks are rad songs. Hats-off! 


Tracklist (click to listen to the songs on soundcloud):

1. Tonight We Dance 3:46   
2. Gods Have No Graves 2:33
3. All Hands On Deck 4:31
4. Ghost Ship 2:34
5. Hanged Man 3:10
6. Long Lonesome Road 3:52
7. Damned to Hell 3:02
8. Wind That Shakes the Barley / Cock O' the North 4:20
9. Sailor's Son 3:45

Website
Facebook
Soundcloud

Click to buy:

Amazon
CDbaby
iTunes

Review by Kinksmarkham


Tuesday, June 23, 2015

FREE DOWNLOAD - MICKEY RICKSHAW "No Heaven for Heroes" (2015) and "16 Down and Back Again" (2013)

Mickey Rickshaw is a Boston pillage punk band. They have just released their debut album "No Heaven for Heroes" which is available at Bandcamp (Name your Price, please donate). Their previous work, the "16 Down and Back Again" mini album is also available for free.


Some of the 8 members of the band are:

Mike Rivkees - Lead vocals, songwriter
Jake Sullivan - Fiddle
Shane Welch - Pipes, tin whistle

DOWNLOAD:





 



Sunday, June 21, 2015

REVIEW - CIRCLE J "The Year of the Goat" (2015)

Circle J "The Year of the Goat" CJ04
Release date:  April 26, 2015
Running time: 20:57, 7 tracks

"Glad to se you go, goodbye". That's what Ramones sang. But after listening to Circle J's new mini-album ""The Year of the Goat" that's what I sing: "Glad to see you come back, welcome" . The band's previous EP was very good, but sometimes it seemed that they were mellowing. Fortunately, they are back with a vengeance and they have come back to their roots: amazing banjo picking, great piping/whistling and kick-ass electric guitar work.


From the very beginning the listener is aware that the old spirit is back. "The Ones We Left Behind", a song about World War II, kicks off with an "ein, zwei, drei, vier" counting and banjo and pipes sounds. The guitar part is the first evidence that "The Year of the Goat" is a rocking album.

"Fields of Pretend" is one of my faves. The electric guitar sound is harder on this number where pipes and banjo are played again. Circle J at its best.

The next track is titled "Warrior Monkey Princess" and it's a sort of a Paddy and The Rats tone down number. Fantastic song with addictive chorus and Marianne switching to tin whistle and Jasper to mandolin.

"Lost and Found" is an evidence of the band's versatility. This time, they choose a British festival folk rock approach on a number showing the band's social consciousness.

"Jenny's Song" is another early Circle J sounding number with infectious sha-la-la chorus. Marianne plays tin whistle again

Edje's electric guitar shines on "Beyond the Edge", an awesome number with some folk metal drops.

Finally, "Knockapoulka" is a traditional instrumental that gets the Circle J's treatment. Drummer Remi is in charge of the oi's shouts on this number

Marianne and the boys have not failed with the packaging. This time it's a 6 panel digipack providing all the lyrics to the songs and full credits. Regarding the amazing artwork, maybe most of you have not noticed it, but there is a mistake. Cows' udders have four teats (nipples), but small ruminants' udders (that is, goats and sheep) only have TWO teats :-)

The burgeoning Dutch scene is delivering a handful of excellent CDs in 2015. Among all the Dutch bands, Circle J were the first band to break through internationally and they have proved that they're still alive and kicking. 

Tracklist:

1 – The Ones We Left Behind 2:43
2 - Fields of Pretend 2:30
3 - Warrior Monkey Princess 3:14
4 - Lost & Found 3:53
5 - Jenny's Song 3:03
6 - Beyond the Edge 3:18
7 - Knockapoulka 2:15

Website
Facebook
Twitter

Contact the band via Facebook or send an e-mail to circlejmerch@hotmail.com 
to buy the CD.

Review by Kinksmarkham



Thursday, June 18, 2015

FEATURED ALBUMS AT CELTIC FOLK PUNK RADIO (19-20 JUNE 2015)

Folkaholics (The Netherlands) "Slijterij" CD is the featured album at Celtic-Folk-Punk Radio this weekend:

As Lexington Field "Greenwood" CD is being released on Saturday 20, most of the tracks from their new album will be played again, together with songs by other kick-ass Dutch bands that have been played recently too (Circle J and Drunken Dolly)

Weekend schedule as follows:

Friday 19 June 2015

6h00, 10h00, 14h00, 18h00 and 22h00 (CEST, Paris-Berlin-Rome time)

Saturday 20 June 2015

2h00, 6h00, 10h00, 14h00, 18h00 and 22h00 (CEST, Paris-Berlin-Rome time)

Sunday 21 June 2015

2h00 (CEST, Paris-Berlin-Rome time)

There are two different playlists, and therefore every 4 hours the songs won't be the same. Besides, the order will be different every day. That is, if you can only listen to the radio on Friday,  for instance, at 22h00, you can listen again on Saturday at 22h00, since the songs won't be the same.

