Flogging Molly - Float Review

For a while now, Dropkick Murphys have held the Celtic punk crown. But, at this point, it is hard to figure why. Much of that rests on a long-ago built reputation that their recent output can’t support. Further complicating the notion that Dropkick Murphys are the be-all and end-all is Flogging Molly’s impressive discography. It’s been four years since their last record—an eternity in the punk rock world—and that may have something to do with their slight decline in scene presence. But now, back with Float, the band picks up right where it left off in 2004, and continues its impressive run....full text As much as Flogging Molly's spirited Irish punk brings to mind the Pogues (as well as rowdy pub elders the Dubliners), the Los Angeles septet are as notable for their non- Celtic influences. On Float, beneath the Warped-rousing riffs and the freewheeling accordion, banjo, and fiddle, you can hear Motörhead's bass rig ("Man With No Country"), Johnny Cash's Folsom period ("You Won't Make a Fool Out of Me"), and even tinges of John Lennon's touching balladry ("The Story So Far"). It's the band's most diverse album yet—and, diversity being their strength, it's also their most accomplished....full text The Mollys haven't shown much musical growth since their 2000 debut, Swagger, but it's more a case of if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it than laziness. The band's blend of acoustic (guitar, fiddle, accordion, mandolin, drums) and electric (guitar, bass) instruments contributes to their singular sound, and they still sing and play every track with an almost blistering energy. Dave King, Flogging Molly's lead singer, songwriter, and lyricist, types out the words of his songs on a typewriter that was manufactured in 1916, the year of The Easter Rising, one of the great rebellions in Irish history....full text