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https://ffm.to/thehope

Release Date: October 15, 2021

Format: Digital & Physical

Location: Nottinghamshire, England

Band Members – 

Ken Bonsall – Lead singer & acoustic guitar.

Dan Booth – Violin & lead vocals on some songs.

Johnny Edwards – Multi-instrumentalist.

Ryan Brooks – Guitar

John Alexander – Bassist

Alex Smith – Drummer

Favorite Tracks: Haul Away Joe, Pentrich Rising, Victims, Broken Soldier, The Hope, Exiled Life (The Chase), Khatyn, 1914, Born Under Punches, Punk Police, Slayed The Traveller, Parting Glass, and Mairi’s Wedding Pt 4

Sounds Like: The Tossers, Dropkick Murphys, Rumjacks, Gaelic Storm, Flogging Molly and The Pogues

CPRA is no stranger to great folk punk. We’ve covered so many greats over the years like, Bridge City Sinners, Days N’ Daze, Gogol Bordello, The Rumjacks, Flogging Molly and Frank Turner. Today is a great day as we get to review “The Hope” by Ferocious Dog. The last time we reviewed an FD album was way back in 2018 with the “Red Album”. Oh I did mention “The Hope” is currently charting it’s way to the top 20 in the UK!

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! We can’t stay online without you!

Ferocious Dog released “The Hope’ on October 15, 2021 to coincide with World Mental Health. This album is packed with amazing track after track. In fact no matter what I write I simply cannot give this album as much praise as it deserves. Let’s checkout some of my favorite tracks. The first killer track is “Haul Away Joe” an Irish traditional (sea shanty) cover. The accordion and violin set the scene for a beautiful yet haunting sea journey. As the song speeds up the bass and drums drive this track into a deep and powerful anthem. 

Pic by Marielle Groot Obbink

I am a huge Celtic folk/punk fan. The fact that I’ve never heard this song before drives me a bit mad. With the research I conducted on this track. I’d say Ferocious Dog’s version is definitely my favorite cover. Next up is “Pentrich Rising”. It references the great labor revolution of 1817. This song will have you pumping your fist in unity, “A night for revolution, a night to fight, a call to arms in England, all workers must unite”. We need this all over the world right now!

The next track, “Victims” will have you running to join the pit. Not only is it a great follow up to “Pentrich Rising”, but it’s about staying united and fighting political corruption and slave wages. “Broken Soldier” is up next and will pull at those old heart strings. How many soldiers went off to war only to return as shadows of their former selves? Most of us born after America ended the draft will never know what a soldier goes through on the battlefield. So help out our vets instead of raising your nose. 

My next favorite track is “The Hope”. Warning this song/video contains depictions of suicide or sucidial harm and may not be suitable for all listeners. On that note, this song will make you cry. We’ve all been there at some point in our lives. The intro piano starts our journey and also the welling of my tears. This song should be in the top charts across the world! 

Let’s move on to, “Exiled Life (The Chase). This song speeds the record back up. It’s energy, it’s hope and everything we need in our lives. This track is catchy and fun. As punks we all lead an exiled life. We color our hair, we listen to unpopular music, we are all different from what society expects us to be. Instead of being ashamed, embrace this exiled life we have chosen. I wish someone would’ve taken the time with me to say, “It’s ok to be different and it’s ok to be just you”. If your likes and lives make you a happy person, stay the course.

So many good tracks on this so far! “Khatyn” is up next. The song references the 1943 Khatyn massacre. Per Wikipedia, “On 22 March 1943, almost the entire population of the village was massacred by the Schutzmannschaft Battalion 118 in retaliation for an attack on German troops by Soviet partisans.” We as a people can never let the atrocities the Nazi’s committed, happen ever again. 

Pic by Graham Whitmore

Let’s roll on. “1914” is a beautiful acoustic track about a soldier leaving to fight in World War I. “Born Under Punches” comes in swinging. This track is by far my favorite on the record. It’s fast, heavy, and relatable. Sometimes you can only rely on yourself. Now it’s time for some rock N roll with, “Punk Police”. We all know who the “Punk Police” are aka “The gatekeepers of punk music and subculture”. They will judge you for everything under the sun. Again I must reiterate Punk Rock Saves Lives motto,  

Positivity

Unity

Nurture

Kindness

If you are one of these gatekeepers I think you will find out you have less “Real friends” than you think you do! “Slayed The Traveller” is next up and continues the speed of “Punk Police”. It’s energy will have you up and dancing away. Grab a good beer and turn this tune on! One of my favorite Scottish traditional songs is next and it’s the “Parting Glass”. Every time I hear this song. I cannot help, but shed a wee tear for those who’ve gone before me. Ferocious Dog’s version is now my favorite. 