Tune in and enjoy!

http://celtic-folk-punk.playtheradio.com

http://www.radionomy.com/es/radio/celtic-folk-punk/index

http://tunein.com/radio/Celtic-Folk-Punk-Radio-s196762/


Monday, June 15, 2015

Sunday, June 14, 2015

REVIEW - THE RIJSEL IRISH BOY'Z "Whiskey'n'Beer" (2015)

The Rijsel Irish Boy'Z "Whiskey'n'Beer"
Release date: April 12, 2015
Running time: 45:30, 12 tracks

The Rijsel Irish Boy'Z released a kick-ass demo CD in 2012. Normally, their debut CD should have been released sooner. However, some line-up changes took place in 2013 and the band's new incarnation only began to hit the road again in 2014. So, their long awaited debut album has been released in April 2015, that is, their fans have had to wait for three years to grab a copy of "Whiskey'n'Beer". Anyway, the wait was worth it: "Whiskey'n'Beer" is an amazing Celtic punk album.

The Rijsel Irish Boy'z are Mike (guitar, lead vocals), JP (bass), Vik (tin whistle), Pierre (drums) and Niko (pipes). Unfortunately Niko was not available when the album was recorded last winter, but some friends helped The Rijsel Irish Boy'Z to get the sound they wanted: Léo MacLeolde (fiddle on 6 tracks) and Virginie a.k.a. Virgin Slut on female vocals on "Little Song".

Twelve songs have made the album and four of them are songs from the demo CD that have got a new lease of life: "Dr. Chickenstein", "Walkin' Away", "Drunken Sailor" and "The Letter". Even if some numbers feature some traditional passages, most of the songs are originals and the covers of over-exposed ballads ("Drunken Sailor" and "Foggy Dew") are really fresh and different from the usual covers.

"Whiskey'n'Beer" kicks off with "Boy'z O'Rijsel", a number inspired on "The Boys of the Old Brigade".There are vocals an acoustic guitar as an intro, but soon the band delivers what they love to do: punk arrangements, gang vocals and amazing "in yer face" tin whistle.

The next number is one of the highlights, "Lady". Lots of "hey, hey shouts" and an awesome punk sound à la Anti-Nowhere League.

After another Celtic punk numbers ("Hurry Up" and "Little Song"), The Rijsel Irish Boy'z offer a new rendition of their classic song "Dr. Chickenstein" featuring fiddle. It's followed by "Walkin' Away", a new take of another song from their demo. Once again, the new version is different from the original, with a folkier twist thanks to the tin whistle and the fiddle.

"Whiskey'n'Beer" is a brilliant song featuring fiddle playing a pipes passage from "Highland Cathedral". Guitar, drums and gang vocals make this number another song to pick up.

"The Rib'Z" is Celtic punk at its best. Whiskey fueled arrangements and The Clash sounding bass lines via Rancid.

As far as I know, "Drunken Sailor" is always on the band's set list at their gigs. They have really worked hard on their cover and you should check it out and enjoy.

My fave song is there again: "The Letter" is a mandolin driven Celtic punk number that will make you jump and dance. The album is nearly over, just a couple of numbers: "Follow me Boy'Z", an enjoyable folk'n'roll, and "Foggy Dew". Vik sings lead vocals on "Foggy Dew", a fantastic cover featuring mandolin, bass, drums and folk rock electric guitar. Apparently the song is over, but the song starts again at a fast-pace at 3:10 till 5.27 with catchy woah gang vocals.

"Whiskey'n'Beer" comes in a jewel case. The four page booklet states the band's line-up, the guests, the thank you's, the recording credits, the contact telephones and e-mails and the band's website. There is a two page pic of the band, but unfortunately no lyrics to the songs are provided.

The Rijsel Irish Boy'z take a simple approach blending Celtic and punk music, but their results are really amazing. Check out their Summer tour dates and If you live in Belgium, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic or Switzerland, don't miss their shows. You will regret it.


Tracklist:

01 – Boy’Z’O’Rijsel
02 – Lady
03 – Hurry Up
04 – Little Song
05 – Doc Chickenstein
06 – Walkin’Away
07 – Whiskey And Beer
08 – The Rib’Z
09 – Drunken Sailor
10 – The Letter
11 – Follow Me Boy’Z
12 – Foggy Dew

Website
Facebook
Reverbnation

Click to buy:

Band's store
 
Review by Kinksmarkham



Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Sunday, June 7, 2015

FREE DOWNLOAD - DERINA HARVEY BAND "s/t"

Derina Harvey Band is a kick-ass Celtic rock band from Edmonton, Alberta (Canada). Their debut album was featured at Celtic-Folk-Punk radio last weekend and it's available at Bandcamp (Name Your Price). You can downloaded it for free, but a few Dollars would be highly appreciated by the band.

