Reitz Journalism

Take a listen to the sound of today’s punk rock bands. Some may say that punk is dead or others may say that punk rock is alive and kickin’. In my honest opinion, I can’t say that I agree nor disagree that it has fallen or risen, but just that is has escaped something true. On one recent account I heard this statement from a friend, “Punk is leaving us, man. I remember how true it was and how true the fans used to be. It ain’t nothing like it was.”

By sheer talent and a pinch of chance, though, there may still be hope for those non-believers out there. A band by the name of Flogging Molly released a new album on March 4th, 2008. “Float” the title of the new album is a re-visitation to the punk world and lets old and new fans get another dose of punk. No, they may not be The Casualties, Bouncing Souls, The Dead Kennedys or even The Ramones, but just like every other punk rock band, they strive to keep true to themselves and guarantee their own style. Funny thing is, they’re most definitely not the average punk band. Most notably classified as Irish/American punk rock, Flogging Molly stays with their roots and shows the punk world a different side.

As I said earlier, “Float” is a re-visitation to the punk world. I, myself, was excited when I learned of the new album because as much as I enjoy my classic rock, alternative rock, and ska punk, it’s most refreshing to hear something new from a good band. Although not all of the bands’ lyrics are solely based on going against the system or “beating on the brat,” they’re style of music is most definitely punk. What? Fiddles and mandolins can’t be in punk music? Try telling Flogging Molly that.

Adding to their Irish punk style, mandolins, fiddles, accordions, and bodhrans (Irish drum) are in full force on the album. I know that some of you may not know what some of those instruments are, but trust me when I say this, all of those instruments add to their style. I mean, it’s puck rock music and there’s bound to be difference. So, why not get creative and add in some culture? “Float” is most definitely a culture based CD, not just because of the sound, but because this was they’re first album recorded in Ireland.

This first song on the album, Requiem for a Dying Song and the second song, (No More) Paddy’s Lament, were the songs that instantly caught my attention. Why did it catch my attention? Because instead of shredding guitars, they shred fiddles and bang on a bodhran instead of a full 360 drum kit. Now I know how that sounds to the metal lovers: not very interesting because it’s not constant breakdowns in every song or anything in drop d (guitar tuning), but this is the one time where I ask you to believe me that this CD is worth your time.

Don’t think that this band is always punk, though. Every band is entitled to their songs that are mellow or that show raw emotion. In Flogging Molly’s case, the last song on the CD is one of those songs. “The Story So Far” has lyrics that make the wheels turn in your head. A line from the song is, “Love craves self destruction.” Holy crap, no matter who you are, there’s no denying that that’s a deep statement. And in my opinion, that’s what lyrics should be. Songs like that are people’s emotions, feelings, and hardships in life; it’s their life in general. That’s what everybody needs to understand about music, no matter the sound or who sings it, that’s their own lyrics and thoughts; they should be respected.

In the culture of rock and roll music, without a doubt, the bands are respected among many people. And in the world of punk music, The Ramones will always be respected for being creative and always thinking different. Then as the years go by and Flogging Molly becomes a fragment of our mind, they, too will be respected for following in The Ramones footsteps of originality and truth. “Float” is a huge step up in the rock world, and I, along with many others will always lookout for albums to come in the future and the next to reunite our selves with good music that’s new and refreshing. All in all, if I could give out stars to this CD, I’d give it a four out of five. It’s punk, it’s emotion, it’s music, it’s life. So, go “wahk falleh doh!” Or in other words, go “dance with your partner” and give Flogging Molly a shot or two with their new CD “Float”