ALBUM REVIEW: Dogs on a Leash – The O’Reillys and the Paddyhats

Ploughing their way through the folk punk masses, THE O’REILLYS AND THE PADDYHATS have gained a reputation for creating memorable anthems of drinking, fighting and Irish pride. Coming a long way since their two-piece foundations the band have consistently produced a unique strain of Irish folk punk that will ignite a frenzy of drinking and dance. With three strong albums already behind them, will Dogs on a Leash continue to paint listeners green with a passion for alcohol fuelled madness?

Standing apart from even genre giants like FLOGGING MOLLY and DROPKICK MURPHYS, Dogs on a Leash sparks the ignition with a frenzy of folk-fuelled fever. You would probably be surprised that the band are based in Germany and not County Donegal as they continue to pay homage to the Celtic nations distinct yet diverse musical genes. Jumping straight into top gear, Here it Goes Again seamlessly fuses raw folk with the usual punk and not so usual ska undertones to create a belter of a tune.

The great thing about folk music in countries like Ireland and Scotland is that the same tunes can be reproduced time and time again as new styles of music re-brand them with their own identity. This album is no exception as we see traditional Irish melodies blended beautifully throughout, keeping folk culture alive and evolved. James Brian reminds you that this style is so much more than repetitive reels while Hobo of Mitchelstown brings you back to the dance floor, musically led by fiddle master Mia Callaghan. Millions and Ferryman both take the tempo down a notch or two but do not in any way retract from the raw nature of the band – constantly creating new ways to entice the listener with a satisfying blend of modern melody that is trad to the core.

From Dublin to Moscow is somewhat a journey in itself, a tankard stomping rhythm takes you from drunken reflection to the centre of the party, an anthem thicker than Guinness. Whistle and mandolin fuse together in a way that is typical of Irish folk yet a way which excites and excels in Overtime Work before Captain Without a Ship is the latest addition to a considerable collection of classics. Showcasing a plethora of raw talent, Beautiful Fear is one of those tunes punters will be mumbling to themselves as they drag their battered bodies to bed after a night of endless dancing. In true Irish style, Back Home in Derry and Shoe Shine Boy bring pure emotion and boils your blood with passionate poetry. Just when you were starting to miss joyous jigs and fist pumping folk fury, Farewell is the perfect finish to a satisfying album that conquers many expectations as well as exposing a few tasty surprises.

Dogs on a Leash is without a doubt a killer album – it’s folk finesse, it’s the soundtrack to an evening of booze fuelled dance and it is a testament to the fiery spirit of Irish culture. Whether you live in tropics, the middle of nowhere or a bustling metropolis, THE O’REILLYS AND THE PADDYHATS transport you to their very own tavern, bursting door to door with raw energy and musical passion.

Rating: 8/10

Dogs on a Leash is out now via Metalville. 

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