T’was a Friday night in Tampa, Florida
And all through the town
Not a peep was muttered
Not even a sound
Four friends were visiting the city
To see the “Flogging Molly” band.
The show began at eight, with a load of backing groups
And to our satisfaction, they all could freakin’ jam!
But really though, my friends and I go to see Flogging Molly in Tampa after a sweaty day at Busch Gardens. The town seemed dead, that is until we reached the venue. I’ve never seen so many people crowded into such a tiny nightclub. Nor have I seen so many 400lb shirtless men in kilts. The fact that I’d have to wait a fu
cking hour to get in the place was horrible enough because there were three other bands that we’d have to sit through. The first one was terrible, calling themselves Palm Beach HXC. Then was a little band called “The Dead Pets” (which I will be reviewing later). But up next is this group called “The Briggs”. Let me tell you, I have never had such a general first impression of a band live. They were freaking amazing. The crowd was going berserk as was I, and the music just never seemed to end. It was true bliss. To wrap the story up, yes, Flogging Molly was the secks. But I came out of that place a bigger Briggs fan than a Flogging Molly fan when it was all said and done.
Of course the first thing I do when I get home is download the entire band’s discography. First I got “Numbers”, and I cannot describe the sheer perfection spewing from that album. After that I explored a little deeper into the band’s library. I came across this EP called “Leaving The Ways” and it was great. Every song was a total explosion of energy and melody. Through the phlegmy vocals, it had true rhythm that very few punk bands can accomplish today. They also carry a message so clean that it could make an entire monastery chant. With lyrics along the lines of “They say that I'm not worth my weight in gold / I'm just another kid who's gonna do exactly what he's told / This is a song for us”! The band at times can be very uplifting, and I’m sure that some of these songs are going to be classic among the listeners of punk music. The majority of songs here are all sing-alongs too so be prepared to raise your fist as you sit in your computer chair listening it this.
The instruments are all well played here and almost every song has a nice solo played sometime in the middle. The drums only prefect the rhythm and compliment the excellent bass. Wow, I’m getting excited just talking about all this. I hope I don’t sound like a fanboy either because this album is one to experience. The band also has the kind of “pirate theme” going. This is obvious in the song “Dungeon Walls”. The lyrics are all about escape and it all comes so clear to where you can almost smell the ocean breeze. Then there’s those songs like “One Shot Down” which are incredibly catchy. The chorus just makes you want to get up and dance. The awesome solo in the bridge is also ace.
But there are some downsides here. Songs like “All On Me” have really gritty recording quality, not to mention that it’s a pretty weak track. It’s almost as if that track was recorded in someone’s basement. Plus, the fact that this only had six tracks kills me. I’m left foaming at the mouth for more, and there hasn’t been any news on a new release yet to come. I can only pray that this band is not forgotten about.
All in all this a fantastic EP brought to you by The Briggs. I feel that any fan of punk music whatsoever should experience this awesome album. I haven’t put this down for a while and I don’t expect to… for a while. My favorite two tracks were “One Shot Down” and “Dungeon Walls”. Those two really define the album. The sound quality of the album is also pretty good, except for one track that must have just came out badly. I can only anticipate what they will do next. I also plan on going to another one of their live shows. I’m happy to say that I cannot wait till they release their next album.
I finally have reason to believe that pirates own ninjas.
