Finnegan’s Hell – ‘Life and Death’ (2018)
Rating: 9/10
Release: 23 February 2018
Label: Heptown Records
Finnegan’s Hell isn’t what I would call a cheery band , but they sure will get your feet tapping and your blood pumping. On “Life and Death” the band tackles weighty subjects like death, drinking and death all in great Celtic punk fashion. All the things that make Celtic punk so fun are on display here, great lyrics, loud guitars, folk instruments, and gang vocals. Over the course of twelve tracks the band displays a master’s degree in composing likable punk tales told with fire and fury by a more than professional band. The banjo and tin whistle feature in multiple tracks along with other folk instruments and honestly all the performances are better than great. The album grows on you with each listen and you will hear something new. Songs like “Shane MacGowan’s grave” and” Paradise Town “are boozy party songs tailor made to please. “Rude Awakening” and “Coal Mine” are both effective and very different. Both feature the banjo, interesting lyrics and great drums. The subject of death comes up in most songs but it is especially effective in tracks like “Dance Upon Your Grave”, and “Isn’t it Grand Boys?”. There’s a dark beauty in these songs and I can almost hear a bit of My Chemical Romance from The Black Parade particularly in” Isn’t it Grand Boys?”. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the lead vocalist. His voice is perfect. Smooth as good whiskey with a bit of rasp. The lyrics throughout are filled with clever twists and turns and the melodies will stick in your head and have you whistling a dark tune all day. “Life and Death” is a well-crafted and produced album and while it is a little dark it is a must have if you like Celtic punk music. Well done!
Tracklist
- Shane Macgowan’s Grave 3:55
- All In 2:25
- Cursed 3:09
- Rude Awakening 2:48
- The Bastard Son 3:02
- Paradise Town 2:59
- How Am I to Make It? 2:08
- Coal Mine 2:47
- Isn’t It Grand Boys? 3:44
- One-Horse Town 3:41
- Dance Upon Your Grave 2:32
- Whatcha Gonna Do? 3:50
- A Minute of Silence 1:00