Get this on vinyl now! https://thehope.ferociousdog.co.uk/products/the-hope-deluxe-digipack

It’s time for another killer sea shanty with, “The Sea Shepherd”. This song is just plain fun which salutes the fine work the folks at The Sea Shepherd are doing. Pirates sure love their gold, but I think they love the ocean more and keeping it clean and poacher free. “Will You? (feat. Hazel O’Connor)” is a beautiful duet love song. I honestly didn’t expect this song and love it! Our final track is “ Mairi’s Wedding pt.4”. This is a solid way to end the record before going into the “1914 Reprise”. 

After listening heavily to Ferocious Dogs “The Hope”.  I can say with certainty that is my favorite record of 2021. “The Hope” is a clear winner. With tracks like, Haul Away Joe, Pentrich Rising, Victims, Broken Soldier, The Hope, Exiled Life (The Chase), Khatyn, 1914, Born Under Punches, Punk Police, Slayed The Traveller, Parting Glass, and Mairi’s Wedding Pt 4 this record keeps on giving and giving. If you’re facing uncertainty, need to smile, pay your respects, or just want a bit of craic. Put on “The Hope” now!

Be sure to pick this up on vinyl before the pre-orders close, https://thehope.ferociousdog.co.uk/

Track List

  1. Port Isaac
  2. Haul Away Joe
  3. Pentrich Rising
  4. Victims
  5. Broken Soldier
  6. The Hope
  7. Exiled Life (The Chase)
  8. Khatyn
  9. 1914
  10. Born Under Punches
  11. Punk Police
  12. Slayed The Traveler
  13. Parting Glass
  14. Sea Shepherd
  15. Will You?
  16. Mairi’s Wedding pt.4
  17. 1914 (Reprise)

Links

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FerociousDog/

Website – Music and Merch! https://ferociousdog.co.uk/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ferociousdog.fd/

Listen Now – https://ffm.to/thehope

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/5PZ7FELSdjX5ftgAKT7foX

Follow CPRA For More!

Website: https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoPunkRockArmy/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/COPunkRockArmy

Tik Tok – @ Colorado Punk Rock Army

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/coloradopunkrockarmy/

Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8IUp9-sZcf20h7qgtNVXFQ

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UK Punks, Ferocious Dog released their new video for “The Hope” to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10/10/2021. WARNING: This video will hit you in the heart and may not be suitable for some viewers. CPRA hasn’t reviewed a new Ferocious Dog record since “The Red Album” and we are extremely excited to review, “The Hope” coming to you on 10/15/2021.

CPRA encourages anyone feeling depressed, desperate, to reach out to your local Suicide Prevention Organization like, Punk Rock Saves Lives, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As someone once said to me. “There’s nothing more punk rock than staying alive”. Be sure to pre-save, Ferocious Dog’s, “The Hope”, here, https://ffm.to/thehope. Our review will be out this Friday!

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!

Pre-save “The Hope” Now – https://ffm.to/thehope

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FerociousDog

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferociousdog.fd/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0vZHiT1JKZux5bks06luAhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0vZHiT1JKZux5bks06luA

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The Clan Of Celts are one of my favorite Celtic bands. Their new track “Quarantine Christmas” is wonderful. Check out Clan of Celts here, https://www.facebook.com/clanofcelts/

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone out there in Cpra Land!

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clanofcelts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clanofcelts/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHI29PsSY1fmP3JdJdjEfvA

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Release Date: January 17, 2020                 

Format: Digital and Physical (Get the vinyl)

Label: Pirate Press Records

Location: 

  • Seattle

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Aaron Rev (vocals/guitar), 
  • Andy Wyle (bass/vocals), 
  • Jonny Wade (guitar), 
  • Jake Margolis (drums)

Favorite Tracks: Cue The Violins, Black Lung, Them Rats, Battery Station, 

Sounds Like: The Briggs, Buzzcocks, Cocksparrer, STLF, The Tossers, NOISE, Transplants, Dead Boys, and the Street Dogs 

Let’s take the way back machine to October 12, 2018. Colorado Punk Rock Army was starting to pick up steam and this was directly related to two important events. We brought in our first female team member, Lala. This sarcastic gem of a lady is still kicking ass with us today. The second important event was that Lala reviewed, The Drown’s, “View From The Bottom”. 

