VIDEO - SMOKEY BASTARD "Baba Yaga"

After the release of their new album, and midway through their UK album release tour, Smokey Bastard have shared the new, animated video stream for 'Baba Yaga'. 

The single tells a tale from Russian/Slavic folklore of Baba Yaga alongside Polka inspired musicianship.

In Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga is a supernatural being who appears as a deformed and/or ferocious-looking woman. Baba Yaga flies around in a mortar, wields a pestle, and dwells deep in the forest in a hut usually described as standing on chicken legs (or sometimes a single chicken leg). Baba Yaga may help or hinder those that encounter or seek her out. She sometimes plays a maternal role, and also has associations with forest wildlife...

Smokey Bastard - Baba Yaga

 

 

 

REVIEW - SMOKEY BASTARD "Back to the Drawing Room" (2015)

Smokey Bastard "Back to the Drawing Room" Bomber Music UXB027

Release date: November 13th, 2015
Running time: 40:36, 10 tracks

Smokey Bastard and Roughneck Riot have some similarities. Firstly, both bands’ instrumentation is the same: bass, drums, electric guitar, accordion, banjo and mandolin.  Secondly, both of them released straightforward Celtic-punk debut albums around 2009-2010 and both of them shifted away to new folk-punk territories on their second and third albums. Obviously, their sound and influences are different. But both bands followed a smarter and more interesting approach.

“Back to the Drawing Room” is Smokey Bastard’s third album. Four years have gone by from “Tales from the Wasteland”, their brilliant second album. And I must say that the wait has been too long.

Taking into account that The Dreadnoughts are “on hiatus”, the fans missing Vancouver’s finest band will appreciate several Smokey Bastard’s songs were The Dreadnoughts influence can be noticed. For instance, the first kick-ass tracks, “Archipelago” and “Rats”. This is not really new, since that “Polka/gypsy” flavour was also present on some tracks from their previous album.

The next number is titled “Baba Yaga”. The accordion first notes have a Russian feel, but soon the song gets an upbeat twist à la Manu Chao. Another album highlight.

The following two tracks “Faster than Light” and “Screens” share lively moments with toned down passages, electric guitar and the remarkable band’s backing vocals.

The second half of the album kicks off with Smokey Bastard’s a cappella rendition of “South Australia”. “Rotter”, the next number, gets closer to Sir Reg music, as Brit-Pop arrangements can be heard.

Track no. 8 “Alcobatical” is a personal fave, a The Dreadnoughts go pop-punk hit. And the level is really high till the end of the album: “Jester”, with its brass instruments, and “Can of Worms”, where the band’s new “progressive” approach shines.

“Back to the Drawing Room” is available on vinyl and digipack CD. Sleeve notes including the lyrics to the songs, line-up, guests, studio credits and amazing drawings.

Smokey Bastard keep on moving forward. Maybe some tracks are a little bit long, but the six-piece band from Reading have developed their own sound. They enjoy what they play and their fans become infected by their enthusiasm.

Tracklist:

01 - Archipelago 5:18
02 - Rats 3:49
03 - Baba Yaga 5:10
04 - Faster Than Light 4:32
05 - Screens 3:56
06 - South Australia 1:26
07 - Rotter 4:19
08 - Alcobatical 3:29
09 - Jester 4:06
10 - Can Of Worms 5:38

Website
Facebook
Twitter

Click to buy:

Bandcamp
Bomber Music Store

Review by Kinksmarkham

 

FEATURED CDs AT CELTIC-FOLK-PUNK RADIO (30-31 OCTOBER 2015)

Dirty Artichokes  "Losco Pruzio", Toxic Frogs "Kill the Devil", The Narrowbacks "The After Hours EP", The Hydropaths "Wailing Away" and Blarney Stones and Arbore Lume singles are the featured CDs at Celtic-Folk-Punk radio.

New tracks from the new album by Smokey Bastard will be played.

Special thanks to London Celtic Punks, since I found The Hydropaths at their site.

Schedule as follows:

Friday 30 October 2015

From 9h00 to 11h00 CEST and from 18h00 to 20h00 CET

Saturday 31 October 2105

From 9h00 to 11h00 CEST and from 20h00 to 22h00 CET

Tune in!

https://www.radionomy.com/en/radio/celtic-folk-punk/index

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

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

FEATURED CDs AT CELTIC-FOLK-PUNK RADIO (23-24 OCTOBER 2015)

The Mahones "The Hunger & The Fight Part II" and Smokey Bastard "Back to the Drawing Room" are the featured CDs at Celtic-Folk-Punk radio.

