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Pub punks’ latest ideal for March

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Also by Christine Bohn:

New patisserie sweetens the scene on Cap Square (February 14, 2008)
Electro-pop group lost in 'Dark' (February 8, 2008)

by Christine Bohn

Friday, March 7, 2008

For those who fancy a beer while belting out merry tunes, Flogging Molly’s latest album, Float, creates just the right upbeat sounds for such activity. With a perfect mix of Irish twang and folk-rock, this seven-piece, Irish-American band makes everyone envy the Irish.

For Float the band traveled to Ireland — the native country of lead vocalist Dave King —for the first time to work in the studio. After listening to the resulting album, it is obvious that they were able to find the inspiration they were looking for — outside of their previous influences, Johnny Cash and The Pogues.

Although the songs all have the same “make you want to do the Jump Around” beat to them, the lyrics are inspiring, making it is easy to overlook this downfall. The overarching theme of the record is single-handedly summed up by the title. Flogging Molly is saying that everyone is going through life “just doing the best [they] can,” and that is all anyone can ask for. For such a happy-go-lucky message, the band managed to throw in a little something for those who like music for more than just the melody.

Specifically, the songs “Requiem for a Dying Song,” “(No More) Paddy’s Lament” and “Man With No Country” all portray the idea that no one can change history, so you may as well keep on living. In addition to touching lyrics, the melodies are catchy and cheery, making any Irishman proud to sing along.

The guys decided to lighten up the instrumentals a tad for “Float,” “Punch Drunk Grinning Soul” and “The Story So Far.” While speaking of hope and inspiration in these pieces, Flogging Molly manages to change the tempo of their album by easing up on the fiddle and drums and putting a greater emphasis on vocals.

Likewise, the tracks “You Won’t Make a Fool Out of Me,” “Between a Man and a Woman” and “From the Back of a Broken Dream” all continue the festive Irish tone of the album but speak more about relationships, whether it be with oneself, a significant other or the general public. The songs are unique in that their choruses make for a great drunken chant. Imagine everyone’s favorite bar — The Plaza, of course — full of inebriated kinfolk slurring together the words “But you won’t/ No, no, no you won’t/ You won’t make a fool out of me.” Comically fitting, no?

Spicing up the monotonous yet appealing beat of the CD, songs “The Lightning Storm” and “Us of Lesser Gods” grab listeners’ attention right from the get-go with their distinct introductions. The first of the two starts with a fast-paced fiddle and guitar jam while the second begins with a surprisingly captivating monologue. But don’t worry; they soon pick up the album’s upbeat tempo.

Since everyone is Irish in March, it is appropriate that the album’s big release was on March 4. So, grab a Guinness and Float, and you too will be rocking like the Irish this month (and for the next 11).

3 1/2 stars out 5

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Anonymous (March 9, 2008 @ 4:50pm):

Terrific review! You're my favorite critic.

Anonymous (March 23, 2008 @ 8:10pm):

Beautiful writing. From your fans in Erie, PA.

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