Flogging Molly

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t know about Flogging Molly? If you don’t, well, it’s crazy smart punk Irish music, based out of LA and backed up by a plethora of instruments. Dave King, leader and awesome songwriter, can switch it up from stomping anthems to sweet love songs, and in March he and his bandmates will put out a new album, entitled “Float.” Starting this month, they also will be touring across the US and then heading to Europe. If you get a chance to see the show, it looks like the opener is The Rev. Payton’s Big Damn Band, which rocks!! Double exclamation point! What an awesome show; I’m jealous.

“Float” revisits the themes King has been touching on for years: love, politics, disillusionment, and (of course) drinking till you fall over. All classic Irish numbers, but given that special Flogging Molly touch — King’s enthusiasm and authenticity make the old new again. I’m always on the lookout for a new sea chanty, but sadly there wasn’t anything nautical; even the quasi-historical songs were few and far between (though there is a very interesting bit at the end of “Punch Drunk Grinning Love”). Still, fans will thrill to the familiar beats and sounds of “Paddy’s Lament” and “Man With No Country,” and ballads like “Float” with its gorgeous violin. Sláinte to Flogging Molly, and raise what’s left of the flag for me!

Flogging Molly — Site | Myspace | Label (SideOneDummy)

Flogging Molly — Float

Floggin Molly — Requiem For A Dying Song