The Rumjacks – ‘Hestia’ (2021)
Rating: 9/10
Release: 12 March 2021
Label: ABC Records
The Rumjacks have been a favorite band of mine for a long time. I will confess that when they parted ways with Frankie McLaughlin I was nervous but the addition of Mike Rivkees has been a win for the band. The songwriting is snappy and lyrical and Hestia sounds wonderful. The one two punch of opener Naysayers and Bullhead sound full of Punk rage and goodness. Hestia is a great song with great lyrics.The storytelling really ramps up with, Through these Iron sites, and Sainted Millions. In fact the storytelling runs deep through the entire album which makes it worthy of many repeats and is the mark of a classic. The album is full of sick rhythms and nods to rock, metal ,country ,punk and ska but still maintains its Celtic backbone. Its difficult to pick favorites on an album so full of highlights but pressed for a list I would say the best songs for me are Hestia, Tell me what happened,Rhythm of her name,and the bagpipe enhanced Light in my Shadow. The band is tight and the mixing sounds fantastic. All the instruments shine and each has its place. Overall this is a great beginning to a new chapter for the Rumjacks. I hope that this is a much better year for live music since many of these artists really rely on touring and merchandise to support themselves and also we really want to hear them live again. On the other hand many of my favorite bands have recorded really wonderful albums during the pandemic probably because of the time and rest they have all gotten. So the wait is over for this new chapter named Hestia and its a great album so get it while its hot and support the band live. Slainte!
Tracklist
- Naysayers 3:22
- Bullhead 2:40
- Hestia 3:35
- Through these Iron Sights 4:10
- Sainted Millions 3:36
- Tell me what Happened 3:56
- Rhythm of her Name 4:06
- Golden Death 2:16
- Lizzie Borden 2:32
- Light in my Shadow 3:19
- Wonderust 3:13
- Athens to the North 3:20
- Motion 3:36
- Goodnight, Make Mends