Let’s face the hard reality when it comes to today’s music industry. Local bands, podcasts, and zines face a daily struggle to just stick around. They try to beat social media algorithms, and budget every move they make. Only to get a couple of shares or make 17 cents on Spotify. So after Lala published her review above. Something drastically changed CPRA for the better.  

Within a week Lala’s review had raked up almost a thousand views! To this day that post has the most views ever on our website. So I, Skabones naturally wanted to know why this particular post was so popular. Sadly I don’t have time to check out everything as much as I’d like. It turns out the Drowns kick ass! “View From The Bottom” has been on my constant rotation ever since October 2018.  

So today marks a special day it’s release day for their new record, “Under Tension”. This is their second full album release. It is my lawful duty as a punk and a writer to give this record the old full CPRA album review treatment. The album starts with, “Black Lung”. The intro riff is nuts! The chorus is catchy and a tale of sounds to come. We all have that black lung that festers and keeps us thinking. 

Next up is a personal favorite, “Them Rats”. I love an angry fist pumping sound. This track is politically charged and is reminiscent of Cocksparrer or the Transplants. It sits on a nifty ledge of punk and ska. Aaron’s vocals are killer while the heavy bass and drums inflict the power in his voice. “Wolves On The Throne follows with Andy Wyle on vocals. Andy’s voice is remarkable and sounds so much like Pete Shelley I had to check twice.

The track focuses on social justice and calls for a strong resistance to fascism. Check out these kick ass lyrics! The guitar solo towards the end is an awesome throwback to classic punk rock.

“Their numbers are thinning
It’s just the beginning
Compassion’s in fashion, my friend
I’ll bet my empathy
Against their bigotry
Ignorance won’t win again”

“Hold Fast” is next and continues that in your face assault. Aaron is back with some deep bass vocals. This is a unification song that could easily end up being a popular soccer anthem. I can see crowds of people pumping fists, cheering drinks, and slamming each other in the pit. “One More Pint” is next and thus the reason I mentioned the Tossers above. The track is obvious in title. It’s about hitting the town, after a long week, joining your friends for a nice pint. I LOVE this song! Be prepared to hear this one on your local juke. Will it replace “We Are The Brews”? I sure hope so!

“Demons” is next with Andy back on vocals. We must defeat our demons to carry on! I’m not sure if there is a female on backing vocals, but it adds that extra something to make this song fantastic. 

The next track is for every person who ever felt, “Not good enough” to be dating someone or “Out of your league”. A simple love song about admitting insecurities. We have all been there. Yet eventually you will find that one person that doesn’t give a shit. They will accept you for you. Now that’s punk rock! “Cue The Violins” follows again with Andy on vocals. Check out the opening lyrics! 

“She’s a pistol with a loaded gun
Cocked and raised in the morning sun
Taking aim at all the men
Who would try to reign her in
She’s a feminist flamethrower
Unrepentant whistle blower
A bulldozer to the system
And she’s on the move again”

Not only does this track rock, but the message is strong! We MUST support equality in every shape and fashion. We  MUST lift up those that have been historically oppressed. “The Harder They Come, They Harder They Fall”. Another unification track about fighting religious extremism and choosing a life for you! I love the chorus! Jake’s drums are fast and loud! 

Pick Up A Shirt !

The next song is “The Unknown”. This track is pogo friendly and fast.  It seems almost made for union brothers and sisters. The heavy bass lines, guitar riffs sound a bit on the rockabilly side. Man this band continues to surprise me! Next up is another personal favorite song, “Battery Street”.

“Look mister please the only difference between you and me is I know who I am
I know where I’m from
I’ve got skin in the game”

Have you ever thought about the people that bust their ass to keep America running? I’m talking about dock workers, electricians, plumbers, truckers, etc. They bust their ass so we can be clothed, fed, and bed. I think we forget the sacrifices these people make every day. I could be wrong here, but I think this track is a tribute to Woody Guthrie’s, “Roll On Columbia ” or to the pacfice northwest in general. 

Well I have rambled on long enough and it’s time to wrap this one up. The Drown’s, “Under Tension” is master crafted and encompassing everything we love about good old fashion punk rock and roll. The anthems, musicianship and lyrical content is making me throw this album in for Best Punk Rock Album of 2020! You MUST check it out here, https://shop.piratespressrecords.com/pages/the-drowns. 

Someone buy some for me!!!!

