Day two of my Bluesfest adventures had a distinct folk-punk feel right from the get-go.
Wandering into the festival grounds on another humid evening, I managed to make out the sounds of English singer-songwriter Frank Turner belting out his recent radio hit “Recovery.” It sounded great from a distance, and I can only imagine what his entire set was like.
The main reason I was drawn to the festival’s Friday night lineup was the appearance of Flogging Molly, a well-known Celtic punk outfit based in Los Angeles, California.
In the same vein as other Celt-punk hybrids such as Dropkick Murphys or Canada’s own The Real McKenzies, Flogging Molly have always been a group in the genre that puts a heavier emphasis on traditional Celtic music style, with band members playing instruments such as the tin whistle, mandolin, and bodhrán.
Having seen Dropkick Murphys at Bluesfest only two years earlier, I was hoping for the same type of high-energy, fast-paced show that the crowd would enjoy.
I was quite right, as those in attendance fed off the band’s explosive music and vivacious stage presence, clapping along, moshing, and raising their fists in triumph at the end of each tune.
Frontman Dave King was quick to acknowledge the crowd’s favourable reaction.
“We haven’t played live since St. Patrick’s Day way back on March 17,” the Dublin, Ireland native said.
“But let me tell you, you’re absolutely kicking that day right now.”
Flogging Molly absolutely roared through some band standards such as “Drunken Lullabies,” “Tobacco Island,” and “Requiem for a Dying Song,” complete with banjo solos, bluesy electric guitars, and lightning-fast violin work.
Some slower numbers included favourites “Whistles the Wind” and “Float.”
The only breaks the band took were in between songs, so that band members could continue to polish off can after can of Guinness stout. In traditional Irish fashion, they were drinking it as if it was water. King was sure to give the crowd a hearty ‘cheers’ every chance he got.
As powerful as they are on a studio recording, Flogging Molly showed the Friday evening Bluesfest crowd just how much stronger they are in a live setting. Entertaining and delighting the crowd the entire way through their set, they are definitely not a live act to be missed.
It was a relatively short night at the festival for me, since Zac Brown Band isn’t really my thing, but I can’t wait to get back at it tomorrow.
