Flogging Molly is just one of those bands that you must see live. Their music is infectious, roaring, energetic. It’s jovial, makes you want to drink and sing and dance. It’s modern Celtic punk that’s dirty and fearless. And their albums tell great stories (so in between hefty sips of whiskey and Guinness, be sure to really listen up). “Though these wounds have seen no wars, except for the scars I have ignored. And this endless crutch, well it’s never enough. It’s been the worst day since yesterday,” as sung on the track “The Worst Day Since Yesterday” from their first album Swagger from 2000.
But as insanely exciting as most of Flogging Molly’s songs are, they do include a few slower tracks throughout their discography–tracks that are nostalgic and celebratory–like “If I Ever Leave This World Alive” and “The Son Never Shines (On Closed Doors)” from Drunken Lullabies. It’s such songs that offer a cooling breath from the rest of their red-in-the-face, dizzying Irish songs that you just can’t be still when listening to.
Their studio albums continued until 2011 with the release of Speed of Darkness but the band has only just released a new single this year called “The Hand of John L. Sullivan” off their new upcoming album called Life is Good, which is to be released on Vanguard Records. It’s a song that you’d come to expect from this rowdy group, including lyrics that’ll make you raise your glass, make a toast, and drink to. So do what the songs says: “Let’s live the good life, until the last goodbye.”
Irving Plaza
5/23 + 5/24
7 p.m.
$35+
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