Help us stay online! Hit that donate button below!

Tracks: (Per Bandcamp)

  1. Black Lung 
  2. Them Rats
  3. Wolves On The Throne 
  4. Hold Fast 
  5. One More Pint 
  6. Demons
  7. Wastin’ Time 
  8. Cue The Violins 
  9. The Harder They Come 
  10. The Unknown
  11. Battery Street 

Links:

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Best of 2019 Albums and Ep/Lp Picks by

Skabones

Holy Shit its almost 2020 already? Where the hell have I been? Oh that’s right here writing album reviews till the cows come home. Well over 2019, CPRA has accomplished a shit ton. We wrote over 70 news, reviews and concert related items, started our own TV show, and started CPRA Skates! Don’t forget also our team up with AKA Just Miggy and The Kids Are Alright All Ages At Goosetown! On that note don’t miss the next Kids Show with the Potato Pirates on December 15, 2019, 2pm!  Check out my Top 5 List of the year below! 

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Skabones’s Top Local LP Or Full Albums of 2019

1. Trick Punch – The Latest
2. AFD – Bruised (Out Now on all platforms)
3. New Narrative – Story So Far
4. All Waffle Trick – Second Breakfast
5.  Married A Dead Man – Awakenings

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Skabones Top 5 Local EP

1.  Tuck Knee The Way Back Up and S/T
2. Sunset Silhouette   Far Beyond Suburbia
3. Barking Mad Rampage
4. Wild Lives Return Of The Kid
5.  Implied Risk Demo 2019

 

Skabones Top 5 International Full Length Albums

1. Jerkswitch BUFO
2. Crimson Riot Classy Punk For Trash People
3. Abolitionist Ugly Feeling
4. Year Of The Fist Revive Me
5.  The Follow Ups Don’t Like You Either
man in santa claus costume
Photo by bruce mars on Pexels.com

 

Skabones  Top 5 International EP/LP

1.  Vera Kay  Pink Roses
2.  Spider Energy Gone Wrong
3. Trashed Ambulance Shorthanded
4.  The Damed  The Damed
5. Fine Dining Grass Fed Tunes
person standing in front of a train
Photo by Josh Hild on Pexels.com

Skabones Honorable Mentions Full/EP/LP/S

Bury MIA And Sleep It Off
Slap Happy  Cruisin
Hangtime Invasion
Spewers A New Disappointment
Over Time Decades
Wilmette Anxious Body
Greg Antista & The Lonely Streets Shake, Stomp And Stumble

It’s Not Too Late To Get CPRA Merch for xmas!

Buy Now!

Well there you have it my picks for 2019! You check out all of our reviews here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/album-reviews-music-news/. Bands we love ya! Happy Holidays and stay safe. See everybody on December 14 At 3 Kings!

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Best of 2018 Albums and Ep/Lp Picks by CPRA’s Skabones

It’s been a crazy year here at CPRA. We’ve reviewed so much amazing music this year. We debuted our very first show, “Happy Skanksgiving” at Tennyson Tap. By the way our last show of the year, “Merry Punxmas” is on December 29, 2018. I know we all get a bit tired of these end of the year lists. As admins we all couldn’t possibly agree on overall favorites. So we are going to individually announce our own personal picks.

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Skabones’s Top Local Full Length Albums of 2018

1. Last Reel Hero – Last Reel Hero (S/T)
2. Came And Took It – Resume
3. Almataha – Kill The Leaders
4. Weathered Statues – Borderlands
5. The Wannabes – Goodbye

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Skabones Top 5 Local EP/LP

1. Sunset Silhouette Detour EP
2. RASP State Of The Union
3. Younger Than Neil Never Quite Asleep
4. Married A Dead Man Haunt
5. People Corrupting People Red Herring

Skabones Top 5 International Full Length Albums

1. The Corps Tales From 2814
2. Dirty Work In The West End
3. Off The Mark Aging Disgracefully
4. The Shell Corporation Fucked
5. Fourbanger Never Let Go

 

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Skabones  Top 5 International EP/LP

1. FoL Therapathy
2. Debt Neglector The Kids Are Pissed
3. Millie Manders and The Shut Up Millie Manders and The Shut Up EP
4. Upper Downer Upper Downer
5. The F/A How Riots Start

Flag_of_Colorado Anarchy greyscale

Skabones Honorable Mentions Full/EP/LP/S

The Rumjacks Saints Preserve Us
Grinning Barrets Riot
Alternative Ulster “Boobies, Banjos, Bagpipes & Beer”
The Dead End The Dead End EP
Oh See Demons Personal Issues
Bottom Bracket Is Something Else
Fair Dos Closing In

We reviewed almost 100 albums in 2018. So picking only a few was very tough on me. Happy Holiday and don’t let Krampus get ya! Be sure to pick up a CPRA shirt, patch, or sticker before Christmas! Email soon if you want one by Christmas!

