Review

Boys From The Hill: Boys From The Hill

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It’s not too often I’m ever at a loss of words, but every so often some random band comes along and commands my complete attention. Boys From The Hill are one of those bands. This Welsh trio have been playing various clubs, pubs, festivals, and whatnot for the past fifteen years and sure enough, I just now found out about them. Better late than never I suppose! Actually, they were recently recommended to me by Alistair Hulett, and in some circles, that carries some serious weight. Boys From The Hill play their own acoustic brand of Welsh urban folk that leans pretty heavy on the political, maritime, industrial, and historical issues that surround the culture of South Wales and beyond.

Just about every song on this album carries the raw energy of acoustic punk to that grand ole table of celtic folk we all love so much. The power of the 11 tracks on this album are undeniable. Pure, honest, and real. A must have album for any Shite’n’Onions reader/listener. Some of these songs are originals, and some are not, but then again, they are all songs worthy of a good listen. This self titled album is actually a few years old, but the years don’t really matter when the topics are as timeless as the ones mentioned here.

These are powerful songs that speak of everything from forced labor camps in depression era Britian, to immigrants in Western Australia that were forced to work in the death plauged asbestos mines due to two-year government bonds, to tales of exploitation in the valleys and towns of South Wales. Other songs reflect the strong maritime history of the area, including Track 5. “SS Agnes Jack” a mournful song telling us the tale of the steamship Agnes Jack which ran aground and all it’s passengers that drowned within sight of villagers who could only watch in horror as they tried to help. Other tracks include a latin flavored tune about the Sandinistas of Nicaragua on Track 6 cleverly titled “Guitarra Armada”. There’s a medley (Track 3) that contain a song written by Alistair Hulett, (Blue Murder) that turns into a foot stomping original, (Ffwrnanji) that eventually becomes a song not Welsh in origin, but in fact, Macedonian (Zletovsko). 

Here is the tracklisting:
1. Brechfa Jail/The Ballad Of Ben Russ (Russ/Original)
2. Theme Park (Original)
3. Blue Murder/Ffwrnanji/Zletovsko (A. Hulett/Original/Traditional)
4. Bells Of Rhymney (Words:Idris Davies-music:Pete Seeger) 
5. SS Agnes Jack (Tomi Jenkins)
6. Guittar Armada (Gary Phillips)
7. Lifeboat Mona (Peggy Seeger)
8. Waltzes For Nolwenn/Polka Dim Enw/South Glower Breakdown (Original)
9. Ffarwel Fo I Langyfelach Ion (Words:Siam Twrfyl)
10. Miner This, Miner That (Jock Purdon)
11. Dark Eyed Sailor (Traditional)

The band continue to write new material and develop their sound and they will be releasing an EP available for Download from their site (www.boysfromthehill.com ) around November, and their second album early in the New Year. Keep your eyes & ears open for these upcoming releases. 

August 2005

Review By: Barnacle Brian Gillespie

Review

Flatfoot 56: Knuckles Up

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You may have heard of these guys already. If not, now is a great time to tune in. I swear I wasn’t going to do this, but I can’t help it! If you miss that early Dropkick Murphys sound, then “Knuckles Up” will probably make your day! That’s right, some top-notch sing-a-longs, a whole lotta street-punk, a little bagpipe, some mandolin…You get the picture. Let me also mention, Flatfoot Fifty-Six sound amazingly tight. It probably helps when 3 out of 4 of the band members are brothers.

Flatfoot 56 call the thriving metropolis of Chicago home, and are currently enjoying, and contributing to some of the great music currently coming out of the Big Windy right now. I must apologise, I’ve been holding on to this album for 8 or 9 months. (Misplaced during a move.) I’m sure they sound even better with almost another year under their belts. If you haven’t heard these guys yet, they have MP3’s up on their website: http://www.flatfoot56.com (And have songs up on the very addictive Myspace.com)

