FLOGGING MOLLY - Drunken Lullabies

Throwback review!!! Release date March 19, 2002 (SideOneDummy)

Review originally published in Rip'N'Tear Magazine Issue #15 Summer 2002

Raise a frothy mug of your favourite ale to salute the return of one of the best jigging bands on the planet. Oh yes, lads and lassies, Flogging Molly have once again succeeded in producing a wildly energetic and fun jig/punk album that will leave many inebriated bodies in its wake. Thankfully, not much has changed compared to their debut opus (2000's Swagger); Celtic folk featuring fiddle, tin whistle, accordion and mandolin are played at high rates of speed along with an underlying rhythmic punch and guitar heft which brings to mind a punk version of The Pogues.

The guilt ridden lyrics which long for family and friends left home in Ireland are brought to life once again by the impressive vocals of the exiled Dave King (ex-Fastway), who never misses putting in a catchy sing along refrain. The bottom line is that anybody who enjoys well written songs, masterful muscianship and over-the-top energy should pick this up. It's hard to wipe the smile off my face thinking about all of those future visits Drunken Lullabies is going to make to my death deck in determining if this will grow into a perfect ten (like its predecessor).

(9)

After seventeen years and uncountable listens, I can confirm that Drunken Lullabies is indeed one of those rare 10-out-of-10 releases. In fact, it is not only Flogging Molly's best album, it's also one of the best punk albums of all time. Buy!!! (10)