CPRA Pics by Cricket Fox!

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Release Date: 10/12/2018

Format: Digital  

Label: FOUR FOUR / Black Matilda Music

Location: The open seas

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Frankie McLaughlin: Vocals, tin whistle, guitar.
  • Johnny McKelvey: Bass, vocals
  • Gabriel Whitbourne: Guitars, vocals
  • Adam Kenny: Mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, bodhran, acoustic guitar, vocals
  • Pietro Della Sala: Drums, Vocals

Favorite Tracks: Saints Preserve Us, Bus Floor Bottles, Cold London Rain, Last Orders, If It Kills Me and Cupcakes

Sounds Like: Alternative Ulster, Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, Real Mckenzies, The Mahones, Grinning Barrets, Mickey Rickshaw, Clan Of Celts, and 1916. 

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It’s no secret some of us here at CPRA are some bloody Celtic mates. Between A? and SkaBones there’s enough Celtic blood in the both of us to invade England. Ok we probably wouldn’t get far and our backs would go out fast haha. We are proud to check out the new Rumjacks album, “Saints Preserve Us”, out now on all major streamers! In case you’ve been hiding in hole in all these years. I found the Rumjacks back in 2011 by pure accident while searching for some new Celtic punk. I ran across their now Youtube hit song, “An Irish Pub Song”.

That video is currently sitting at 46 million views! I remember seeing it in 2011 and the counter was only up a few thousand if that. I kept thinking why hasn’t this song blown up yet? It took the song some time gain some steam, but look where they are now! Now we have a brand new album to join the ranks of the best of em.

So let’s check out, “Saints Preserve Us”. The writing on each song is excellent. The Rumjacks bring the the classic Celtic trad, the guttural punk, and each song is unique to the core. McLaughlin’s vocals are always right on point. McKelvey and Whitbourne in combination on guitar and bass, bring that classic Rumjacker sound.  Oh how I have needed new Rumjacks music in my life!

The record starts off with, “Saints Preserve Us”. This one is immediately catchy and fun to sing along with. I love McLaughlin’s vocals on this one. Have you thought if an EMP went off and everything you owned that was electrical based just fried? Can you count on someone to hunt for food or grow it for that matter?

“I’ve been eatin’ outta garbage tins, (YOLO!)
I’ve been hittin’ up my cyber-firends,
Left swipe ass wipe not even for the rent,
A hash tag trash bag in search of my identity,
Come get your fix, I’ve got your clicks and shares,
I’ve got your medicine your kisses thoughts & prayers,
LOLMFAOMG I need to pee,
W to the F stop triggering’ me!!”

‘Billy Mickinley’, starts off with some great tin whistle. The drums are heart pounding in a marching band manner. Mike Rivkees from Mickey Rickshaw throws in some kick ass vocal assistance to McLaughlin. ‘Bus Floor Bottles’, is up next on the track list. This one seems to have a deep and powerful message. This song is very reminiscent of The Street Dogs. I can easily see Mike McColgan singing this one.  

‘An por ar buile (The mad puck goat)’, is a cover of the traditional Irish song. This is by the way is the coolest fair ever. It celebrates a brave goat that warned the people of Killorglin from Cromwell’s invading army. The pipes really send this one home for me! This one also features Denis Dowling of the Clan Of Celts and Shelby Colt (London Celtic Punks) on backing vocals.

‘Last Orders’, is next up. I think it’s the mandolin playing or acoustic guitar, but it’s beautiful on the intro! This is a street rat love song. ‘Cold London Rain’, here’s another blast of a tune. The guitar riff shines for me while the vocals will draw you right in. I love the lyrics. I have never actually visited London, but I’m sure I would feel the same.

“Oh, pull me in, don’t let me drown here,

My aim is true & I’ve got so much more to give,

Dry my hair & kiss me gently,

And I’ll surrender up my fightin’ heart to you.”

‘Fare Evader’ slows the album down a bit, with a ska like juke. This one is almost anthem like, yet seems to have a darker undertone. ‘The Foreman O’Rourke’ is up next and probably my favorite track on the record. This is a classic folk cover, originally done by Matt McGinn, featuring the legendary Paul McKenzie, from the Real McKenzies.

