2016-10-30 ALBUM REVIEW - FOLKLAW "Smokey Joe" (2016)

FolkLaw "Smokey Joe" Fiddle of Eigth Records FO8R01CD
Release date: June 28, 2016
Running time: 43:26, 11 tracks

FokLaw is a fiddle fronted folk rock band from the Cotswolds, England. The band was founded by Nick Gibbs and their first album “Nations Pride” was released in 2010: “Nations Pride” was a debut solo album which launched the FolkLaw project. A collection of self-penned songs from Nick on fiddle, vocals and guitar, with Gaz backing on percussion". Both Nick Gibbs and Gaz Hunt were old members of the British fiddle folk punk band Beeding Hearts. Little by little, FolkLaw evolved into a full band and they have released another two studio albums “The Tales that They Tell” (2012) and “Smokey Joe” (2016), and a live album, “Live at TreeFest” (2013). The current line-up is Nick Gibbs (vocals, fiddle and keyboards), Bryn Williams (vocals, guitar), Martin Vogwell (vocals, bass, mandola, guitar) and Gaz Hunt (Vocals, percussion)

Although musically FolkLaw are more folk rock than folk punk, lyrically the band was “anger at the world”. However, on this new album FolkLaw show a “real passion for life in the lyrics”. I daresay that they have followed the same evolution that Oysterband did. Quite a few tracks from “Smokey Joe” have that intimate atmosphere from the Oysterband's last albums, particularly on my fave numbers “Waterboys of England” and “Gloucester Boys”, but also on numbers like “Forever and a Day” and “Cradle to the Grave”.

The only song where the Bleeding Hearts’ shadow could be felt would be “My Town Revisited”. This song belongs to the FolkLaw’s early years and it was already included in their debut album. The new version would be very different from the original version though.

Anyway, there are three songs with an upbeat approach that everybody will enjoy: “I Made Them”, “My Time” and “Mad Fiddler”. The last one is my favourite track on the album. When I read the title I thought that it was a sort of tribute to Mark Knight a.k.a. MadFiddler. Mark has played his fiddle with Tricks Upon Travellers, K-Passa, BlueHorses and Bleeding Hearts. That’s what the band says about this song: "Whether this song was inspired by Mad Fiddler Mark Knight or not, we'll probably never know! He's a mean fiddler mind you... we remember seeing him spinning round on the spot while fiddling for K-Passa in Gloucester Guild Hall, and he took over from Nick in the Bleeding Hearts in 2010... ...but he's not Scottish and he hasn't got a sweetheart in Tiree ...yet!"

The title track “Smokey Joe” is an amazing bluegrass infused number and a highlight on the album too.

“Smokey Joe” has been released on the band’s own label “Fiddle of Eight” Records. It comes on a 4 panel digipack and, even if a booklet is not included, all of the lyrics and liner notes can be found at the band’s website. “Smokey Joe” was recorded and mixed by Lyndon Webb, who also recorded and produced their previous album where he played mandolin and guitars too. In fact, Lyndon usually joins FolkLaw for the big headline gigs on mandolin and guitars. Another difference with previous albums: Bryn Williams has written three songs on “Smokey Joe” (tracks 5, 10 and 11).

If you like fiddle driven bands, try FolkLaw’s latest work “Smokey Joe”.

Tracklist:

01. Smokey Joe 3:38
02. I Made Them 3:58
03. Waterways of England 4.09
04. Talk to Me 4:08
05. Gloucester Boys 4.15
06. Lorelei 4:09
07. Mad Fiddler 3:21
08. My Town Revisited 4:10
09. Forever and a Day 5:15
10. My Time 3:45
11. Cradle to the Grave 2:38

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Review by Kinksmarkham

 

 

2016-10-29 FREE DOWNLOAD - MICKEY RICKSHAW "Wild Atlantic - Acoustic EP"

This album was recorded in Mike's bedroom by Mike and Shane. If you want them to do more acoustic stuff like this, let them know!. These and more songs can be heard at Celtic Folk Punk Radio.

And remember that you can read our write-up about Mickey Rickshaw's latest album, "Behind the Eight Ball" here.

