Flogging Molly – ‘Anthem’ (2022)
Rating: 9/10
Release: 9 September 2022
Label: Rise Records
Flogging Molly have always been one of my go to bands. They have been at the forefront of the Celtic/Punk music scene since their beginning and this new album is more of the same. The band has a way of infusing their music with personality and a style that is wholly their own.
Anthem seems to be a tribute to Celtic folk music and it has of course been infused with a punk attitude and great skill. I think it is one of the bands best albums and its right there with Drunken Lullabies and Within a Mile of Home for me. The album touches on Ireland’s history in songs like,A Song of Liberty and The Croppy boy 98, and (try)Keep the Man Down. All these songs are about the independent soul of the people and that spirit shines within the whole album as well. Opener , These times have got me Drinking hearkens back to Drunken Lullabies in tempo and swagger and that spirit is also present in No Last Goodbyes, Now is the Time and This Road of Mine. There really isn’t a bad song on this album and it is one long beautiful trip from first to last. Anthem closes with These are the days and the Parting Wave a great fitting end to a wonderful album. The Album was produced by Steve Albini, who also worked with the band on Drunken Lullabies and Swagger and I think it has allowed the group to bring back some of the attitude and beauty of those albums. For me one of the best albums of Flogging Molly’s career and it will be played on repeat for a good long time. Great music go out and get it!
Tracklist
- These Times Have Got Me Drinking / Tripping Up the Stairs 4:13
- A Song of Liberty 3:38
- Life Begins and Ends (But Never Fails) 3:17
- No Last Goodbyes 3:30
- The Croppy Boy ’98 3:10
- This Road of Mine 3:18
- (Try) Keep the Man Down 2:55
- Now Is the Time 4:00
- Lead the Way 3:45
- These Are the Days 4:19
- The Parting Wave 3:16