‘A Smugglers Song”, is a hilarious, yet amazing tune. It’s about a stolen goods smuggler. Think Han Solo in the dirty London streets.  My second favorite track up next is, ‘Dozen Good Reasons To Weep’. The build up of the progression gets your fist and heart pumping. The song slows down midway to an almost Northern Soul/Ska sound, and rebuilds into the progression.

McKelvey and Whitbourne shred on this track. Robert Collins (Blood Or Whiskey) plays trumpet on this one and nails it! ‘If It Kills Me’, is up next and this one is somewhat heartbreaking. Yet it will become your next favorite pub playing song. Caution this one may lower a tear or two.

“You’ve been smoulderin’ for years.

If it rips through my veins, tears me flesh from bone,

I’ll hear the voices of the faithful ‘You’ll never walk alone..’

If it kills me, if you wake and I’m gone,

If I’m dust on the wind and you’re left to your own,

I’ll love you,.. if it kills me,..

And it probably will.”

Last, but not least is ‘Cupcakes’. This speeds the record right back up. Every single person who loves punk, OI, rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, can relate to fantastic song. The Rumjacks should release a video for this song next! Check out the lyrics below.

“Some twunt said I wasn’t punk enough,

Am I not dirty filthy stinkin fucking drunk enough?

You tell me theres no rules and I’ll still fuck it up,”

Alright time to wrap this review up. This album is phenomenal. “Saints Preserve Us’, should join the short list of classic celtic punk albums, you just can’t put down. The additions of other great artists such as, Paul Mckenzie and Troy Zak (The Real Mckenzies), Mike Rivkees (Mickey Rickshaw), Maurizo Cardullo (Folkstone) whose bagpipes are wicked, Robert Collins (Blood Or Whiskey), Angek Roccato (The Clan), Francesco ‘Fry’ Moneti (Modena City Ramblers) and the infamous Denis Dowling (Clan Of Celts) make this album the ultimate celtic punk record.

Tracks:

  1. Saints Preserve Us
  2. Billy McKinley
  3. Bus Floor Bottles
  4. An por ar buile (The mad puck goat)
  5. Last Orders
  6. Cold London Rain
  7. Fare Evader
  8. The Foreman O’Rourke
  9. A Smugglers Song
  10. A Dozen Good Reasons to Weep
  11. If It Kills Me
  12. Cupcakes

Links:

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Alternative Ulster – “Boobies, Banjos, Bagpipes & Beer”

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Release Date: August 16, 2018

Format: Digital

Label: DIY

Location: Saugerties, NY

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

John McGovern – Bagpipes, Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Backing Vocals,

Todd Henry – Drums & Lead Vocals,

Jay Andersen – Guitar, Bass, Drums, Backing Vocals, all Recording, Mixing and Mastering

Favorite Tracks: No Queen No Crown., Crawl Back In Your Shithole, Boobies, Banjos, Bagpipes & Beer, The Sheep Pretend, and Sail Home British Soldiers.

Sounds Like: Dropkick Murphys, The Rumjacks, Born Again Heathens, Bourbon Brawlers, Flogging Molly, and The Mahones.

 

Do you celebrate way too much on your favorite day of the year? You might take your favorite day of the year in, let’s say excess amounts. You might be a Christmas person, decorating anything you can get your hands on. You may be into Halloween or Valentine’s Day. My day is St. Patrick’s Day. I may be what some may call a, “Plastic Patty”. My family is directly descended from the High King, Domnall mac Áedo. I of course brush the comments away and continue the celebration.

So being an Irish American punk. I am drawn to Celtic Punk and Celtic Traditional music. I’m also a firm believer in allowing any indigenous people to rule and govern themselves. Free from oppression and tyrannical rule. So when Alternative Ulster released their new record, “Boobies, Banjos, Bagpipes & Beer”. I knew right away I wanted to check it out. We loved their last release, “Pog Mo Thoin”. So let’s dig into, “Boobies, Banjos, Bagpipes & Beer”.

The first track up is, “No Queen, No Crown”. This is definitely a rebel song. Unlike Bono trying to hide behind his lyrics, these boys are proud to outright say it. This is dirty punk, with pipes! This one will get stuck in you head faster than the Brits can exit Ireland. Next up is, “Boobies, Banjos, Bagpipes & Beer”. This one is just plain old fun! Mcgovern’s pipes really shine on this one.