An original signed CD can be purchased from the band's store (Only Canada).

Derina Harvey - Vocals/Guitar.
Steve Pinsent - Drums.
Matt O'Connor - Fiddle.
Ed Smith - Bass/Vocals.
Scott Greene - Guitar/Vocals

DOWNLOAD (Name Your price):

Bandcamp


CLICK TO BUY A CD SIGNED COPY (Only Canada):
 




NEW RUSTY NAIL RECORD "Bitter Ale, Bitter Heart"

St. Louis Celtic Rock band Rusty Nail is releasing a new record. It is called "Bitter Ale, Bitter Heart" and will feature 11 new songs!

"Hello Friends!

Rusty Nail, your favorite St. Louis 7-piece alternative celtic rock band, has been hard at work writing and recording a brand new album of original songs which is ready to press!  We are asking for your help.

We are super excited about these songs which we believe are our best to date.

The album will feature 11 new songs and incredible artwork by our friend, (Chicago-area artist) Kevin Loesch!

With your contribution, we will be able to present our record in the way it is intended and you will not only have a piece of our hearts with the songs we created, but a piece of Artwork which you can be proud to have helped launch!

As bonus for supporting our new album you will receive a four song digital EP of outtakes recorded for the album.

We thank you in the most sincere and humble means!

Love,

Rusty Nail

Rusty Nail is:

Chad Ross – Dulcimer, Accordion, Bouzouki, Guitar, Ebow,
Pete McCavity –Electric Guitar
Kelly LaRussa – Violin
Chris Otto – Tin Whistle, Native American Flute
Dennis Frenzel – Drums
Mark Hochberg – Bass Guitar
Alvan Caby – Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals



Our record is recorded and mixed. The artwork is complete. Your contribution goes towards the pressing of the record. Provided we reach our goal, this project-dream will be a reality. We have been given pricing for the pressing and that will be our final expense. All other costs for recording and artwork, etc. have already been paid."

Kickstarter


Tuesday, June 2, 2015

REVIEW - DRUNKEN DOLLY "Drunken Dolly and the Drunken Man's Curse" EP

Drunken Dolly "Drunken Dolly and the Drunken Man's Curse" Black Sheep Records
Release date: May 15, 2015
Running time: 10:56, 4 tracks


Do you remember which bands were featured in our first Celtic Punk Sampler in 2009? Vol I. The Netherlands  featured five Dutch bands and one of them was Drunken Dolly, from Rotterdam. Six years have gone by and finally the band’s first EP has been released. And "Drunken Dolly and the Drunken Man’s Curse” is a kick-ass collection of songs where Celtic infused music is blended with street punk.

The first song is titled “Drunken Man’s Curse”. Enjoy the brilliant banjo and mandolin together with gang vocals on this catchy number that rivals with their fellow countrymen Circle J.

Humongous Tattoed Arms” follows a similar path, featuring that battle between mandolin and banjo.

St. Patrick’s Day” is Celtic punk at its best: a sort of a cross between The Undertones and Dropkick Murphys featuring a Mick Jones (The Clash) sounding electric guitar part.

Finally, “That Kiss” begins with a banjo solo, but soon the whole band starts a fast-paced Celtic punk anthem with amazing gang vocals

Drunken Dolly and the Druken Man’s Curse” is packed in a sleeve. Track list, credits and thank yous are stated at the back, together with the band’s facebook page. No lyrics are provided, but the lyrics to “Humongous Tattoed Arms” can be found on Bandcamp

2015 is being a good year for banjo/mandolin driven Celtic/folk punk bands. First Punching Namard demos, then Mick O’Toole second EP and now Drunken Dolly new EP. Go to Bandcamp and buy this EP straight away, because it's a must have for all the Celtic folk punk fans.


Tracklist:

1. Drunken Man's Curse 2:24
2. Humongous Tattood Arms 2:23   
3. St. Patrick's Day 3:17
4. That Kiss 2:51

Facebook
Twitter
LastFM

Click to buy:

Bandcamp

Review by Kinksmarkham



Monday, June 1, 2015

BAND OF THE MONTH - WENCHES AND ROGUES

Wenches and Rogues, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada) are the Band of June 2015. The reverbnation player will be at the top of the page on the right side till the end of the month.

Website
Facebook
Soundcloud

Twitter

Line-up:

Kristen Ratzlaff - Vocals, Oboe
Pierre Bazin - Bagpipes, Whistles, Bass, Vocals
Trevor Merrigan - Guitar
Andrew Fitch - Guitar, Bass,Vocals
Carmela Brockman - Accordion, Keys, Bass
Booker Blakley - Fiddle
Curtis Dammann - Drums