New tracks from the new album by Smokey Bastard will be played. Other bands that will be played: Vimma Allstars (Finland), Talco (Italy) and McOnak (Basque Country) among others.

 

Schedule as follows:

Friday 23 October 2015

From 9h00 to 11h00 CEST and from 18h00 to 20h00 CEST

Saturday 24 October 2105

From 9h00 to 11h00 CEST and from 20h00 to 22h00 CEST

Tune in!

 

https://www.radionomy.com/en/radio/celtic-folk-punk/index

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

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

FEATURED CDs AT CELTIC-FOLK-PUNK RADIO (16-17 OCTOBER 2015)

The Dogs from the Grapes "Sailor Without Sea", Blackstone Cúil "s/t" and Smokey Bastard "Back to the Drawing Room" are the featured CDs at Celtic-Folk-Punk radio.

Five tracks from the new album by Smokey Bastard will be played. Other bands that will be played: Vilamba (Italy) and Malasañers (Spain/Germany). 

 

Schedule as follows:

Friday 16 October 2015

From 9h00 to 11h00 CEST and from 18h00 to 20h00 CEST

Saturday 17 October 2105

From 9h00 to 11h00 CEST and from 20h00 to 22h00 CEST

Tune in!

 

https://www.radionomy.com/en/radio/celtic-folk-punk/index

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

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


 

VIDEO - SMOKEY BASTARD "Archipelago"

Smokey Bastard official video for "Archipelago", off their upcoming album "Back to the Drawing Room" (out next November 13th 2015)

Smokey Bastard - Archipelago

FEATURED CDs AT CELTIC-FOLK-PUNK RADIO (9-10 OCTOBER 2015)

Filthy Nelly "Tranquilize This!", Michael and the Wolfhounds "Folk Up Your Ass" and Smokey Bastard "Back to the Drawing Room" are the featured CDs at Celtic-Folk-Punk radio.

Only 3 tracks from the new album by Smokey Bastard will be played. More tracks will be played next week. Schedule as follows:

Friday 9 October 2015

From 9h00 to 11h00 CEST and from 18h00 to 20h00 CEST

Saturday 10 October 2105

From 9h00 to 11h00 CEST and from 20h00 to 22h00 CEST

Tune in!

 

https://www.radionomy.com/en/radio/celtic-folk-punk/index

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

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

SMOKEY BASTARD PLEDGEMUSIC CAMPAIGN FOR NEW ALBUM

Smokey Bastard launch PledgeMusic Campaign for new album - 'Back To The Drawing Room'

Watch: Smokey Bastard PledgeMusic Campaign Video

Join In The PledgeMusic Campaign Here

UK Folk Punks, Smokey Bastard, are back with their new album, ‘Back to the Drawing Room’, which will be released through Bomber Music on November 13th 2015.

The recording, mixing and mastering is all complete, but the Reading, UK based mob need your help with the final push – getting physical copies into the hands of you, the fans.

The album is available for pre-order through PledgeMusic and doing so will give you access to exclusive updates, videos and bonus material.

On top of that, Smokey Bastard have all kinds of goodies available – signed CDs, beautiful vinyl albums and brand new T-shirts – as well as some awesome experiences for those willing to dig a little deeper.

Formed in early 2007, Reading-based Folk-Punk outfit Smokey Bastard started with the intention of being the UK’s answer to the likes of Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. After self-releasing their debut album, "Propping Up the Floor" in 2009, Smokey Bastard began incorporating influences from further afield resulting in 2011's "Tales From The Wasteland", released on Bomber Music.

After touring the UK and mainland Europe, playing a live Maida Vale session for the BBC Radio 1 Punk Show and countless festival appearances, Smokey Bastard are now ready to release their third offering, "Back to the Drawing Room". With a more progressive approach to rhythm and song writing, Smokey Bastard are pushing the limits of what you thought Folk-Punk could be.

Within 24 hours of launcing the PledgeMusic Campaign for their new album 'Back To The Drawing Room', Reading folk-punks, Smokey Bastard, smashed the 100% target with the help of their loyal fanbase.