“The Sheep Pretend”, this one has a great guitar riff and the drums really lead the progression. “Alternative Ulster”, here’s a cover of the classic song by Stiff Little Fingers. It kicks ass! “Sail Home British Soldiers”, it’s no secret that the American colonies were not fond of the British rule. This one is spoken word. The lyrics, vocals, pipes and drums make this one my favorite on the record. The song refers to the British soldiers burning Kingston, New York.

“Bonnie Little Scott”, is a funny little tribute to ACDC’s Bon Scott. Check out the chorus here which is catchy!

“It’s a long way to the top, but not so far to fall,

When you’re drinking like a fish, and then you lose it all.

The original punk rock piper, he showed us all the way,

He was on a highway to hell, hell’s bells now he’ll play.”

“Dudlesack”, is a pipe driven chant of a good time. “Spilt Upon Me Kilt” is up next. Now this track to the tune of the “12 Days Of Christmas” and hilarious. The band is definitely having a great time on this one. “Chuck In The Fuck It Bucket”, again another one that’s hilarious. It also has more of a spoken word sound. “Countin Other’s Sins”, has great reggae/northern soul backing, with the pipes mixed in. I love the lyrics on this one.

“Calling bad behavior a religion is not a free pass,

If you hate gays and oppress women you can kiss my ass.

Choke on your wafer at your black mass.”

“McGovern’s Bar & Grill”, is up next. The lyrics make this song. It’s heartfelt and reminds this writer of his younger days. My grandfather was a tough old man with a drinking problem. Many of his issues stemmed from his fight in WWII. He could always be found down at a local pub called, “Laddies”. He would take me there when I was 5, as he was my babysitter. This may be why I love drunken nights of laughter and singing.

Next up is simple acoustic cover version of  “Alternative Ulster”, by Stiff Little Fingers. It’s beautiful and well performed. Now up next is my second favorite on the track, “Crawl Back To Your Shithole”. This is a direct insult song to the president and I love it.

“Orange Julius in office,

stuffing immigrant families into coffins.

separating families while combining church and state.

Piggly wiggly combover son of a bitch,

little feet, little hands, little dick!” 

Overall this album will appease any fan of Celtic Punk and punks in general. Alternative Ulster’s new album is fun, original and full punketry in motion. When you’re ready to send a boarding crowd over the deck, be sure to throw this one on!

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Tracks: (Per Bandcamp)

1. No Queen, No Crown

2. Boobies, Banjos, Bagpipes & Beer

3.The Sheep Pretend

4. Alternative Ulster (Punk Cover

5. Sail Home British Soldiers

6. Bonnie Little Scott

7. Dudlesack

8. Spilt Upon Me Kilt

9. Chuck In The Fuck It Bucket

10. Countin Other’s Sins

11. McGovern’s Bar & Grill

Links:

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Bourbon Brawlers – Befriend Your Sins

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Release date: 06/23/2018

Format: Digital

Label:  Records DK2ecords DK2

Location: Welby, Colorado

Current Lineup:

  • Damien – drums
    Snoopy – stand-up bass
    Rusty – washboard and vocals
    Scott – banjo
    Tom – mandolin
    Raul – harmonica and vocals
    Mike – guitar and vocals

Favorite Tracks:  U.N.P.C, Light It Up

Sounds Like: Flogging Molly, Alternative Ulster, The Grinning Barrets, The Pogues, Frank Turner, The Trash Cats, and The Real McKenzies

 

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There are so many bummers about this for me.  First, I am soooo bummed I missed them at the Seventh Circle Music Collective.  Next, I am bummed it took me this long to find these guys. The final bummer of the trifecta; I will never get to hear this for the first time again.  I would be remiss if i didn’t say that I went into this a little apprehensively. I was told they were “Folk Punk.” Rarely do folk and punk go hand in hand in my book.

Sure, I will hear about the Billy Braggs of the world, but in actual application I am not a fan.  In truth, 8 songs weren’t enough for me. What a gem for the Denver music scene to have! I love the way the gritty vocals blended with the raw hillbilly vibe.  To me, music is always a background soundtrack to life and this will be in my soundtrack for awhile.

 

Check out what their pitch man had to say!  “First I have to tell you the human interest hook. The drummer was randomly and viciously stabbed 5 times on Colfax in Denver, Colorado by a raging psychopath in June. 8 days later he skipped out of the hospital to play the Bourbon Brawlers CD release at Lost Lake in Denver. Then returned to the hospital to finish healing up because he still had a blood clot in his lung.