DOWNLOAD:

Bandcamp - Wild Atlantic EP

 

2016-10-27 VIDEO AND FREE DOWNLOAD - JAKE AND THE JELLYFISH "Killing Time"

Jake And The Jellyfish are a folk punk band from Leeds, UK who are armed with foot stomping, beer soaked folk tunes and ‘sing your heart out’ punk rock anthems. Taking influence from pretty much everywhere, the Jellyfish add bits of gypsy punk, a dash of Reggae and a hint of Ska to their base of Punk Folk, yet all under a very ‘Jellyfish’ banner. Somehow, relating the frustrations of daily life, 9 to 5 jobs and environmental concerns into dance-able, shout-a-long-able choruses.

Originally, Jake starting performing punk/folk songs by himself, until he met the rest of the band at university in Leeds. They quickly became a solid unit. They deciding to play as many shows as possible, as quickly as possible and in doing so, have built themselves a solid fanbase in the European DIY scene.

Social commentary is a key part to Jake And The Jellyfish's music, an overall sense of dissatisfaction resides underneath the surface of relatable, catchy lyrics. Whether it’s a f**k you to lad culture “I won’t follow your lead, and I’m not one of the lads”, or being aware of your own flaws “We’re all hypocrites, just to greater or lesser extents”, they wear their emotions on their sleeves and it’s evident in their live show.

4 years of touring in a beat up old postal van has added plenty of experience to their sound. From breaking down in a small town in France, with no breakdown cover and no money to get home, to accidentally headlining the Woodlands stage at Kendal Calling; it all adds to the community spirit of The Jellyfish. They strive to have a good time and play their tunes at the top of their lungs.

Over the years, Jake And The Jellyfish's sound has gained more and more energy and the new single, ‘Killing Time’, is packed full of their trademark exuberance, catchy melodies and powerful musicianship. ‘Killing Time’ is written about the concern that you’re just watching the world go by, letting it slide past you without making an impact... the dullness of normal life. “How will people know I care, without a Twitter status of Facebook fanfare?”.

Line-up:

Jake - Vocals, Guitar
Rich - Guitar, Violin
Caffs - Bass
Steve - Drums

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Jake And The Jellyfish on tour:

25/10 - St. Petersburg, FL @ Lucky You Tattoo
26/10 - Miami, Fl @ Radio-Active Records
27/10 - Gainesville, FL @ Whisky House
29/10 - The FEST, FL @ First Magnitude Brewery – Fest 15
29/10 - The FEST, FL @ CMC (Acoustic) – Fest 15
30/10 - The FEST, FL @ Loosey’s – Fest 15


Jake and The Jellyfish - Killing Time




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2016-10-25 ALBUM REVIEW - WENCHES & ROGUES "s/t" (2016)

Wenches and Rogues "s/t"
Release date: September 20, 2016
Running time: 10 tracks, 35:14
 

Wenches and Rogues hail from Saskatoon, in the Canadian Prairies. Kristen Ratzlaff (vocals and oboe), Pierre Bazin (vocals, bagpipes and whistle), Trevor Merrigan (guitar and bodhrán), Andrew Fitch  (guitar, bass and vocals), Booker Blakely (fiddle), Carmela Brockman (accordion and bass), Curtis Dammann (drums on tracks 1,2,6,8,9 and 10) and Brennan Lane (drums on tracks 4,5 and 7) were our Band of June 2015, so I’m pleased to review their debut album.

“Wenches and Rogues” is an amazing blend of Celtic rock and folk metal with a lot of pipes, electric guitar and female vocals. The album kicks off with a fantastic set of bagpipes tunes: the standard “Scotland the Brave” and Mark Saul’s “Hellbound Train”. There are more standards, for instance “The Foggy Dew” featuring male and female vocals and great fiddle and tin whistle arrangements; “Mist Covered Mountains”, a poignant rendition which is one of the album highlights; and “Paddy’s Leather Breeches”, pipes rock at its best.

The other five tracks are self-penned songs. My faves are “Mud Hardy’s", which is a different number, because fiddle and bodhrán give a traditional twist to the tune, and the closing number “Cervantes”, a folk-metal number featuring bagpipes. “Surrender” and “Twisted” are other metal influenced songs where Kristen shines on vocals. On the other side, “Dark Island” is a slower number showcasing pipes and fiddle, and “To our Dead” is an interesting song too.

