ALBUM REVIEW: Anthem – Flogging Molly
Most punk bands do not include violins. But FLOGGING MOLLY are not most bands. The seven piece Irish-American band mix punk with Irish traditionalist music. This unique mix has spawned five albums so far, with their sixth album Anthem being their first in five years.
The album starts off strong with These Times Have Got Me Drinking/Tripping Up The Stairs. The mix of punk and Irish traditionalist music works really well. The violin by Bridget Regan in particular is a really nice touch. Vocalist Dave King has a wonderful voice, and he is a joy to listen to. In fact, the best thing about this song is that it doesn’t sound too remarkable. That might sound strange; however, the rough and raw production on the song makes it sound like a band having a load of fun. The adlibs during the instrumental section seal the deal.
In fact, this sound continues throughout the album. Whilst some people might be upset by the lack of what you might call obvious punk influences, FLOGGING MOLLY show that punk music takes all shapes and sizes. A Song Of Liberty is a joyful, upbeat song that you can imagine being sung in any Irish traditional pub.
The most interesting thing about Anthem is that each song tells a distinct story. This is quite unique in punk, but not in Celtic music. Whether it is about changing your path in life (This Road Of Mine) or childhood (Now Is The Time), the stories are individual. However, this does not make the album all over the place. In fact, thanks to the consistency of the instruments, Anthem makes for an impressively cohesive listen.
Of course, the album is not perfect. Hardcore punk fans might complain about the lack of punk influences. However, they are still there; it’s just a part of the Irish music. Whilst the album itself is brilliant, a part of you might wish that FLOGGING MOLLY would change it up a little bit. On the other hand, the music is such a welcome change that you appreciate the fact that it doesn’t go into something different. As punk is mostly known for harsh, macho instruments, and Celtic punk is not as a well-known sub-genre, this album is a perfect introduction to that sub-genre. Furthermore, it is a welcome change to punk music.
Overall, if you are looking for something different, then Anthem is for you. It is a joyful, upbeat album that is a welcome break from the harsh, depressing world that punk can be. Don’t let the five-year break between albums worry you; FLOGGING MOLLY are back with a bang. Their brand of Celtic punk leans more on Irish traditionalist music, but they do it extremely well. The instruments are fantastic, and whilst the elements of punk are hard to find, that isn’t much of a bother. The band clearly know their stuff, and it is clear that – six albums in – they haven’t run out of steam yet.
Rating: 8/10
Anthem is out now via Rise Records.
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