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That’s about as punk rock as you can get. So the Bourbon Brawlers are the Dropkick Murphys of Denver. A 7 piece folk/punk/Irish bar band for the drinking crowd very loose but still in the pocket and overall fun. Their instruments are the standard guitar and drums but also use banjo, washboard, mandolin and stand up bass. The new album is called “Befriend Your Sins” and has 10 tracks.” Doug Newville

Track List

  1. Revolution
  2. Never
  3. Irish Yoga
  4. Light It Up
  5. U.N.P.C.
  6. The Legend Of Shorts McGraw
  7. Weight Of The World
  8. Backseat

Links:

About the writer: Old crab that stands in the back and complains that it was better in my day, but is 100% for the youth take over.  I’m a contradiction that thrives on holding on to rebellion with one foot on either side. – Lala

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Release date: August 18, 2018

Format: Digital

Label: DIY

Location: Vancouver Island BC

Current Lineup: Per Facebook

  • Jeremy Fiddy Drums/Fist Pumping
  • Bern Kinnear Bass/Bass/Bass
  • Dylan Wickham Guitar/Banjo/Mandolin/Screeching
  • Aaron Bergen Bagpipes/Whistles/Shouting
  • Pat Westmacott Guitar/Grumbling

Favorite Tracks: Armstrong Ave, The Altar of St Ayn, Last Call, Riot Crew

Sounds Like: The Real McKenzies,  Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, The Rumjacks, Alternative Ulster, 1916, Flatfoot 56, The Mahones, and The Pogues

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Back in May 2018, CPRA was introduced to the likes of the Grinning Barretts, “The St Padraig’s EP”. This ep is still on my daily rotation of favorite Celtic punk albums/eps! When we got wind there’s a new ep in the works. I couldn’t wait to review it. Well that time has finally come!

RIOT EP – Available August/September 2018!

The ep kicks off with a catchy sing along, ‘Armstrong Ave’. This is a pure dedication song to Tim Armstrong and punk in general. The pipes are pumping, the riffs are a joy. The drums really bring the sound in as a whole. This one will be stuck in your head for days. It leads me to ask this question. What album/song did you hear first, that made you a punk?

Next up is the ‘The Altar of St Ayn’. Do you know someone who worships Fox news and Ayn Rand? This song’s for them! These guys really know to write some damn good punk tunes. This one has some great lyrics, and kick ass drums. The mandolin sounds beautiful.

“All hail the matron saint of avarice
Plutocrats professing piety
All hail the matron saint of avarice
Congressmen kneeling at her feet”

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‘Last Call’, is a great little fun song. This one will definitely get stuck in your head! The shreds are fun and simple. The vocalist nails his, “Whoas” masterfully. Look out Glenn Danzing! Here’s a tip for all you about to hit legal age to enter a bar.  The bartender does not want you. They want your tips!  Of course if you’re in a band you do get extra points.

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Next up is ‘Rising Of The Moon’. I love the pipes on this one. This is a call to arms song to fight oppression. ‘IBLD’, aka I’ve Been Let Down is next on the track list. Here we get to hear a really kick ass guitar shred, with amazing drum backing.

‘King Of Scab’, no this is not just another up the union song. This is about coal baron and union busting thug Robert Dunsmuir. I personally have always loved union based songs like, “Allentown”, “Power In The Union” and Floggy Molly’s, “Don’t Shut Em Down”.

“Hired thugs and police
Harassed the picket lines
Until men accepted starvation wages
In collapsing mines”

‘Riot Crew’, now this one surprised the hell right outta me. One would never really expect a celtic punk band to write a hardcore punk song. This song is energetic and speaks to the family in all of us. We all have family down at our local pub. Per, guitarist Pat Westmacott, ‘This is for our friends at Riot Brewing Co in Chemainus BC, winners of the best beer in the world at the world beer cup.”

Now let me go ahead and wrap this up. The Grinning Barrett’s have composed an ep to compete with the heavy hitters in the Celtic punk world. In just 7 songs I’ve wanted to do the following,

  1. Get Drunk
  2. Invade England
  3. Start a riot
  4. Push a Union Thug
  5. Slap a follower of Rand
  6. Play Rancid
  7. Get Drunk Again

I’m throwing this ep into the mix for CPRA’s album/ep of year for  2018!

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Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegrinningbarretts/

Bandcamp: https://thegrinningbarretts.bandcamp.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrinningbarretts/