11

Irish Folk Punk

I have a guilty secret to share with you. It isn't something that I'm proud of, and it isn't something I speak of often, but I'll confess now as it is something I'm sure the rest of you are guilty of too – sometimes, I like to pretend I'm a little more Irish than I really am.

Okay, so I can be more convincing than most; I know the difference between Unionists and Nationalists and my surname has obvious Celtic origins, but alas, I have as much Irish blood in me as Madonna has English. My shameful charade, bringing with it a false love of potatoes and Guinness often manifests itself in an enthusiasm for Irish-folk music, especially Irish-folk music that has been laced with punk rock. When I received my review copy of 'Agony,' the latest offering from Irish-folk/punk veterans the Tossers, the mohawked leprechaun inside was gagging to be appeased with more of the same energetic Irish music the band have been producing for fifteen years.

The album begins ominously with the sound of a murmuring mandolin backed by a solid drum beat, moments later lead singer Tony Duggins' slurred yet haunting vocals begin to spin a tale of a drunken get-together before a crescendo heralds both the start of the chorus, and the album itself. Packed with passion and brimming with energy 'Agony' manages to keep your attention a lot longer than an album boasting seventeen tracks normally would. Lyrically, and as one might expect of a band stooped in Irish culture, 'Agony' contains the unsurprising repetition of the themes of alcohol and alcoholism, but also branches out into romance, history and politics on occasion. Whilst lyrical diversity is welcome on any album, it is not the be-all or end-all of a record's quality and to be honest, it's hard to notice when your mind is being dragged toward the catchy melodies and obvious musicianship.

Particularly notable tracks include 'Siobhan,' the story of a pretty girl out on the lash, 'Political Scum' a scathing attack on the war in Iraq, 'I Did It All For You' a lively number that begs the listener to get up on the table for a little jig and 'The Sheep In The Boots' an entirely instrumental piece that reminds one of a drunken Riverdance.

The Tossers have had a long time to develop their sound, and unlike many bands that reach the same stage in their careers, the Tossers have chosen to stick to what they know and not innovate. This is not to suggest 'Agony' is boring – far from it – as the old idiom states; "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," and 'Agony' certainly isn't broke. This album serves as both a welcome addition to the Irish-folk/punk scene and as a great introduction to it for those with little experience of the genre. If you like punk rock, and you're looking for something different then give 'Agony' a go.

An album for St. Patrick's Day Pretenders and the real McCoy the world over.