Flogging Molly - "Float"
Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: The Edge
Flogging Molly has attracted its fans and made its name by combining a folk-style, Celtic sound with fast-paced, overpowering drumbeats. This serves to fuse soothing melodies with memorable lyrics to a guiding percussion energy indicative of any mosh pit. The group's latest album, "Float," is no different, bringing more of the same cohesion between the two with a greater sense of musical maturity.
The band's unique sound seems to create an atmosphere in itself. Every album released by this group seems to paint that mental picture of a traditional local pub down the street. The songs sound like something one would hear sung in that old, dimly lit wooden bar in a friendly community where people tend to come together just to have a good time. This is probably what attracts many music listeners to Flogging Molly. The band can create a sense of belonging among people, whether singing together at a small gathering or moshing to the edgy beats.
This latest addition to the band's roster plays off of that strength. It brings 11 more tracks of the same atmosphere. While this may come off like a bad thing, in the case of "Float," it isn't. This style and format works very well for Flogging Molly, and there is some maturity evident in these new songs compared to the old ones. There seems to be a greater flow in them, and there is less of a reliance on that fast-paced drumming.
The melodies really come out on their own, and in the case of the track "Float," the song after which the album is named, there is simply a beautiful, gradual buildup that is nothing less than stellar. That particular track starts off in a slow lament, and it chugs and churns its way up to this grown-up alteration of that classic Flogging Molly sound fans know so well. In short, the band has just progressed in its musical solidarity.
On the negative side, the only issue with this album is that it is too short. There are only 11 tracks and the CD plays through pretty quickly, especially when most of the songs are enjoyable to listen to. It's a shame because the band really pulls through with this compilation.
One other note that might turn people away is the first song's political overtones. They are blatantly lashing out against the current state of affairs in the United States and are not cryptic to the slightest degree. Just skimming through a couple of lines alone could potentially spark frustration or anger if a listener is offended or just not open to the heartfelt opinions of lead singer Dave King.
Otherwise, this is a fantastic album. Followers of this band will certainly relish this composition, and newcomers would probably do well to take a few minutes to play through a few songs.
- Scott Waldyn
edge staff
The band's unique sound seems to create an atmosphere in itself. Every album released by this group seems to paint that mental picture of a traditional local pub down the street. The songs sound like something one would hear sung in that old, dimly lit wooden bar in a friendly community where people tend to come together just to have a good time. This is probably what attracts many music listeners to Flogging Molly. The band can create a sense of belonging among people, whether singing together at a small gathering or moshing to the edgy beats.
This latest addition to the band's roster plays off of that strength. It brings 11 more tracks of the same atmosphere. While this may come off like a bad thing, in the case of "Float," it isn't. This style and format works very well for Flogging Molly, and there is some maturity evident in these new songs compared to the old ones. There seems to be a greater flow in them, and there is less of a reliance on that fast-paced drumming.
The melodies really come out on their own, and in the case of the track "Float," the song after which the album is named, there is simply a beautiful, gradual buildup that is nothing less than stellar. That particular track starts off in a slow lament, and it chugs and churns its way up to this grown-up alteration of that classic Flogging Molly sound fans know so well. In short, the band has just progressed in its musical solidarity.
On the negative side, the only issue with this album is that it is too short. There are only 11 tracks and the CD plays through pretty quickly, especially when most of the songs are enjoyable to listen to. It's a shame because the band really pulls through with this compilation.
One other note that might turn people away is the first song's political overtones. They are blatantly lashing out against the current state of affairs in the United States and are not cryptic to the slightest degree. Just skimming through a couple of lines alone could potentially spark frustration or anger if a listener is offended or just not open to the heartfelt opinions of lead singer Dave King.
Otherwise, this is a fantastic album. Followers of this band will certainly relish this composition, and newcomers would probably do well to take a few minutes to play through a few songs.
- Scott Waldyn
edge staff
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