Flogging Molly: Speed Of Darkness

Flogging Molly
Speed Of Darkness
Borstal Beat Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Flogging Molly offer a variety of styles on Speed Of Darkness.

Album Review:
I have been a fan of Flogging Molly's Celtic punk rock since the beginning and especially was sold after seeing them turn a skeptical Warp tour crowd into instant ravenous fans. At that point, I knew they were the real deal. With that said, I tried hard to really like their new long player Speed Of Darkness but just had a tough time getting by the overproduced sound on a multitude of tracks. This record is the first for their own label Borstal Beat Records and also finds the band recording in Detroit where frontman Dave King owns a house. You would think this new environment away from LA might actually give Speed Of Darkness a bit more blue collar grit but in more places than not, the record suffers from being too studio slick and waters down Flogging Molly's typical bite. Lyrically it is on par for the band, as it focuses on the economic hard times and its effects on the working man. First single "Don't Shut 'Em Down" is a prime example of the newer direction as it bounces along with big guitars, a big chorus and plenty of sing-a-long moments but is too sweet and by the rock numbers to be memorable, as it even relies on vocal effects. There are several other tracks that use this same formula and do not have much impact but the more traditional songs on Speed Of Darkness save their fifth studio record from being a total loss. "So Sail On" is a peaceful tune that floats along and lets you raise a glass in salute, while "The Present State Of Grace" features plenty of violin and honest uptempo singing that is complete with several hand clapping moments. The title track shoots the record out of the gate and will play great live and closing track "Rise Up" is the perfect anthem that only Flogging Molly could sing. Flogging Molly continue to grow their fan base and for better or worse, Speed Of Darkness may tap into a new audience because the studio direction may be more radio friendly but I would have liked to seen the band take a few more risks and retain more of the blue collar grit that has always made their music complete.

Key Tracks: "So Sail On", "The Present State Of Grace", "Rise Up"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Pogues
Green Day
Great Big Sea

Flogging Molly: Live At The Greek Theatre [Fire Note Review 3/10/10]
Flogging Molly: Float [Fire Note Review 3/3/08]
Flogging Molly: Whiskey On Sunday [Fire Note Review 8/9/06]

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-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony