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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

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

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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: 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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Release date: March 17, 2018

Format: Digital

Label: DIY

Location: Ladysmith BC Canada

Current Lineup: (Facebook)

Dylan Wickham and Pat Westmacott/Guitar, Vocals, Banjo, Mandolin. Aaron Bergen and Kevin Dougan / Bagpipes, Vocals and Whistles. Bern Kinnear / Bass. Jeremy Fiddy / Drums

Our Favorite Track(s): Plutocrass, Wild Mountain Thyme, To Your Name

Sounds Like: 1917, The Rumjacks, Alternative Ulster, Dropkick Murphys,  and The Pogues

Sometimes you just need music to drink to or break something? What if I told you, you can have both with fucking bagpipes? That’s right we are going back to our fucking roots. After all we we’re originally named, Colorado Celtic Punk Rock Army!

We started doing promo and reviews for Celtic acts here in Colorado and branched out to mainly covering alternative and punk. The problem we found is that Celtic punk in Colorado is very limited. So it’s pretty fucking awesome we get an album request from a kick ass Celtic folk punk band.

Usually I find great bands like this over at www.paddyrockradio.com or over at http://www.macslons-irish-pub-radio.com. Alright let’s talk beers and pipes. No, I don’t mean pot pipe, you gobshite. I mean bagpipes. So let’s talk Ladysmith, BC, Canadians, The Grinning Barretts. We have been receiving some great music coming out of Canada. It has a thriving Celtic punk and punk scene.

Be sure to check out some our past reviews of Canadian bands such as, The Follow Ups, and The Brie Face. The Grinning Barrett’s dropped their,  “The St Padraig’s”, EP back on March 17, 2018.

I loved the opening track, “Plutocrass”. I suddenly wanted to grab a beer and join in this protest, against the rich. “Billionaires paying millionaires to tell the middle class to blame the poor, To keep them from out guillotines, torches and pitchforks, Billionaires paying millionaires to i.e. right thru their teeth, Filling empty heads with ignorance to justify their greed”. The pipes absolutely shine on this song.

“The bigot parade is on the street again. We call that shit, Fox News”

The one thing I love about Celtic folk. There is an abundant variety of traditional songs such as, “The Black Velvet Band” and “Whiskey In A Jar”. These songs have been covered by thousands of bands. For each band I have my own favorite version, The Rumjacks – “I’ll Tell Me Ma”, The Pogues – “I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day”, and now The Grinning Barretts version of, “Wild Mountain Thyme”. I’m really hoping this song get some airtime during a Boston Red Sox’s game or possibly a major soccer match. The craic in this song is plenty to go around.

Their version of the, “Black Velvet Band” is an amazing change from the traditionally slower song. It’s punk rock sound backed by the pipes led me to listen over and over again. I have to say I felt for the piper on this one and hope they made it out ok. Of course I kid. To think this song could start a huge pit is insane, considering it’s almost 100 years old or more.

How ironic is that on International Workers Day. I’m currently listening to their song, “UFS”?

“An injury to one is an injury to all, But they can’t trample on us when the union’s marching tall, With our bodies on the gears their machine won’t work at all, Stop an injury to one down at your union hall” I love the band’s loyalty to the working man and community. As the unions are slowing dying, here in the states. We must remember we are only allowing the rich to get richer, by breaking our backs every day. Every day we should meet at the pub and plan our fight. Share our stories of life and toast to those we lost. That’s why I love the song, “To Your Name”.

Overall I love the Grinning Barrett’s, “The St Padraig’s EP”. It is amazing collection of true Celtic Punk. The guitar, pipes, and vocals blend in ceremoniously fashion. So grab your Harris Tweed cap, and a guiness. It’s time to join the pit with your kilt on. This is a must download for all lovers of Celtic Punk rock!

You can pick up, “The St Padraig’s EP” here, https://thegrinningbarretts.bandcamp.com/album/the-st-padraigs-ep. Be sure to check them out on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/thegrinningbarretts/.

Per the band, “Celtic Punkers formed in 2015. After a whole pile of lineup changes we’ve finally hit our stride. We have the distinct honor of being the house band at Riot Brewing Co. in Chemainus BC, Canada. The 2nd EP is currently being tracked, for release this summer, and a 3rd planned for winter.” So that means we have a new fucking EP on the way!

