Originally published in Verbicide issue #6

After their raucous Gaelic debut and a stint as favorite newcomer on the Warped Tour, a lot was expected of this band, and thankfully, this album doesn’t disappoint at all. In fact, it submits them as every Pogues’ fan’s next big thing. Dave King gives Shane a run for his whiskey with his powerful and, at times, chilling lyrics. The music end of Flogging Molly has grown in leaps and bounds since the last record. There’s more depth than ever before, and if possible, even more excitement. If ya ever come over to me gaff for a pint, this record will be playing.

(Side One Dummy Records, PO Box 2350, Los Angeles, CA 90078)