The new album, ‘Back to the Drawing Room’, will be released through Bomber Music on November 13th 2015.

It's not too late to get involved with the pledge. Smokey Bastard have loads of special gifts and goodies available – signed CDs, beautiful vinyl albums and brand new T-shirts – as well as some awesome experiences for those willing to dig a little deeper.

Tour Dates

Fri 28 Aug 2015 - Fuk Reddin 2015, London, UK
Fri 04 / Sun 06 Sep 2015 - Mersea Island National Scooter Rally, Essex, UK
Fri 02 Oct 2015 - The Anvil, Bournemouth, UK

Smokey Bastard Are:

Chris - Vocals, Mandolin, Guitar
Mike - Vocals, Bass
Matt - Guitars, Banjo
Aled - Banjo, Mandolin, Guitars, Vocals
Tyron - Drums
JP - Accordion

 

THE JACK RATTS - ST. PATRICK'S GIGS 2014

The Jack Ratts are preparing all the Irish classics in time for their St Patricks day celebrations.

The series of dates will start with a local gig @ The Anvil in Bournemouth on 1st March, the ‘St Paddy’s Day Whiskey Warmer’ with smashing folk punk maestro’s Smokey Bastard from Reading & kicking local Celtic Rock band Black Water County.

Then two further dates ‘The Rocky Road to Weymouth’ (Saturday 8th March @ The Lugger Inn) and Southampton ‘St Patrick’s Day Weekend Special’ (Saturday 15th March @ The Lord Nelson) will be traditionally Irish based & lead nicely up to the Jack Ratts grand finale…

ST PATRICKS DAY – Monday 17th March @ The Thomas Tripp; Will be the Jack Ratts third year in a row at the lovely spacious old age pub in Christchurch. With a lively, enthusiastic, fun loving crowd & all the finest grog on offer, the Ratts are smashing out all the best Irish reels, jigs, polka’s & ballads on banjo, mandolin, accordion & fiddle… to make St Paddy’s day extra special for all you lovely people…

VIDEO - SMOKEY BASTARD

Smokey Bastard "Aspirations, I Have Some"


Lyrics:

Can we trade in these lives we lead?
'Cos baby you should see me in my dreams,
Fighting assassins off in bullet time
Spinning 360 degrees
'Cos all these movies got me thinking
Could I ever be like them?
Do you you think John McClane gets shy-cock taking a piss with other dudes?
Exactly, It's definitely no isn't it,
That's why he's John McClane.

I wanna wear a vest top for a living
And shoot guns out of cars while they're still spinning,
Go out and prove I'm hard down on the boulevard,
Shit on the reds just like Christopher Hitchens
And it's really got me thinking
Could I ever be like them?
Do you think Arnie lives in his parent's house and listens to the Gaslight Anthem?
Well, Buttons does. He says they're pretty good.

I wish that when I sang it sounded just like Springsteen,
That if I took the stand, that folks would sit and listen.
I wish that I was in a gang, grinding a living on the corners
Or the maverick on a cop show, busting heads and taking numbers
And I'd look like Jesse Custer and I'd throw down like him too,
Go chasing women like McNulty after a dozen shots or two
And if I wrote a breakdown that sounds like 'Racing in the Street'
Not a soul would ever notice, just think the song is pretty sweet.

STRUMMERCAMP FESTIVAL 2012

Smokey Bastard and Three Sheets t'Wind will be playing at Strummercamp 2012 (Hempen Jig Stage) on Saturday.

By the way, the review of the new Three Sheets t'Wind's EP will be posted soon. Stay tuned!

REVIEW - SMOKEY BASTARD “Tales from the Wasteland” Bomber Music (2011)

Smokey Bastard “Tales from the Wasteland” Bomber Music
Release date: 31 October 2011
Running time: 41:19, 13 tracks


Smokey Bastard defined themselves as the UK's answer to Flogging Molly and Dropckick Murphys. Their 12 track debut album ”Propping Up the Floor” was released in 2009 and I think that it made both PaddyRock and Shite’n’Onions top ten CD list of that year.

IMHO, “Propping Up the Floor” was an overrated album, as it was quite irregular. However, some tracks were excellent and they made me feel that, even if they have failed with their debut album, their future could be very interesting.