Here’s what I got from the website: Flatfoot 56 was formed during the summer of 2000 on the southwest side of Chicago as a three piece punk band.The brothers, (Tobin Justin and Kyle) started writing songs and putting a line up together in the fall of 2000 and by Christmas time of the same year they were playing their first show. In January of 2001 the band added the one man powerhouse of Josh Robieson to the line up and the band started working on including the bagpipes and a second guitar into its sound. With the addition of a new member, Flatfoot began to perfect their live show and build their fan base. In 2001 they recorded their first demo and the band got busy. In the summer of 2002 the band hit the studio once again to record their first full length album titled The Rumble of 56. This recording was done in Rockford IL. In a studio called the Noise Chamber. After the release of the rumble of 56, Flatfoot 56 was ready for the recording of their second album called Waves of War (2003). This second album saw great advances in the bands popularity. Flatfoot’s song That’s Ok saw some heavy radio play throughout radio stations across the mid-west. The band began headlining shows and even got a chance to play with some major acts in front of large crowds. Things seemed to pick up and the following year Flatfoot found themselves playing on a stage at cornerstone in front of an audience of over 700. It was at this show that the band released their latest album titled Knuckles up. This album has since been the bands best selling record and has shown no signs of letting up.

There’s a few rumors out there regarding them as a “Christian” punk band. Let me be the first one to say… “WHO THE FUCK CARES!” Sure there’s a lyric or two that mentions that topic, but is it going to stop you from enjoying the album? I should hope not. Any band that has influences that range from: The Pogues, The Real Mckenzies, The Street Dogs, The Proclaimers, The Business, Johnny Cash, Blitz, The Clash, Cock Sparrer are more than welcomed in my record player. I’m sure you’ll agree. 

August 2005

Review By: Barnacle Brian Gillespie 

http://www.flatfoot56.com/
Review

The Kissers: Good Fight

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I would wager that The Kissers have played every pub, club and toilet in the US at least twice in the last twelve months, or so it seems from their touring schedule. The hard work though has really paid off on their latest CD; “Good Fight”. “Good Fight” is easily the bands best release and that’s not a knock to their last release “Fire in the Belly” which is a fine CD in its own right. But on “Good Fight” the band really have their shit together – great playing, super tight and ultimately great songs.  The Kissers started off as a Pogues cover band and yeah the Pogues influence is still strong but now they are also swigging from the same whiskey bottle as Johnny Cash (and maybe Jeff Damiler –  I guess that’s a Wisconsin thing but these guys can be dark, very dark.) It’s hard to pick highlights cos’ their all highlights but if someone put a gun to my head it would be; the rockin’ opener “What they can”, the redneck version of “Mursheen Durkin”, the gospel rocker, “Kicked in the head” and an anti-war song that would get GWB moshing.

August 2005

http://www.thekissers.com
Review

In Arcadia: If it bleeds, can we kill it?

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‘If it bleeds, we can kill it’ is the first full-length CD by Detroit based In Arcadia. Nine tracks of brutally powerful, yet melodic hardcore – screaming vocal, trashy metallic riffs with just a touch of alternative/ indie music – clocking it at just over half-an-hour. Not really my cupp’a, but if Hardcore is your thing then go for it.

August 2005

Review

Ceann: Almost Irish

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Somewhere high in the Himalayas sits a a might mountain peak capped in empty Guinness cans and bottles of Paddy and on top (stay with me I was just watching Batman Begins) sits the great sage, CEANN. Despensing wisdom through song to all those who seek it.

Seeker: Oh might CEANN what will happen if I drink green beer?

CEANN: Green beer makes your weiner shrink and your poop turn green.

Seeker: Is Bud a great beer?

CEANN: That shit ain’t no good. Pabst Blue Ribbon is the beer.

Seeker: What can I do to get a girl?

CEANN: Tighter pants and stronger beer.

Seeker: Why do Americans play Irish Music? What do you think of Colin Farrell? What will my butt tattoo like when I’m 80?

And so on……..funny shit

I could go on but the bands lawyer treatened to sue me if I published anymore of their material.

Oh, and the music? Strong contempary Irish-American folk. Black 47’s/Seanchai’s Chris Byrne guests of Uilleann pipes. 

