So often the hype does not justify the means. But let me tell ya, FLOGGING MOLLY is the best exception I can think of in more than a few years. In March, there was a crazy buzz going on about this band, and their playing of a show in the DC area. I didn’t get to the show, but on the message boards the next day, people everywhere were talking about how awesome this band was live. After hearing “Swagger,” FLOGGING MOLLY’s debut album, I kick myself everyday for not going to that show. Bands have been mixing Celtric tradition and punk rock for quite some time now, and a few have become quite well known, like the DROPKICK MURPHY’s, but never, never, never have I heard anything quite like FLOGGING MOLLY. Take 100% pure california skate rock, and then add in all sorts of Irish instruments, and a singer who is one pint away from being permenantly tipsy. You got the accordian, the mandolin, the flute, and then the raging guitars, thundering drums, and an incredible vocal range. This is a band beyond labeling. Do you know how refreshing it is to say that??? There are thirteen tracks of all sorts of styles, ranging from the thrash, to the soft spoken ballard, and all in between. The lyrics are passionate and detailed, and each song tends to tell a story. Of course that story revolves around drinking, but its a story nonetheless. The song that really highlights this disc for me is track 8, “Black Friday Rule,” a seven minute anthem with more timing changes than a clock store on daylight savings. Steve Albini was responsible making this band sound so professional, and with all the wacky instruments thrown in, he should get major credit for pulling this all together. FLOGGING MOLLY is worth the hype, and I can tell just from listening to the CD. I gotta see them live, and soon. You’d be a fool not to check this out, no matter where your musical tastes, because this is worthy of diversifying.

Side One Dummy

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