Their brand new album, “Tales from the Wasteland” is the evidence that actually they deserved more credit. The Flogging Molly and DKM influences are still there (FM on ”Wasteland" and DKM on “Eden Home” and “Cheer Up Love”) but they are open now to other sounds. for instance that of The Dreadnoughts (“Mongrel”, “Yuppie Dracula” and “Bad Reception”). Moreover, there are a couple of a capella songs (“My Song John” and “Boatepitaph”) and, fortunately, only one traditional number, The Morrison’s Jig on the track 6 tune set, “Mong Some Hoof”. I don’t know if the last track is a pisstake or a tribute, but I feel that the cover of Abba's “Mamma Mia” is great. Maybe the only weak point of the album, and I admit that it’s quite subjective, is track 11, “Dear Mol” (sorry, I don’t like the girl’s vocals)

Smokey Bastard’s second effort is far better than their debut album. Excellent mandolin and banjo sound backed by accordion and fiddle. Check out the following songs: “Wasteland”, “Eden Home”, “Mongrel” (The Dreadnoughts meet Talco),“Yuppie Dracula”, “Cheer Up Love” and “Aspirations I Have Some” (a well written song that starts as a pop-punk number and evolves into something different). Well done, boys!

Tracklist:

01 – Wasteland 3:43
02 – Token Folkin 0:42
03 – Eden Home (PT I) 3:35
04 – Mongrel 5:21
05 – My Son John 1:40
06 – Mong Some Hoof 3:33
07 – Yuppie Dracula 3:38
08 – Boatepitaph (Pt II) 0:44
09 – Cheer Up, Love (Worst Things Happen at Sea) (Pt III) 2:31
10 – Aspirations I Have Some 4:50
11 – Dear Mol 2:39
12 – Bad Reception 4:42
13 – Mamma Mia 3:12


http://smokeybastard.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/smokeybastard
http://www.facebook.com/smokeybastard

Lyrics:

http://smokeybastard.com/music/


Click to buy:

http://bombermusic.bigcartel.com/product/smokey-bastard-tales-from-the-wasteland

Review by Kinksmarkham

SHOULD SMOKEY BASTARD BE BANNED?

I have been recently told that the London Celtic Punks collective and other Celtic punks fans have turned their back on the band from Reading Smokey Bastard. The last straw would have been a recent interview in which the band was asked about people's biggest misconception about the folk punk genre. As a result, a discussion took place on the band’s Facebook wall and both parties decided to part company.

I have read the interview and the only thing that I can say about that answer is that I find it sad. I understand what the band wanted to say and, to a certain degree, I agree with them. However, I don’t like how they said it. I feel that they could have said the same message without mentioning the name of another band. Anyway, we all know that the story of rock’n’roll, punk and pop music is full of these provocative opinions and that is not enough to put them on a black list.

As far as other points are concerned, the members of the band have clearly showed their position. I feel that unfortunately the relationship between London Celtic Punks and Smokey Bastard has not been good from the very beginning and it seems to be a problem of incompatibility.

Therefore, I am not going to remove the “Yuppie Dracula” video from the blog and I am going to post the review of their second album (by the way, an excellent album). On this blog I only write about music and I don’t find any offense on Smokey Bastard’s lyrics. I’m not a judge and I think that every fan can draw his own conclusions (you can read the interview and the Facebook discussion clicking here. If you need more information, please contact London Celtic Punks and Smokey Bastard)

On the other hand I would like to say that this doesn’t mean that I’m taking a position against London Celtic Punks. The fact that I have decided not to boycott Smokey Bastard doesn’t mean that I’m backing the band. As I have told above, I feel that they have a problem of incompatibility. London Celtic Punks are doing a great job and I hope that they will respect my decision as I respect theirs.

VIDEO - SMOKEY BASTARD "YUPPIE DRACULA"

This is the Smokey Bastard's brand new video. Enjoy!

BASTARDS ON PARADE IN ENGLAND

LONDON CELTIC PUNKS

presents yet more Irish influenced punk rock for your enjoyment.

TAKING CELTIC-PUNK NATIONWIDE...SORT OF!