August 2005

Review

Siobhan: Welfare State

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Welfare State just scraped into the Shite’n’Onions 2004 top 10 CD’s of the year at number 10, and that was only after 2 listens at that point. If I had a chance to give it a real blast it would have been higher, much higher and since I set the rules and compile the list, I think I’m going to include it in 2005 list as well. Siobhan have come a long way since recording McGravy’s Iron Liver” in a basement with a single microphone and a Casio keyboard, and while that was good and their first full length, “The Patron Saints of Debauchery” was better, “Welfare State” is fantastic. Occupying a musical middle ground between The Pogues and Flogging Molly – high energy whiskey and vodka inspired Celt-Punk with a few familiar melodies. Not a bad track insight but particular standouts include; “Jakeys gone to Germany”(about touring with Neck), the re-recorded very maniac “Celtbot” and “Straight from hell”. Very highly recomended

February 2005

Review

Piirpauke: Piirpauke

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Long before such eclectic artists like Boiled in Lead and Reptile Palace Orchestra tantalized discerning listeners with their unique brand of rock-driven ethno-fusion, and even before Brave Combo was recognized as leading purveyors of offbeat world music, there existed a little known band from Finland. Piirpauke was formed in the early seventies and continues to this day. They specialize in combining folk melodies from throughout Europe and the Mid East with Latin rhythms, a rock beat and a free-jazz mindset. The jazz element does dominate some of the earlier recordings as leader Sakari Kukko hails from a jazz background, however, as this band progressed so did their musical influences and performance style. If that’s problematic for you but this description intrigues you, try their mid eighties period as a starting point. Albums like THE WILD EAST and particularly ALGAZARA are loaded with diverse sounds like the Romanian “Turceasca,” the beautiful Finnish traditional piece “Kantele” and their rendition of Wolfgang Mozart’s “Rondo a la Turca.” Indeed, Piirpauke creates compelling music for discriminating tastes.

February 2005

Dave Sleger

Review

Ronan O’Snodaigh: Tonnta Ro’

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The second solo offering from Kila lead singer Ronan O’Snodaigh differs vastly from his 2001 debut TIP TOE. That album was resplendent in its swirling and rich melodies. While rhythm is always key to O’Snodaigh’s music, it wasn’t the driving force of TIP TOE. This album, however, is a rhythmic affair with virtually no lasting melodies to speak of. O’Snodaigh’s passionate yet monotonous vocals coupled with his percussive accompaniment create an omnipresent and droning rhythm that is inspirational and tiresome all at once. The fact that this album was sung entirely in Irish Gaelic (TIP TOE was sung in English) adds to the mystery and complexity of this recording. This is clearly an acquired taste that could either leave the listener begging for more or refusing to finish the serving on his plate.

February 2005

Dave Sleger

Review

Lecker Sachen: Universum d’Amour

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The third release by this German outfit reveals some of the most innovative advances in modern Celtic music. Combining the pop and hip-hop foundation of their first album and the sophisticated acoustic arrangements of RAUS, their second effort, UNIVERSUM is the logical next step for front man Markus Brachtendorf. Sung exclusively in German, Lecker Sachen rivals the sampling and techno efforts of such groundreaking Celtic artists as Tartan Amoebas, Paul Mounsey, Shooglenifty and Slainte Mhath. And as is the case with those bands, Lecker Sachen shines when they allow the folk instruments like banjo, fiddle and wood flute to be heard above the programming. The non-German speaking among us may gravitate toward instrumentals like “Schnelle Melodie” and “Fabrik Melancholique,” two outstanding selections driven impeccably by their inherent folk melodies but accentuated creatively by peculiar rhythms and effects and boldly supplemented by the neo-classicist Gangsta String Trio. An exceptionally artistic effort, this album provides mood music for both the background and foreground in an unconventional yet appealing manner.

February 2005

Dave Sleger

Review

Los Langeros: Very Interesting

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Now for something from way out in left field. Los Langeros are from Cork, Ireland and they play quite possibly the most intense country music ever put to disk – it’s punk, trash and Hank feckin Williams. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah… very interesting CD. Curious, go to http://www.unsignedireland.com/artists/loslangeros.htm and listen to some mp3’s.

February 2005

Potato-eating, Whiskey-drinking, Bog-trotting, CELTIC PUNK ROCK