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Release date : March 12, 2018Format : Digital

Label : DIY

Current Lineup : Per Bandcamp as of 3/29/2018

-Sean McNally – Mandolin/Vocals
-Jeremy Riddle – Guitar
-Henny – Drums

“The band made its debut during Savannah’s St Paddy’s Day 2015 with nearly a dozen shows in less than week and continued to win over crowds at various venues across Savannah and Tybee Island. .”

Sounds Like :

  • -Gaelic Storm
  • -The Dubliners
  • -The Irish Rovers
  • -The Pogues

 

I’ve been a fan of In For A Penny, since they dropped their first EP, ”In For A Penny EP” way back in 2015.  I am happy to report a new EP was released on March 12, 2018. Normally you would find this review on our website under, http://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/celtic-connections-and-album-reviews . We’ve decided to change our format up a bit and curate our album reviews all in the same area. This makes them easier to access and provides endless amounts of bathroom reading material. (Probably where you’re reading this from)

In For A Penny is a tough band to nail down really in any genre. You could call them celtic traditional, pub rock, and of course folk punk. I do know that any new release will be better than the last. They are back again with a kickass EP, “Sometimes It’s Better To Not”, Let’s get down to it track by track.

For The Devil – A play on words from the Irish Toast, “May you be in Heaven a full half hour before the Devil knows you’re dead.”  If you’re the spiritually type or not this song’s rocking beat and melodies will have you jamming along.

Broken – We all know the homeless vet, the single parent, and more society labels as “Broken”. We are all broken in one way or another. This song is about helping your fellow human from the depths.

Dancing With The Stars –  Do you watch the evening news seething in anger, but never do anything about changing the political climate? Or do you just through on another episode of Dancing With The Stars?

Your Claddagh Heart – This is by far my favorite album of the EP. Grab you sweetheart for waltz and dance the night away. Johnny Piper of Alternative Ulster lends his amazing bagpiping skills to really add ambiance to the track.

Alright let’s wrap this one up. I thoroughly enjoyed, “Sometimes It’s Better To Not”. In For A Penny is amassing an amazing collection of music while proudly displaying their Celtic roots. You can pick up the EP Here, https://inforapenny.bandcamp.com/album/sometimes-its-better-to-not . You can follow them here on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/inforapennymusic or www.InForAPenny.com .

Sláinte!

 

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Alternative Ulster – Pog Mo Thoin

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Current Lineup: John McGovern – Bagpipes, Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals, Todd Henry – Drums & Lead Vocals

They boys hailing from Kingston, New York are out loud and proud with their latest release, Póg Mo Thóin. Per the band’s Facebook page their influences include, “The Real McKenzies, The Go Set, Pipes & Pints, Black Tartan Clan, The Dropkick Murphys, Flatfoot 56”. In case I forgot to mention it later the Go Set is hitting the Colorado Irish Fest later this summer. We are hoping Alternative Ulster can join the fest in the near future as well!

Celtic music in general is often deeply emotional to those who create and listen. Let’s first consider the fact that there are Celtic bands throughout the world. The Celts have spanned across the globe and lucky for us brought their amazing music and traditions. The Celts have also been subjected to numerous invasions by marauders and rulers alike. A Celtic man is proud kilt wearing monster who will never back down from a fight. A man who holds his country and family above all others.  He also drinks a lot and his humor makes him a friend to all around him.

Alternative Ulster reminds me of a combination of Stiff Little Fingers meets the Real McKenzies and The Rumjacks. This album is amazing blend of Celtic punk with pipes. You can feel the pipes in your soul and it may even give you the chills a bit. From tracks like “Pog Mo Thoin”, “This We Shall Defend”, and “Haggis”, you’ll wanna grab your flag and run into battle, more than likely the modern day mosh pit. If you’re out for a night on the lash, toss on “Drunk As Fuck” or “Free Beer Tomorrow”!

Who else despises Christmas time? We love our families and the time we get with them, but hate the insanity the season ensues. The boys have given us a funny little tune called “Krampus” for that. Or maybe you’re at the pub wearing your kilt and some, “Self Appointed Kilt Inspector” decides she wants a look at your Celtic goods. You know the type the banshee thinks she can a get a look without asking. She better watch out the Celt woman behind the kilt will be her own demise.