Wenches and Rogues debut album can be bought from Bandcamp. Click on the songs below, give them a listen and, if you like them as much as I do, then buy the album.

Tracklist:

01. Scotland the Brave / Hellbound Train 05:27
02. Surrender 02:56
03. Mud Hardy's 01:08
04. The Foggy Dew 03:58
05. Mist Covered Mountains 04:24
06. Paddy's Leather Breeches 02:11
07. Dark Island 03:13
08. Twisted 03:29
09. To Our Dead 05:35
10. Cervantes 03:2

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Review by Kinksmarkham

 

 

2016-10-23 FREE DOWNLOAD - DEIEDRA "Ehorzlearen kantuak"

As usual, the Basque band Deiedra is sharing their latest album "Ehorzlearen kantuak" for free. Anyway, it'd be nice if you could contact them and buy the physical version. Plenty of  Irish/Basque ballads with a punk twist sung both in Basque and Spanish. The band consists of Hibai (lead vocals and guitar), Sergio (tin whistle) and Pablo (percussions). Among the guests, Alex and other members from Brutus' Daughters.

Track no. 5 "Bésame el culo", that is, "Kiss my Ass", it's an ode to Shane MacGowan. 

Some songs are already played on Celtic Folk Punk radio

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2016-10-22 VIDEOS - CELTAS CORTOS

Celtas Cortos live together with the Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias. The main Spanish Celtic rock band have recently celebrated their 30th anniversary.

The song "20 de Abril" was covered by Oysterband on their album "Trawler".

Celtas Cortos - 20 de Abril (In Crescendo - Directo con la OSPA)



Celtas Cortos - Retales de una vida - (Videoclip Oficial)

2016-10-20 ALBUM REVIEW - THE MUCKERS "s/t" (2016)

The Muckers "The Muckers"
Release date. September 1, 2016
Running time:46:01, 11 tracks + a hidden track

The Muckers are a Celtic pub rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. They are Jeff Shaw (fiddle. mandolin, vocals), Brady Truelove (guitar, vocals), Brian Walsh (accordion, vocals) and Randall English (bass). Colt Bowen, who also engineered, recorded and mixed the album, played drums. The Muckers debut album is an interesting mix of standards, covers and songs written by Jeff Shaw.

Jeff was a member of The Pug Mahones together with Mike Jordan (Jackdaw). He moved to New Orleans and did a stint in Boston where he played with The Gobshites and The Pourmen before the latest move. So The Muckers have covered a number that Mike Jordan wrote for Jackdaw, “Molly” and have recorded a song that Jeff wrote together with Rick Bennet for The Pourmen, “Eddie Connors”. Both numbers are some of the highlights on this album. Their rendition of “Molly” is simply perfect and “Eddie Connors” is a kicks-ass number, one of the most “punk” moments on the CD.

Other standout tracks are the album instrumental "Intro", the bluegrass song “There is a Time” (with fantastic accordion and fiddle performances), the shanty “Maid of Amsterdam”(where the accordion reminds me of The Whisky Priests), “Old Dun Cow” ( somewhere between The Stubby Shillelaghs cover and the Fiddler’s Green rendition), “Slow, Dark Waltz” (great self-penned number) and “New York Girls” (featuring  “The Breeches Full of Stitches” polka). “Dirty Old Town” deserves a special mention. I thought that a cover that offers something new was almost impossible, but I’ve really enjoyed the fiddle and accordion arrangements on The Muckers’ rendition. BTW, there is a hidden track at the end, “Drunken Sailor” recorded at Johnnie MacCracken’s Celtic Firehouse Pub in Marietta, GA.

The Muckers self-titled album is more than a St. Patrick’s Day CD. Yes, there are some overexposed standards. But fortunately Jeff and his bandmates have picked up a collection of unusual songs that make this CD an enjoyable debut album.