For the first time on these shores from the occupied Celtic nation of Galicia BASTARDS ON PARADE with Dropkick Murphys style bagpipe punk and folk played on authentic Galician instruments. Accompanying them on tour is West London Irish Celtic punkers THE LAGAN.

Dates are:

Friday 28th April at The Cobblers Thumb, 10 New England Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4GG

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=306370667754&v=app_2344061033&ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=164208863632069&index=1

Saturday 30th April Molloys,16-24 Baldwin Street, Bristol, BS1 1SE

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=306370667754&v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=117498344997823&index=1

Sunday 1st May The Grosvenor, 17 Sidney Road, Stockwell, London SWP 0TP

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=306370667754&v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=117498344997823&index=1

with special guests SMOKEY BASTARD

Benefit gig for the London Student Solidarity Campaign for those arrested on the recent demo’s.



Further information from London Celtic Punks at

http://www.myspace.com/londoncelticpunks

and

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=306370667754

To hear Bastards On Parade click here:

http://www.myspace.com/bastardsonparadeband

To hear The Lagan click here:

http://www.myspace.com/thelagan


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SMOKEY BASTARD - WILL TUN AND THE WASTERS IN THE SAME BILL WITH THE DREADNOUGHTS IN LONDON

London Celtic Punks present The Dreadnoughts + Smokey Bastard + Will Tun and The Wasters.

February 25th 2011 at Mannions Prince Arthur.


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GIG IN LONDON - BASTARDS ON PARADE / SMOKEY BASTARD / THE LAGAN

Bastards On Parade/Smokey Bastard/ The Lagan

Sunday, May 1, 20h00

The Grosvenor
Sidney Road, Stockwell.
London, London and SW9 United Kingdom

From the Celtic nation of Galicia,, Bastards on Parade playing traditional instruments unique to Galicia and good old punk-rock. Their first visit to these shores so lets make it a good one. Also playing are our faves the ever brilliant Smokey Bastard and the new fellas on the block its londonirishceltpunkers The Lagan. Room for one more? We'll see...

If coming from Brixton tube walk towards the Brixton Academy go straight past and 5 minutes further down the road The Grosvenor is on your right. Last tube on the night is around 11-50pm. Theres loadsa buses plus Brixton overground. Bar open till 1am.
More details and a map from the Grosvenor web-page here-

http://www.thegrosvenorsw9.co.uk/index.html


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THE ROUGHNECK RIOT + SMOKEY BASTARD - London April 24th 2010

London Celtic Punks gig collective are proud to present

'A NIGHT OF CELTIC - PUNK MUSIC'

with The Roughneck Riot from Lancashire.exciting new young band sitting at the bar halfway between The Clash and The Dubliners...but drinking with both!

http://www.myspace.com/theroughneckriot

They are supported by

Intensive Care, over 15 years of 2nd generation Irish street punk, now based in Belfast and London.

Smokey Bastard, an incredible 9-piece Irish folk/punk band from Reading. With their truely unique take on Irish folk and traditional music this lot are taking London by storm!

Refuse / All classic punk rock by a band with 5 members of which 3 of their dads were born in Tipperary!

The day of the gig is Saturday 24th April.

Start time is 8-30pm

Entrance is 5 Pounds

The venue is Mannions Prince Arthur, 158 Broad Lane, Tottenham, London,N15 4PW

Nearest tube is Seven Sisters. (see flyer)

We've set up a facebook site too. Here's the link for it but it should also come up when you type London Celtic Punks into the search engine on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1101353219#!/group.php?gid=306370667754&ref=mf


We are looking for bands to put on.

Our contact details are

londonceltpunk@ireland.com

and

LCP, PO Box 61326, London, N19 9AR.
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SMOKEY BASTARD - New album

The English band Smokey Bastard has released "Propping Up the Floor"

Smokey Bastard - Propping Up the Floor - CD Album
9.99(GBP) inc. postage anywhere in the world

Click below to buy the album

http://www.igcomics.co.uk/bastard/Album.html

NEWS - GIGS IN LONDON

I have got the following message from Mark:

" A few of us 2nd generation Irish had set up a gig collective LONDON CELTIC PUNKS. Any publicity you could give us be much appreciated"

Above you will find the flyers of the gigs. As you can see, some of the bands have been included in the Celtic Punk Samplers: Circle J (The Netherlands) and Smokey Bastard (England).

Good luck to Mark and his team.