Overall I really enjoyed this album it’s fun, and most of all it’s not generic. You can feel the deep meaning this album has to the band members. They also have a brand new song out just in time for St Patrick’s Day, https://alternativeulster1.bandcamp.com/track/on-st-paddys-day-i-spilt-upon-me-kilt . You can follow them here on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/bagpiperockandroll/ .  You can pick up the album here, https://alternativeulster1.bandcamp.com/ do it! Sláinte!

by on

I was recently turned onto Ferocious Dog by https://www.facebook.com/londonceltpunx/ and https://www.facebook.com/celtic.folkpunk/ . I owe these pages a massive amount of thanks for the introduction. I felt Ferocious Dogs deserve some US love.  As they hail from the UK it’s tough for punk bands to get across the pond. I decided a proper OI of The Red Album is a must! I’ll be reviewing the Google Play version. Sometimes not all online streamers have the same songs.​​

Black Gold – A song about England’s role in the African Slave Trade.  This is an amazing intro for the album. I was honestly a bit afraid the rest of the album may disappoint. However I was blessed as you read upon further. I love the mandolin and the fiddle. They blend in perfect sync. Have you ever thought about the lives lost, families destroyed and sheer terror brought on by slavery?

 

American Dream – Here’s the song that put Ferocious Dog on my radar. This song is definitely aimed at Donald Trump, his presidency, and the issues he should be held responsible for. The President like many before him prey upon the gullible. He is currently obliterating the American Dream or what’s left over. Our friends across the pond see him as a buffoon, as do we. “I don’t care what you say, I don’t wanna go home”.
Spin – Some great Celtic Folk Meets some awesome dark guitar riffs.  It speaks again of politicians manipulating the masses. As they spin our rebellion grows!

Black Leg Miner – This is an amazing cover of a 19th century English folk song.  I can’t help, but wonder how many lives were lost or unaccounted for in the coal mines of the world. This is great song for having a nice pint and a good think.
Together We Are Strong – A song about unity and fighting oppression. “It’s one rule for them and one rule for us”!

Together  We Are Strong – It’s in the title “It’s one rule for them and one rule for us”!

A & B – The sheer talent of this band is strong and obvious on this track. As this tune slows down in comparison to the rest, you realize the sadness. Yet it also made me feel uplifted at the same time. The use of the cello lends serious depth.
The Enemy Within – The backs of the worker have been broken for thousands of years, while the rich retain the fruits of labor. The kettle drum intros in with the fiddle, making for a brilliant marching song.
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The Enemy Within – Again the fiddle shines on this track!
A Place I Want To Be – “Your campaign is in full swing, I know you’re gonna get evil on my ass, Let the mudslinging begin, we’ve all got loyal friends, they follow Facebook trends”. It seems with every election as voters we go in hoping for the best only to be extremely let down. Now we have other countries meddling in our elections? Let’s face it the 2016 US election was nothing, but a shit show. Now the biggest orange turd was elected. Let’s make this world a “Place I want to be”. Sometimes rebellion begins in places like factories, offices, and webzines.​​

Johnny I hardly Knew Ya– My all time favorite cover version!

Class War – I love the mandolin intro, mixed with a Northern Soul/Ska sound. The song speaks volumes about the rising levels of income inequality. This is by far my favorite song on the record. “Class wars are raging on the streets of England”. Although this line could be changed too easily fit anywhere in the world. The oppressed are fighting to survive. We cannot cope with rising costs of living, low wages not keeping up!

Small Town Hero– I love this one as well. Probably my second favorite track! This is about all of us growing up, doing our best, to be the good people we can. We are all just small time heroes.
In conclusion this album is a MUST download. In fact download all of their music! I’ve been listening to all of their albums on repeat. When it comes to music I generally like to keep politics out of it. I get tired of Anti Flag and Bad Religion type bands fairly quickly.  Not that I don’t love them, sometime they just lack creativity and depth. This is where Ferocious Dogs changes the spectrum. I’m giving this album a solid 10 /10.

Be sure to give them a follow here, https://www.facebook.com/FerociousDog/ . You can pick up their music on all major retailers. Be sure to buy some merch, https://www.facebook.com/FerociousDog/