Tracklist:

01 - Intro 0:27
02 - There Is A Time 3:17
03 - Molly 4:50
04 - Maid of Amsterdam 2:51
05 - Eddie Connors 3:05
06 - Star of the County Down 3:06
07 - Old Dun Cow 3:46
08 - Dirty Old Town 4:06
09 - Slow, Dark Waltz 3:12
10 - New York Girls 3:13
11 - Paddy on the Railway 3:18
12 - Hidden track: Drunken Sailor 6:00

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Review by Kinksmarkham

2016-10-18 ALBUM REVIEW - KILKENNY KNIGHTS "Highland Rebels & Lowland Buskers" (2016)

Kilkenny Knights "Highland Rebels & Lowland Buskers" Self-released
Release date: June 4, 2016
Running time: 50:48, 13 tracks

Kilkenny Knights released their sophomore album just before summertime. “Highland Rebels & Lowlands Buskers” is an amazing album. The German band has kept their fresh sound based mainly on the tin whistle and the accordion, and they have left behind some naïf elements from their debut album. In other words, if you enjoyed “Brady’s Pub Tales”, you’ll love “Highland Rebels & Lowland Buskers”.

The album consists of 13 self-penned songs. I really appreciate when a band bets on their own stuff and the result is fantastic. Some lyrics are about Irish mythology and the band’ composers have done a great job. My fave songs are “Alice Kyteler”, “Highland Dancer”, the lively “Adventure Galley” and the epic the “13 Brave”, where banjo can be heard. Anyway, there are a lot of interesting numbers: the opening track “Revolt”, “Pot of Gold” that will remind you of the songs from their debut album, the upbeat song “Mick Watson”, the instrumental “Pirate Polka”, with a sound similar to Drunken Dogs, “Down by the Campsite”, where Kilkenny Knights move to the Goats Don’t Shave territory, and, obviously, the sing-along “Ringing Bells” featuring Finny McConnell on guests vocals.

The CD packaging is a digipack with a 12 page booklet. Once again, the album artwork has been made by the whistler Sabine.
 

The likes of Kilkenny Knights and The O’Reillys and The Paddyhats have delivered top-notch albums in 2016 and right now they are not the future, but the present of the German Celtic punk scene.

Tracklist:
   
01 - Revolt 3:52
02 - Alice Kyteler 3:55
03 - Highland Dancer 5:08
04 - Pot of Gold 3:22
05 - Fionn and the Giant 4:44
06 - Mick Watson 3:58
07 - Kings or Gods 4:01
08 - Ringing Bells 3:22
09 - Aillen's Lullaby 3:30
10 - Adventure Gallery 3:07
11 - Pirate Polka 3:30
12 - Down by the Campsite 4:01
13 - The 13 Brave 4:18 



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Review by Kinksmarkham

2016-10-13 VIDEOS - LUGH "Live at Radar Show on Brazilian TVE"

Three Lugh songs live at the Radar show on Brazilian TVE last September 16, 2016. Enjoy!

Lugh - Estrada do Perigo (Ao Vivo Radar | TVE) 2016



Lugh - Tantos Caminhos (Ao Vivo Radar | TVE) 2016



Lugh - Tudo que há para viver (Ao Vivo Radar | TVE) 2016

2016-10-12 ALBUM REVIEW AND FREE DOWNLOAD - MICKEY RICKSHAW "Behind the Eight Ball" (2016)

Mickey Rickshaw "Behind the Eight Ball"
Release date: October 13, 2016
Running time: 29:10, 11 tracks

When I discovered Mickey Rickshaw last year on Bandcamp, I fell in love with them straightaway. Needless to say, their debut album “No Heaven for Heroes” made the Top 3 at my Best of 2015 list .

The lads of Boston have delivered a couple of videos to whet appetites and the new album “Behind the Eight Ball” is finally out. My opinion? A fecking brilliant album. Mickey Rickshaw offer in less than 30 minutes a gem of an album. The band fronted by Mike Rivkees have been able to deliver a real solid album. Are they different from other bands? Do they offer something new? Maybe not, but the point is that they have blended a lot of influences and sounds in such a way that the final result is unique. Accordion, fiddle, tin whistle, pipes, mandolin and or banjo can be heard all along the CD and every single instrument has its moment.

Mickey Rickshaw have decided to cover a couple of kick-ass songs and their renditions are amazing; “Destitution Road”, a song  written by Roaring Jack’s frontman Alistair Hullett and Dougie MacLean’s “The Gael”. The former is given a new lease of life, while the latter is arranged in a way that differs from Firkin and Lexington Field versions.

Regarding the self-penned songs, every Celtic punk fan can choose their own faves, as there is a bunch of badass numbers. “Rats in Allston” , “Grey Water”  and “One Life” will pleased everyone, together with “Monday Morning”, a song with an Aussie twist. “Albatross” is an interesting song, as it evolves from a Smokey Bastard/The Dreadnoughts infused number to a hardcore song. More hardcore elements can be found on “18 Minutes Down” and the fast-paced song “Ivy”. “Robbed in Mariscal” features ska punk vibes and Andalusian sounds. Finally, another side of the band is showcased on “Non Profit Warfare”, a Flatfoot 56 meet The Men They Couldn’t Hang song.

Yes, Mickey Rickshaw are the next big thing on the Celtic punk scene. They hail from Boston, and even if they are not a Dropkick Murphys wannabe band, I strongly recommend them to fans loving DKM, The Rumjacks, Bastards (on Parade) and Finnegan’s Hell.

Tracklist:

01. Rats in Allston 03:30   
02. Robbed in Mariscal 2:34
03. Destitution Road 2:36
04. Grey Water 02:13   
05. Monday Warning 02:38   
06. Ivy    1:54
07. 18 Minutes Down 1:52   
08. Nonprofit Warfare 3.29
09. One Life 2:34
10. Albatross 2:37
11. The Gael 2:54

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Review by Kinksmarkham

 

2016-10-10 FREE DOWNLOAD - BLACKWATER JUKEBOX "Ancestors"

Blackwater Jukebox last EP, "Ancestors", includes a cover of "Dicey Riley".

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2016-10-06 VIDEO - MICKEY RICKSHAW "Rats in Allston"

Mickey Rickshaw video for "Rats in Allston", off their upcoming album "Behind the Eight Ball".

Mickey Rickshaw - Rats in Allston

2016-10-05 EP REVIEW - MICK O'TOOLE "A Working Class Battalion" (2016)

Mick O'Toole "A Working Class Battalion"
Release date: October 1,  2016
Running time: 20:44, 5 tracks

Mick O’Toole’s second EP “1665 Pitchfork Rebellion” was the best EP of 2015 in our list. At the beginning of 2016, they released a kick-ass single featuring Jamie Oliver (UK Subs): “False Flag Collapse”. It was obvious then that the band had not run out of creativity. And their brand new EP “A Working Class Battalion” is the proof that they are still blessed by the Celtic/Folk punk gods.

These new songs have pushed the band forward. Mick O’Toole are evolving and I daresay that they have chosen the best possible way. Brilliant arrangements, catchy songs, infectious choruses … All of these things can be found on “A Working Class Battalion”.

“Still in Cider” is a perfect anthem: amazing banjo and an excellent vocals work. Don’t forget to check out the lyric video for this song.

“Boundaries” have a ska twist. Once again the vocal harmonies and the chorus are the band’s trade mark on this mandolin driven song.

The next number is called “A Traitor Born” and it reminds me of the Aussie band The Ramshackle Army.

Mick O’Toole don’t slow down with “What Was Once a Solid Foundation is Now a Collapsing Empire”, quite the contrary.

The closing track “As if it were to End” is one of my fave numbers together with the first one. Brit-Folk-pop at its best with an infectious banjo theme.

I have noticed that some fans tend to look down on the bands that polish their sound and/or that move to the so-called Celtic “pop” territory. For some people, Celtic/folk punk is usually linked to raucous sound and rough at the edges production. IMHO, this leads to an endogamic scene and fortunately some bands have a different view. For instance Mick O’Toole have been able to offer a brilliant EP where beautiful arrangements and spotless production meet a real punk attitude. Don’t expect big surprises on the best EPs of 2016 list: Mick O’Toole “A Working Class Battalion” will make the Top 3. I can’t wait for their debut album.

Tracklist:

1 - Stil in Cider 3:39
2 - Boundaries 4:14
3 - A Traitor Born 5:00
4 - What Was Once a Solid Foundation is Now a Collapsing Empire 2:49
5 - As If it Were to End 4:52

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Review by Kinksmarkham

 

2016-10-04 FREE DOWNLOAD - TENHOLES "Mesin Factory"

Tenholes have a new single and it's free! The song has already been added to the Celtic Folk Punk radio rotation.

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2016-10-03 VIDEO - BODH'AKTAN "Ici"

One of my favourite bands have released another kick-ass video: Bodh'aktan "Ici".

Bodh'aktan - Ici